What’s on my bookshelf
I’ve pulled together several book recommendations that highlight some of the latest thinking and ideas on anything about coaching and people at work.
Time to Think – Nancy Kline
This is an all-time favourite and I love the premise. People and teams are paid for the quality of their thinking and subsequent action. What Nancy discovered is that the quality of the attention we give each other has a huge effect on the quality of thinking. If you listen well as a leader and give people your full undivided attention they will perform better!!
The new Leaders – transforming the art of leadership into the science of results. Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatsis and Annie McKee.
In my view one of the best books on leadership. It helps leaders understand how their approach and style and emotional connection convert into tangible business results.
Fierce Conversations – Susan Scott
When you think of it most of organisational life and particularly leadership is about a series of conversations. We all know that conversations can either be great or ….. frankly awful. This book gives you the tools to transform those conversations central to your success and to fiercely, honestly, and carefully cut through the noise and clutter.
Overcoming the five dysfunctions of a team - Patrick Lencioni
THE go to book for helping set teams up for success. In practical steps it talks you through why building a solid foundation of trust within your team will help you have the sometimes difficult conversations you need to as a team to deliver the best results.
Immunity to Change – Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
For anybody wanting to know what stops organisations and individuals making the changes they want or need to this makes essential reading. As an Immunity to Change Coach, this book is central to the work I do with clients in this area.
Your first 100 days - Niamh O’Keefe
There are heaps of books to help leaders shift into new roles quickly and for me, this is the best. Simple, succinct, and with practical steps it's guaranteed to support any leader wanting to hit the ground running.
Dare to lead – Brene brown
So so easy to read and completely engrossing. This brilliant book helps leaders understand that they don’t need to have all the answers to lead well but they do need the courage to lean into the associated vulnerability that comes with leadership and not knowing.
Why should anybody be led by you - Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones
In my view, all leaders should be able to answer this simple question and it's often how I start leadership development programmes. The central and simple theme is around being yourself with skill - to engage and inspire others
Effective Modern Coaching – Myles Downey
I’m often asked by clients who want to learn how to coach, which book I recommend. OK, I’m biased as I was taught to coach by this guy but the book is brilliant and so practical. Read it and you will quickly understand how to be a good coach as a line manager.
Beyond Collaboration Overload: How to Work Smarter, Get Ahead, and Restore Your Well-Being - Rob Cross
ALL the people I coach are incredibly busy, struggling to prioritise what really matters and many are close to burnout. This new and exciting books gives hope and a claim to claw back a full day from your week; and then how to optimise this. Surely worth a read!!