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You might think Key Person of Influence is only for people who want to start their own business. I was surprised to learn that it has valuable lessons on how to become a more influential leader at work.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is more than just a tale about a bird; it's a timeless parable about self-discovery and the pursuit of excellence.
One Last Thing by Wendy Mitchell is a personal account of life, resilience, and leadership through dementia. A moving perspective on adapting to change and staying useful.
The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd is a must-read for leaders seeking to redefine their approach to work and life. It offers a transformative perspective on abandoning traditional career paths in favour of a more fulfilling, self-directed journey. Leaders questioning the conventional metrics of success and a more meaningful life might find this the catalyst they need to make the change happen.
Everyone is obssessed with High-Performing teams. Rightly so. They deliver great business outcomes and they are also enjoyable to be a part of. The Social Brain provides research and case studies to validate why social teams are the best teams. A practical and engaging read for anyone involved in organisational design and managing teams.
"Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal" by Oren Klaff is a must-read for leaders looking to master the art of persuasion. The STRONG approach is grounded in neuroscience and behavioural psychology. It offers a fresh perspective on pitching that goes beyond traditional methods. If you often find yourself in high-stakes presentations or negotiations, this book provides invaluable techniques to command attention and drive decisions.
Asking is a Superpower. I believe it. Jeff Wetzler does too. Most people think they are good at asking questions. The reality is that many of us ask crummy questions, most of the time. Ask by Jeff Wetzler is your playbook for better questions and importantly, better results!
This book has provided a whole new outlook on mentoring. In particular, great mentors provide opportunities, not advice. I've seen countless articles describing coaching as asking, and mentoring as telling. I've hated that distinction. Mentoring is more than just telling someone what to do. Super Mentors provides the perfect explanation of how great mentoring should be.
Kim Scott introduces Radical Candor as a management philosophy where leaders succeed by caring deeply about their team members on a personal level while also challenging them directly and honestly.
Crucial Conversations summary: Kerry Patterson's playbook for high-stakes talks — how to stop avoiding the conversation, make it safe, and say the thing that actually changes the outcome. Toby's rating: 9/10.
The biggest lesson I've gained from "The 5 Love Languages" is the importance of tailored communication. Just as in romantic relationships, where speaking the right love language can deepen connections, in business, understanding individual communication styles can dramatically improve leadership effectiveness. This has led me to reflect on how I interact with colleagues and team members, ensuring I address their preferences and expectations in ways that resonate with them.
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott teaches this. Our lives succeed or fail gradually, then suddenly, one conversation at a time. While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a business, a marriage, or a life, any single conversation can.