Reading list: My 2020 - Q4 book list on leadership

Looking at my 2020 Quarter 4 (Q4) book reading choices, you might be wondering how I came to choose these five titles, or at least how these might be connected or relevant. So I’d like to share how I came to pick these specific books for my list.

What prompted me to select these titles was in preparation for giving a talk entitled, “7 Secrets to Becoming the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For,” which I presented in a virtual meeting to a local civic organization.

Take a look at these excellent management books and email me if you find this list to be helpful!

Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For

by William Gentry, Ph.D.

The first book I chose to read was “Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For.” Not only was the title highly applicable to my presentation, but it was published by the Center for Creative Leadership, a highly respected and top ranked global provider of executive education. I was sure this would have ample information grounded in solid research and social science theory.

This well written and delightful book is a must-read for all first-time leaders and supervisors, but it also contains valuable information for seasoned managers. If you want to improve your management and supervisory skills, whether you’ve been on the job days or years, you will find excellent guidance here. Doctor Gentry’s book is based on solid research, social science theory, and years of experience.

Mindset, The New Psychology of Success

by Carol Dweck, Ph.D.

This very readable book presents the latest research on motivation and success by the groundbreaking researcher from Stanford University. It is highly recommended for anyone who manages and develops people, including parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and leaders. Dr. Dweck clearly describes the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. If you develop and maintain a growth mindset, you are much more likely to flourish in your life and activities than those with a fixed mindset. Applying her findings and concepts to your life can make a difference in your performance and future.

Dare to Lead, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong at Work

by Brene Brown, Ph.D.

This is a number one New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. In this solidly written and enjoyable book, Brené Brown brings to bear many years of research and wisdom to the subject of courageous leadership practically and passionately.

If you want to lead with your highest values and lead from hour heart, mind and soul for the good of all concerned, this book is a must-read!

The Power of Positive Leadership, How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World

by Jon Gordon

This book is also a Wall Street Journal bestseller and highly readable, filled with real, fascinating, and inspiring stories from both business and national sports teams. This book is not about a Pollyanna positivity, but about positivity in the face of difficulties, setbacks, and challenges, such as the remarkable turnaround at Ford Motor Co. by CEO Alan Mulally. As the author says,” We are positive, not because life is easy. We are positive because life can be hard.”

First, Break All the Rules, What the World’s Greatest Managers do Differently

By Marcus Buckingham and Kurt Coffman

This book is a groundbreaking piece of research and information. Based on in-depth interviews by the Gallup research organization with over 80,000 managers in over 400 companies, this book details what the best performing managers and their departments or organizations do differently to create outstanding results. Specifically, these managers achieved tremendous results, such as significantly higher employee engagement and satisfaction, improved customer service, higher sales, and higher profits. If you want to be a better manager and have your organization be as successful as possible, reading and applying this book is imperative.