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Book Reviews

This section includes a few reading recommendations for anyone who is on the verge of change. Change is always at work in our lives. Here are a few books that might be helpful as you search for a way through change.


 

Squirrel Inc.: A Fable of Leadership through Storytelling

by Stephen Denning

This 208 page book published by Jossey-Bass (ISBN: 0787973718) is a great starting place. This Denning fable is a great introduction to how storytelling creates an atmosphere for change like nothing else. Reading stories helps us non-defensively process aspects of change that may otherwise be difficult or conflicted. The transformation of the fabled organization, Squirrel Inc is faced with the need to transform its industry. If you are in a situation that will require a paradigm shift, start reading with Squirrel Inc.


One Thing You Need to Know: … About Great Managing, Great Leading and Sustained Individual Success -

by Marcus Buckingham 

The use of story is embedded in this latest book from Buckingham, but it is a readable compilation of some of the best research to date with lots of examples. This 304 page hardcover (ISBN: 0743261658) published by Free Press is a great text that pulls together the prior books of Buckingham's.

If any organization or reader claims to make decisions based on data, this is the book that contains the proof of what needs to happen in organizations based on the research. Buckingham does not oversimplify, but offers some clarity to some of the complex processes that underlie the deciding variables that lead to success or failure of an organization. The "One Thing" is for each area of managing, leading and individual success. Buckingham suggests, "When you want to manage, begin with the person. When you want to lead, begin with the picture of where you are headed." As you determine if you are managing, leading or individually succeeding you will become ready for the "One Thing" in each area: 

Managing: "Discover what is unique about each person and capitalize on it."

Leading: "Discover what is universal and capitalize on it."

Sustained individual Success: "Discover what you don't like doing and stop doing it."

Buckingham leads us in the best direction when he gives us example after example of how to work with the strengths.


The Ant and the Elephant: Leadership for the Self
- by Vince Poscente

This is a wonderful read. The hardcover (ISBN: 1893430146) from publisher Be Invincible Group or the soft cover (ISBN:  0974640352) from publisher Corner Stone Leadership Institute are readily available from the Amazon Associate link on this page

Like many of the books I recommend, this one uses story to reveal some of the ways that we can approach change.  This story is particularly enjoyable and you may well find yourself and your reactions spelled out well in the characters you will meet.

The 5 Cs from the Ant and the Elephant: Leadership for the Self are worth listing here for you, but don't stop with the list.  The story will bring this to life for you and make it useable in your situation.  

The 5 Cs

  • Clarify your vision
  • Commit to cultivating positive dominant thoughts
  • Consistently focus on performance
  • Strengthen Confidence
  • Control the response to any situation


Enjoy reading!

When reading and what you are doing is not enough to help you make changes you have decided to make, consider hiring a coach.  Coaching can help you build on your strengths to reach any goal you have for your life. Come here first for all of your Amazon orders and support GettingPlaces.com

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