Following on from my previous list of recommended books on “Creating Success as a Leader,” here are my favourites in the “Strengthening Personal Leadership” category.
My reading experience varied from life-changing, mind expanding, spreading a little happiness, motivating, uplifting, deepening understanding or were just simply useful and applicable.
Please share with me which books have given YOU the greatest insights or changed the trajectory of your life.
Enjoy!
· Non-violent Communication: A Language of Life – Marshall B. Rosenberg
The best book written on Emotional Intelligence and that completely changed my approach to communication.
Favourite quote:
“Listen to what people are needing rather than what they are thinking.”
· The Charge: Activating the 10 Human Drives That Make You Feel Alive - Brendan Bouchard
A new approach to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; strategically activating our 10 human drives to having more life in our lives.
· The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown
Brené Brown (all her books are great). This book is about releasing our definitions of an “imperfect” life and embracing living authentically, backed by lots of research and personal stories.
· Untamed: Stop Pleasing Start Living – Glennon Doyle
Book filled with golden nuggets by a woman who was stuck, overwhelmed and struggling but finally found her voice.
· The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field - Nathaniel Branden
Self-esteem is not an idea or an affirmation. It’s a practice. It’s nice to talk about ideas, memorize inspiring words and get an intellectual understanding of something. But it’s what we do that leads to our self-esteem.
· The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
One of my old time favourites on Personal Leadership.
That’s why I chose two favourite quotes:
“The Way we SEE the problem IS the Problem”.
“Win/win sees life as a cooperative, not a competitive arena.”
· The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom - Don Miguel Ruiz
An easy quick to read but profound little book. Four Simple Agreements to make life lighter and easier.
· Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life – Byron Katie
This is a much heavier book. Some love it, some hate it. Byron Katie describes stories about "the work" she does with people that changed their lives. My biggest take-aways is the idea that all of our suffering is caused by our attachment to the stories we create about our thoughts.
· You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life - Jen Sincero
27 chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word.
Let’s Lead!
Liesbeth
