Read on for our top book recommendations for April
By Brene Brown
What does it mean to be a leader? Does it mean titles, status and power over others? In her book ‘Dare to Lead’, New York Times best seller Brene Brown describes a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential”. She shows us how to choose courage over comfort, make a difference and truly lead.
When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes finite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to achieve good work.
Topics covered in this book include:
This is an excellent manual for anyone currently in a leadership role or looking to become an overall better leader.
Find out more and get your copy on the author’s website
By Kate Murphy
“Who’s listening to you?”
This was the question Kate Murphy asked people all over the world and the response was typically the same – a long, awkward pause. Many people struggled to come up with the name of anyone who they felt truly listened to them without glazing over, glancing down at a phone, or jumping in to offer an opinion. Moreover, many admitted that they, themselves, weren’t particularly good listeners, and most couldn’t even describe what it meant to be a good listener.
We live in a world where technology allows constant digital communication and opportunities to connect. However, it seems no one is really listening or even knows how and it’s making us lonelier, more isolated, and less tolerant than ever before.
In this book, Murphy explains why we’re not listening, it’s impact on us and what we can do to reverse the trend. She also explains how listening, more than talking, holds a much more powerful position in all communication – it’s how we connect, co-operate and empathise with others. We need to stop talking … and start listening.
By Greg McKeown
Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin?
Do you sometimes feel overworked and underutilised?
The way of the essentialist involves doing less, but better, so you can make the highest possible contribution. It isn’t about getting more done in less time or getting less done. It’s about getting only the RIGHT things done. It’s about challenging the core assumption of ‘we can have it all’ and ‘I have to do everything’ and replacing it with the pursuit of ‘the right thing, in the right way, at the right time’. It’s about regaining control of our own choices about where to spend our time and energies instead of giving others implicit permission to choose for us.
By applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, the pursuit of less allows us to regain control of our own choices so we can channel our time, energy and effort into making the highest possible contribution toward the goals and activities that matter.
Essentialism isn’t one more thing; it is a different way of doing everything. It is a discipline you apply constantly and effortlessly. Essentialism is a mindset; a way of life and it’s an idea whose time has come.
Find out more on the author’s website
By Dr Emma Hepburn
An easy read with maximum impact, this might be the book for you if you are looking for something a bit lighter for the holidays.
Find out more on the author’s website
