Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott:
From her work in leading peer to peer executive groups, Susan Scott sets out how to be real and effective. My belief is that outstanding CEOs ask great questions and dig for information and data that provides full answers. Susan Scott sets out exercises and approaches for how to be outstanding with our questions.
Crucial Conversations, Tools for talking when stakes are high by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler:
I love books that teach tools and concrete skills. Nothing more important to running a company then to be persuasive rather than abrasive, to be able to continue listening under stress, to turn conversations in to action. There is this and more for anyone who takes the time with this page-turner.
What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There, How successful people become more successful by Marshal Goldsmith:
Executives and Entrepreneurs rise.... until they don’t. Most often what stops is not lack of technical knowledge or skills. They know their industry, supply chain management or sales. What gets them is personality issues those things that most of us remain unaware of as we move through our careers. Goldsmith is direct and clear in his approach to making change happen by teaching people who want to change, how to get others to help in our quest. What Goldsmith teaches is simple and it is not easy. Mostly, he teaches people to stop doing things that get in their way.
It’s Your Ship, Management techniques from the best damn ship in the navy by Captain D. Michael Abroshoff:
Captain Abroshoff learned as he led. His story is engaging and it describes a process for building confidence, teamwork and excellence. His approach can be used in any business. Some of his recommendations are to create trust, lead by example, communicate purpose and meaning and expect results. Not earth shattering?.... well, read how he did it!
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack:
This is a real life story about how Stack made a success out of an old-line rust belt business. He did so by teaching every employee how the “game of business” works. He started with meaning and hard skills, like the ability to read and use financial statements. What I love about this book is how it is organized and presented. A CEO for CEO’s writes it. The outline form of the book makes getting key ideas easy and quick. The focus on what steps to take, when and what is important provides immediate value and allows one to dive in later.
No Man’s Land by Doug Tatum: Starting a company is tough. Growing one is even more challenging. Human beings grow to maturity through stages. Any stage missed requires us to go back and do work before we move ahead. Tatum outlines the stages that companies grow through and what stops those who don’t pay attention.