The Books we Recommend Most Often (a short list)

Time is short and attention is fragmented - so in order for us to suggest (and sometimes STRONGLY suggest) that an executive leader read a book that book has to have the potential to make a profound impact on the way that leader thinks, leads and lives.

These books, in our view, do just that. Here are some of our most recommended reads, and why we feel that they are valuable.

1) The Coaching Habit, by Michael Bungay Stanier.

We live in a world where people are generally rewarded for "having the answer" and "knowing things." But if you are leading, you must build capacity and capability and giving people the answer doesn't do that. Enter the "coach approach" - an application of basic coaching skills that accelerates learning and enhances accountability. This brilliant, highly practical and easy to digest book has been the gold standard in coaching books since its publication almost 10 years ago. I think I have recommended it to every client I've ever worked with.

2) Outlive, by Dr. Peter Attia.

When I wrote my first book summarizing what I had observed as the habits, practices and disciplines of the happiest and most successful leaders, Chapter 1 was Health. The fact is that without conscious, intentional support for health both today and in the future, we risk losing it. And you can't lead if you aren't strong, sharp and energetic. Every leader I know who's read this (or listened to the audio, my preference for this one) has said it has had a profound impact on how they live their life and as such the energy they have available to tackle what, these days, are incredibly difficult roles.

3) The Good Fight, by Liane Davey.

While it is a particularly Canadian trait to avoid conflict at almost any cost (current times notwithstanding - no political content here but let the record show that while we rarely START conflict we are pretty good at ending it), I think workplaces everywhere have migrated far far away from "productive conflict" and are lodged firmly either in the "avoid" or "bully and badger" ends of the spectrum. Enter the "Watercooler Psychologist" Liane Davey and her practical, approachable ideas designed to teach the skills necessary to disagree without destroying. Excellent ideas and frameworks here.

4) Good Awkward by Henna Pryor.

Wouldn't the world be just a little better if we all had just a little more courage when it came to being our true selves? To saying what we want to say when we want to say it? To not being afraid of "that" silence? I love this book because it not just acknowledges but celebrates that feeling we all know well - awkwardness. Whether it's because we're afraid to take a risk or because we feel different than everyone else or any other of a number of reasons - we let awkwardness get in our way. Henna helps us get - if not over, exactly, then - through that. Fun and useful read.

5) UnLeadership by Scott and Alison Stratten.

A guide to the most important leadership practices and "competencies" (ugh, that word!) illustrated by real stories from real leaders who manage to be good humans AND deliver business results. Forget b-school textbooks - let's let this book be the reference guide for anyone aspiring to understand good leadership.

6) Lead from the Heart by Mark C. Crowley(and his excellent podcast of the same name).

Yes there are patterns and values in common amongst leaders who lead humans in a human way - chiefly the fact that business success is not only possible, it's an almost inevitable result of heart-based leadership. Go figure - heart-based leadership begets the same, creates an engaged workforce, unleashes human potential and creates a culture where people feel seen and heard. An inspiring book and body of work - the podcast features great guests with real stories.

7) Speak-up Culture by Stephen Shedletzky.

Are you creating an environment where people can share their ideas without fear? Not sure? This book is a great guide to doing just that - and it starts with real listening. That idea alone may revolutionize organizations who - in my experience - do a lot of talking and not that much real listening.

8) The Power of Systems by Steve Chandler and Trevor Timbeck

A newer addition to my "recommend" list, and full disclosure - Trevor is a member of the Parachute Executive Coaching team of coaches, so I knew about and was excited about this book before it was even published. That said, I'd be recommending it anyways because it's already helped a number of my clients see their challenges in new, simpler ways.

And there you have it. My top eight.

There are, of course, many other great books I've found useful and have recommended over the years, but if you want what I'd consider to be a library of "essentials" for leading and living well, this list is a pretty good start.