Kit’s Leadership Resources

Lean In for Graduates

Lean In for Graduates: Because the World Needs You to Change It, by Sheryl Sandberg, Random House, 2014.

I have been a fan of Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, author and lecturer, for years now. Her original book, Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, provides the foundational curriculum for our three Lean In Circles for young professional women here in Northern Nevada. Sandberg’s newest edition of her book specifically speaks to recent graduates entering today’s highly competitive and fast-moving workforce. Sandberg speaks for all of us women – she is truly inspirational.

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Strengths Based Leadership

Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow, by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie, Gallup Press, New York, NY, 2008.

This is one of the best books I’ve recently read on leadership. Acknowledging and appreciating our strengths as professionals is a continual thread in my work with leaders at all levels.

In one portion of the book, Rath and Conchie have summarized the extensive research by Gallup to help us understand the three ways to being a more effective leader: knowing our own strengths and investing in others’ strengths at the same time; strategically building a strengths based team; and finally, knowing why any of us work and follow a leader that we trust and who encourages us to work at our best. This is such a good book that I’m going to preview another chapter next month – so pick it up for yourself and your team.

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The Coaching Habit

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever, by Michael Bungay Stanier, Box of Crayons Press, 2016.

At the recent Association of Talent Management (ATD) conference in Denver, Colorado I was cruising through the book store (my favorite place) and heard several people talking about how good Michael Stanier’s presentation was on how to build a powerful coaching habit for anyone in a position of leadership. I grabbed one of the last copies on the shelf and I could see what they were talking about!

Stanier’s newest book is an easy read, with a wealth of ideas on how to use 7 key questions to inspire and engage the best of one’s employees, team members and even your own boss. He delves into the science of our brains and how that impacts the success or derailment of habits. And I loved the chapter on how to build any habit that actually brings you the benefits you want. It’s a great find!

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Start with Why

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek, 2009.

Simon Sinek has captured a powerful concept that can take our leadership influence to an amazing, higher level. He challenges us to look deeply into the “Why” of our work first before ever addressing the “How” or “What” of what we do. He makes us think – and it all makes sense. So if we want to engage and inspire others in any way, we need to start with the “Why”. Try it and let me know how it’s working for you!
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The Sleep Revolution

The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time, Arianna Huffington, 2016.

Arianna Huffington is one of my favorite authors, so when I saw her interviewed on this topic of sleep I was intrigued. This brand new book really spoke to me since I’m one that can “burn the candle on both ends”. But the connection to powerful leadership is clear: To be an effective, influential leader we all need a solid night’s sleep. Huffington provides all the science, research and personal testimonials to convince all of us to just go to bed!
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