Recommended Reading List

I have listed below a small selection of the many hundreds of books that I have read to guide and assist my own journey and to expand my knowledge when serving others. They have been important to me, and I can wholeheartedly recommend them to you:

Paul Crittenden

Unstoppable

Adrian Gilpin
An eminently readable book about the rise to personal mastery of a personal friend, guide and mentor who has added so much to my life over the last seven years. Adrian has succeeded in writing about a topic that everyone will connect with - his journey from personal catastrophe to masterful living. Hugely powerful in its realism. Full of practical and thought provoking insights, and self honesty - a model for all leaders. A life-changing read that provides a framework anyone can follow, and the essence of leadership of one's own life, and of other people - all in one book.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Dr Stephen R Covey, Simon and Schuster
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centred approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, he reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity - principles that give us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

First Things First

Dr Stephen R Covey & A Roger Merrill.
An expansion of the chapter of the same title in 'Seven Habits' and a must read for those struggling to fit into their lives all the 'must do's'. For busy executives, a wonderful example of how taking a problem and viewing it differently can produce breakthrough results. Rather than focusing on time and change, Covey and Merrill emphasise relationships and results. And instead of efficiency, they emphasize effectiveness, instead of working to the clock, working to the compass.

Awaken the Giant Within

Anthony Robbins
A masterwork by the 90s Guru of personal effectiveness, and the foundation for the journey to personal mastery for many people. A little too 'American' for me to read cover to cover, but hugely useful as a reference source, especially for tools and techniques for personal change. Many gems can be found in this book. Rooted heavily in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Time to Think

Nancy Kline
A book that strikes right at the heart of the human need for connection, appreciation and being valued. Whilst not specifically a book about leadership in the corporate context, I assert that the core issues facing many leaders would be addressed by adopting the principles and practices in this book. A book of ideas that are inspiring in their fundamental simplicity, and universal in their application. Adopt the approach described by Nancy, and all of your relationships will flourish.

Emotional Intelligence and Working with Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman
A very intelligent pair of books for those who need a logical analysis of the workings of emotion. Lots of useful information from the person who first used the phrase that has now become common parlance in the field of human performance. A stodgy read in places - but these books hold a great deal for the connoisseur.

Fierce Conversations

Susan Scott
Our lives and careers succeed or fail one conversation at a time. Whilst no single conversation is guaranteed to change the course of a career, relationship, business or life, any single conversation can. If you don't make time to read this whole book, you will have made a mistake! Packed with case studies, exercises and questionnaires this book guides you by the hand into having those conversations at home and at work that have the power to transform your life and your results, and guides you to develop the skills and insights to make every conversation count.

The Responsibility Virus

Roger Martin
As you read this book your head will be nodding as you marvel at Roger Martin's extraordinary insight. Most authors focus on the sexier issues of building more horsepower into your business, getting more tyre tread on the road to success, and filling your corporate tank with high octane fuel. By contrast, Roger disarmingly points out that, much of the time, you have failed to notice the terribly un-sexy fact that you have the handbrake on and your foot hard on the middle peddle! If you have the courage to address the deeper (and more demanding) issues of leadership highlighted in this book, you will (perhaps for the first time) have access to the full power output of your existing engine - no fancy modifications needed! If you have ever feared failure, desperately needed to retain control, or lacked the courage to act, you will know exactly what I mean!

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