“Leaders are readers.”
Yep, if you want to do that leading thing well, you need to read. One challenge is sorting through all the “leadership” and other business books to find good ones. This post should help. Here are some pointers to reviews of and excepts from recent leadership (in the broadest sense) books.
In this post I point you to reviews of The Three Levels of Leadership: How to Develop Your Leadership Presence, Know-how and Skill, In the Name of Gucci, Neither Snow nor Rain, and The Coaching Habit.
From Wendy Smith: Leadership Theories – The Three Levels of Leadership Model
“The Three Levels of Leadership model combines the strengths of older leadership theories. These include the traits, behavioural/styles, situational and functional models. It addresses their limitations. And, it offers a foundation for leaders who want to apply the philosophies of servant-leadership. Hence, it is for those who are committed to ‘authentic leadership’.”
From Wharton: The Man Behind the Brand: Gucci’s Evolution into an Icon
“One of the most iconic names in the luxury retail sector is Gucci. But what about the man behind the brand? In a new book, Patricia Gucci shares the story of her father, Aldo Gucci, who was chairman of the company from 1953-1986.”
From the Star Tribune: ‘Neither Snow nor Rain’ chronicles the history and politics of the post office
“Of the marvels French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville found in his tour of 1830s America, the postal service had them all beat.”
From David Witt: 7 Ways to Ask Questions like a Coach
“A new book by Michael Bungay Stanier, The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever, just might be the solution every well-meaning manager has been looking for. I finished the book during my recent vacation. (I can hear the groans—Reading a business book on vacation; really?—but it was definitely worth it.) Stanier, an acclaimed executive coach and former coach of the year in his native Canada, shares seven questions any manager can use to increase their leadership effectiveness—especially during One on Ones.”
Reading recommendations are a regular feature of this blog. Want more recommendations about what to read? Check out my Three Star Leadership blog, Michael McKinney’s LeadingBlog, and Bob Morris’ Blogging on Business.