The 40 Books I Read in 2018 (part 1)

I hit my goal of reading 40 non-fiction leadership and personal growth books last year, and thought I’d share either the big thought or why I chose to read that book. Maybe one of them might end up on your list for 2019!

1. Grace by Max Lucado. For spiritual wellness, emphasizing my core value of Belief, reinforcing the main reason for my faith in God.
2. Entrepreneur Roller-Coaster by Darren Hardy. To remind myself there will be good and bad days as an entrepreneur, but it’s worth it! (recommended by a client)
3. Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra.  To challenge my thinking, as the author emphasizes how leaders are made by “outsight” not insight. Biggest takeaway was the 3 types of networks you need in your business life. (recommended by client)
4. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. Talks about the need to set challenging goals, and how resistance comes against you when you do–even your body often getting sick as you approach change! (recommended by podcast)
5. Colin Powell: It Worked for Me in Life and Leadership. Lots of stories and principles on my passion topic of leadership by a great leader in some of the highest offices in our government. Bonus: I got to hear him live at Whitworth University in October! (bookstore pick)
6. Soar by T.D. Jakes. An entrepreneur/preacher gives reality checks and encouragement and practical advice to those wanting to launch something. (gift from mentee)
7. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. Lots of fascinating military examples from which the author derives leadership principles for developing a culture of personal accountability. (heard the buzz about this book)
8. Mindset by Carol Dweck. Do you have a goals or growth mindset? Growth is better! (always see this as a top-read in Success magazine)
9. Crucial Confrontations by Joseph Grenny, et.al. To again remind myself when it is necessary to talk something out because it is hurting the relationship/team/culture–and to not be a “pleaser.” (been recommending it for years in my conflict resolution seminars but never read it cover-to-cover–companion book is Crucial Conversations)
10. The 7 Intuitive Laws of Employee Loyalty by Heather Younger. How to gauge the commitment of your organization’s team and build a culture where employees stay, and stay engaged! (recommended by client)
11. The Social Styles Handbook by Larry Wilson. The intricacies of the driver/expressive/amiable/analytical personalities at work and how to understand them better for maximum effectiveness. (to go deeper on an assessment I already recommend)
12. The Truth About Managing People by Stephen Robbins. Short chapters on the author’s view of leadership concepts–some of which I didn’t necessarily agree with, but straight-to-the-point nonetheless. (on my bookshelf for years)