My Annual “If you only read 1 book…” Awards
My Annual “If you only read 1 book…” Awards
Top Books from 2015
Spiritual Book for Leaders:
Leadership Prayers – Richard Kreigbaum
This was a reread for me this year but it was no less powerful than it was the first time. No matter what I was dealing with in my leadership journey, this book always seems to have the exact right word for me on the day that I needed to hear it.
Customer Experience / Customer Service:
The Customer Service Revolution – John R. DiJulius III
This is a great book! Talk about practical, applicable, and inspiring all at the same time. No matter what you lead, from a business, to your family, or any kind of team, this book will help you do it better.
Leadership Development:
Leadership Gold – John C. Maxwell
This was another reread for me this year but this book is filled with 26 nuggets that will make any leader better. The principles and truths contained in this book are timeless and effective.
Raising Teenage Boys:
For Young Men Only – Shaunti Feldhahn & Lisa Rice
I bought two copies of this book this year. One for myself, and one for my 15-year-old son. We read it and talked through it together and it was a great experience for both of us. The authors certainly know what they’re talking about and mix data and real stories brilliantly.
Team Culture:
Creating Magic – Lee Corkerell
Lee Cockerell has become a personal hero to me this year. From the books that he writes to the podcast he records on a weekly basis, his leadership insights from his time at Disney are brilliant. There are so many practical principles in this book it’s not even funny.
Organizational Health:
What got you here won’t get you there – Marshall Goldsmith
This was a reread but honestly, the first time I read it six or seven years ago, I wasn’t ready for it. This is a deep and heavy book that will cut you to the core as a leader. Read it at your own risk!!! Marshall Goldsmith is brilliant and knows how to coach the best of the best and make them better.
2015 Book of the Year:
Procrastinate on Purpose – Rory Vaden
Hands-down, my book of the year for 2015 is Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden. I think I gave away close to 80 copies of this book last year. Rory completely redefines how a leader should look at and deal with time management in their life. I highly recommend this book for every single person that I know.
Bonus: The Key to Everything!!!
I couldn’t make this list without acknowledging that I wrote a book too last year, could I?!? Seriously, I believe that this book will help anyone from CEO to stay-home mom.
Fun Facts:
* Last year I read 66 books.
– I didn’t finish 66 books, I read some of some of them. (It’s not my responsibility to keep my attention, it’s the author’s. I am under no obligation to finish a book that can’t keep my attention…)
* 20 books were “Re-Reads.”
– I have felt drawn over the past few years to go back and reread some of the books that impacted me like crazy 7 or 8 or even 10 years ago. Truth be told, because I’m always growing as a Leader, rereading some of these “Personal Classics” offer as much or more wisdom then they did when I originally read them.
* 46 were New Reads.
– I definitely see a trend in my book list of how my reading list mirrored what I was dealing with and going through in my life as well. Amazing isn’t it? That’s the power of books.