To become a recognized expert in any subject, a professional has to stay on top of the latest developments in their area of expertise. For this reason, I am constantly reading books, motivational articles, reviewing research studies, and scanning papers on leadership, employee motivation, and work environment.
The following motivational books are very supportive of the concepts that I speak about in my professional activities, and I am pleased to recommend them to you. Also, check out these recommended titles on leadership and business strategy!
I am interested in continuing to enhance and share this list with others. If you have a recommendation for a motivational book or book about building loyalty that you feel belongs on this list, please send me the information!
* For more information on a book, hover over or click on the book image.
Getting Things Done David Allen
This book is an invaluable tool for pulling all your “stuff” together and getting a handle on what best action to take. Allen suggests you pile up all your “stuff” (everything on your desk, in your mind, on your lists, emails, etc.) and work it through a sorting process to take immediate action, plan projects, file for reference, or defer to a later date. When things pile up on my desk, I’ll often use the GTD process – it helps me to get a clear picture on what I need to tackle and a plan for getting it done.
Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life David Allen
Ready for Anything could also be a weekly devotional to keeping on top of things. Each short chapter can be read in a few minutes and focuses on some aspect of “Getting Things Done” principles. Some of my favorites include: “You can only feel good about what you’re not doing when you know what you’re not doing”, “Creativity shows up when there is space”, and “Small things, done consistently, create major impact.”
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Stephen Covey
A true classic. I teach many of the 7 habits when coaching and training leaders and others. Of the many lessons in the book, “seek first to understand, then be understood” is at the heart of building strong work relationships. Covey’s focus on this as a positive habit only reinforces my belief that listening is the key to being a great leader, no matter what you do in your organization.
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
This book outlines a process of negotiating agreement that can be applied in business negotiations as well as in conflicts that arise in the workplace and in life.
The Magic of Thinking Big David Schwartz
David Schwartz makes clear that the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is based on how they think. He lays out the requirements for success – something you are passionate about, the willingness to take action and the courage to persevere until your dreams are achieved. Schwartz also talks about how to break free of the excuses that hold most people back from realizing their greatness. This is a great book.
You Were Born Rich Bob Proctor
I met Bob Proctor in person in the Fall of 2007 when he gave me an autographed copy of this book. Above anything, this man is a consummate professional and delivers a message based on his 40+ years of work in the field of personal development. I particularly appreciated his strategy and ideas on establishing multiple streams of income.
Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill
I have read and studied Think and Grow Rich twice in my life. I first read it back in my early twenties when a friend put it in my hands and told me that it was a roadmap to success. I then re-read TAGR about 5 years into my business and really focused on incorporating the principles into my work life. In particular, Hill’s idea of establishing “Master Mind” relationships with like-minded people led to the significant growth and success of The Training Source.
The Greatest Salesman in the World Og Mandino
I love to give this book to people when they are making a transition in their life – graduating from high school or university, or starting a new business. It is a timeless tale that reinforces the importance of being committed and persistent and offers other valuable success principles.
