The 48 Laws of Power’ is an engrossing study of historical power dynamics, synthesized and compiled by author Robert Greene into a guide for anyone who wishes to have ultimate control. It presents a stark outlook on reality, offering manipulative tactics used by successful individuals throughout history. Greene explains each law of power, including the rationale, historical examples, and potential reversals.
The Splendid and the Vile portrays the first year of Winston Churchill’s tenure as British prime minister during WWII. The book offers a detailed insight into his leadership style, his personal life, and his role in the British resistance against Nazi Germany.
A Promised Land is a memoir by Barack Obama, in which he explores his political career and his time in the White House. Obama discusses the early days of his presidency, including his work on the economy and healthcare reform, and reflects on the forces that opposed him at home and abroad. He also offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of the awesome reach of presidential power.
Admiral William H. McRaven’s ‘Make Your Bed’ is a simple yet powerful book that shares the wisdom he acquired during his military service. McRaven uses anecdotes from his experiences in Navy Seal training to illustrate life lessons about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the power of small acts. Each chapter presents a principle that can help people lead more fulfilling lives and overcome challenges.
In ‘Lean In’, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at what women can do to help themselves, and make the small changes in their life that can effect change on a more universal scale. She draws on her own experiences working in some of the world’s most successful businesses and looks at what women can do to help themselves, and make the small changes in their life that can effect change on a more universal scale.
Switch details how change works and provides practical strategies to help people manage change. Using a variety of examples, the book shows that successful changes share a common pattern, they require the leader to appeal to both the rational and emotional minds.
Drive explores the concept of motivation, debunking traditional techniques of incentivization in favor of more progressive approaches. It dives into the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—and provides practical techniques to apply these principles.
In ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable,’ Patrick Lencioni uses a compelling narrative to explore the complex dynamics of teamwork. The book focuses on a fictional executive team that struggles with the five dysfunctions that plague many teams – absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Lencioni presents a powerful model and actionable steps to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team.
Good to Great is a business book by Jim Collins that explores how good companies can become great companies, and how most fail to make the transition. The author and his team of researchers identify several key characteristics that are common to all companies that have made the leap from good to great. These include having a Level 5 leader, adhering to the Hedgehog Concept, using a Culture of Discipline, and using technology as an accelerator.