I am at my best when I am learning, when I invest in personal growth. Every opportunity to digest a fresh perspective provides a chance to bring something new into my business coaching practice, some additional knowledge or tips that help me in my journey toward improved mastery and maturity that I can then share with the leaders I work with.
Along the way, there are a few books that have really helped to shape my personal views as well as my approach to assisting small business owners and leaders as they implement plans for personal and professional leadership development.
From the 10 guideposts Brené Brown explains in “The Gifts of Imperfection” to Kim Scott’s use of non-negotiables in “Radical Candor,” I learned A LOT from the wisdom in the pages of the books below.
If you’ve read these books, I would love to have a conversation about their impact on your journey. And, if this is your introduction to any of these books, my hope is one of them sparks some curiosity, plants a seed of inspiration.
Also, send along any recommendations you have for books I should be reading.
So, without further delay, here are the 5 books that shaped my business coaching practice:
“The Gifts of Imperfection”
Brené Brown
In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, “No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough,” and to go to bed at night thinking, “Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.”
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/1455884324
“The Artist’s Way”
Julia Cameron
With the basic principle that creative expression is the natural direction of life, Julia Cameron leads you through a comprehensive 12-week program to recover your creativity from a variety of blocks, including limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, jealousy, guilt, addictions and other inhibiting forces, replacing them with artistic confidence and productivity. This book links creativity to spirituality by showing how to connect with the creative energies of the universe. The Artist’s Way provides a twelve-week course that guides you through the process of recovering your creative self. It dispels the ‘I’m not talented enough’ conditioning that holds many people back and helps you unleash your own inner artist.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity/dp/1788164288
“Radical Candor”
Kim Scott
Radical Candor is about caring personally and challenging directly, about soliciting criticism to improve your leadership and also providing guidance that helps others grow. It focuses on praise but doesn’t shy away from criticism – to help you love your work and the people you work with.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/B07XVQB7XV
“Atomic Habits”
James Clear
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0593189647
“Nonviolent Communication”
Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
What is Violent Communication?
If “violent” means acting in ways that result in hurt or harm, then much of how we communicate—judging others, bullying, having racial bias, blaming, finger pointing, discriminating, speaking without listening, criticizing others or ourselves, name-calling, reacting when angry, using political rhetoric, being defensive or judging who’s “good/bad” or what’s “right/wrong” with people—could indeed be called “violent communication.”
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X
What do you think of this list? My goal is you feel like you’re in a safe space, somewhere you are supported and cared for as you begin your coaching journey. Book a synergy assessment call and let’s talk about this list and your goals for the future.
You deserve to be your most extraordinary self. Let’s get there together.
