Recommended Reads: 5 Motivational Page-Turners for Leaders
Who doesn’t love to unwind with a good book at the end of a long day or while taking a lunch break? To celebrate National Reading Month, we curated five books relating to leadership that we recommend reading this year.
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara
Embracing a major transformation, Will Guidara takes the reader through his journey to becoming a big name in the hospitality industry. He recounts how he started giving more to his team, family, and community, and proves how any business can turn into one centered around hospitality.
Fun fact: our President Ben Farber received a signed copy of this book after listening to Guidara speak at an event! Ben recalls, “Will’s ambition, warmth, and personable nature were evident, and matched the tone of his book. He approached his daily life with tenacity long before he had the #1 restaurant in the world, and well after he moved onto other business ventures, because he understands the value of the ‘pursuit,’ more so than the destination.”
Link to Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson explain three different techniques to make someone an effective manager: taking a minute to set goals, praise, and reprimand. If you’re looking for a fresh way to step up how you approach situations as a leader, then look no further than this book.
Recommended by one of our newsletter subscribers, they explain the book provided them a “[g]reat strategy that keeps teams focused and shortens meetings.”
Link to The One Minute Manager
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Ever wonder how much your habits influence your life? Charles Duhigg dives into the science behind the creation and redesign of daily rituals. Read this book with a fresh mind to transform into your ultimate self in both your personal and professional life.
Our Director of Creative Operations, Jessa Farber, says, “This book is great for personal and business growth, as the author does a really good job relating to both. For example, the book explores the power of positive influence – personally, with the type of people you hang out with, and for businesses, the type of people the company employs and what behaviors they reward to drive the culture. It was truly inspiring, providing me with tools to analyze my personal habits and how to dissect and evaluate them in order to replace any bad habits, or those that are not beneficial, with ones that are productive.
Leadership-wise, the book made me look at my routines and habits at work and think about how to encourage company-wide routines and habits that align with organizational goals. The classic ‘lead by example’ principle is also emphasized, relating back to how positive influence has a big impact, especially for a leader at a company.”
Link to The Power of Habit
Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication by Oren Jay Sofer
Engaging in conversations with others is normal in everyday life, but how often are the exchanges meaningful and mindful? As creatures of habit, Oren Jay Sofer offers various applications of how to make communication hold more value in our lives.
Our Administrative Assistant, Cash Podhurcak, read this book during her college studies and still has it to this day. “It opened my eyes on how much communication is part of my daily life and helped me find ways to hold more space for myself in conversations. I recommend giving this a read, even if you don’t get to finish the book, there are many great take-aways.”
Link to Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication
How to Make Sh*t Happen by Sean Whalen
We can get so caught up in our heads with problems and stressors that it can make us freeze and feel unproductive. Sean Whalen’s book is a short but powerful read about how to get your life back on track and how to maintain your progress.
Disclaimer: If you are someone who will get offended by a lot of swear words, perhaps don’t put this one on your reading list.
As a leader, our President, Benjamin Farber related to the author of this book, as he is the founder of his company. Ben had a lot of takeaways from this book which he worked into his life and work, including “a different perspective on how to look at task lists, making decisions, and how to set myself up for success with daily habits, such as mindfulness.”
Link to How to Make Sh*t Happen
Non-fiction books don’t have to be boring. They can have humor while also providing valuable lessons that can apply to your personal and professional lives. Enjoy your time reading these recommendations and use their advice to strengthen your leadership!
Bristol Associates, Inc. is an executive search firm with over 55 years of excellence in recruiting nationwide. Bristol specializes in recruiting for the Casino Gaming; Facility and Concession; Food and Beverage; Healthcare; Hotel and Resort; Nonprofit; Restaurant; and Travel, Tourism, and Attraction industries.
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