“Tell me about a book you read recently and really liked?”
I love asking this question!
The setting doesn’t matter, business or social. If the opportunity presents itself, I will ask the question. And when I get an enthusiastic recommendation that triggers my interest, I make a note and add it to my reading list.
In the course of my work with coaching and consulting clients, I’m often asked for book recommendations. Many times, the recommendations are based on specific questions they have asked me. While other times, the recommendations serve as a resource that clients can use as they navigate seasons of growth, transition, or when facing challenges. So, books like Start With Why, Strength Finders 2.0, Good to Great, or The Energy Bus are favorites to recommend.
I’m not sure what books you may already have on your radar, but these six books merit consideration for your reading list this Spring.
The Rancher’s Gift – Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn: Focus on what is important and invest in what matters.
The Rancher’s Gift is written as a modern-day parable with real-life applications for readers of all ages. I was given a copy of The Rancher’s Gift last fall before the final edits, and I fell in love with the powerful message about a life lived with purpose. The story will resonate with all generations and the timeless truths shared reminds readers what matters most in life. When ordering the book, you also receive “The Rancher’s Guide to Living Life on Purpose” as an added bonus to help you reflect and discover your purpose in living.
The Rancher’s Gift goes on sale May 2018, but you can read Chapter One here. You will want to order multiple copies to use as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation gifts…just don’t forget to keep one for yourself! Here is a link to purchase The Rancher’s Gift on Amazon.
Talent Magnet – Mark Miller: How to Attract and Keep the Best People
What is a Talent Magnet? “A company or organization that is so attractive, top talent will be standing in line to work there.” In classic Mark Miller style, Talent Magnet is a composite of ground-breaking research and four decades of leadership experience with Chick-fil-A woven into a business fable designed to help leaders find and retain top talent so their businesses thrive.
Are you ready to take your organization to the next level? Talent Magnet provides the practical insight you need to create an environment which attracts the top talent everyone hopes to hire. You can read a sample chapter here, and make sure you take advantage of the bonus offers when you purchase the book. Here is a link to purchase Talent Magnet on Amazon.
The Power of Positive Leadership – Jon Gordon: Discover the proven principles and practices that make great leaders great.
The Power of Positive Leadership is a comprehensive framework on positive leadership. Jon Gordon uses proven principles, compelling stories, practical ideas and practices that will help anyone become a positive leader. The research is clear. Being a positive leader is not just a nice way to lead. It’s the way to lead if you want to build a great culture, unite your organization in the face of adversity, develop a connected and committed team and achieve excellence and superior results.
Take the FREE Power of Positive Leadership Self-Assessment to gauge where you stand. Make sure you also subscribe to Jon’s newsletter so you get his 7-Step Power of You Action Plan along with weekly tips, tools, and thoughts on leadership. Here is a link to purchase The Power of Positive Leadership on Amazon.
Building a Storybrand – Donald Miller: Clarify your message so customers will listen.
Using the seven elements of great storytelling, Donald Miller shows readers how to transform the way they talk about themselves, about what they do, and the unique value they bring to their customers.
Whether you head up the marketing division of a global corporation or you’re the owner of a small business, Building a StoryBrand will help you simplify your marketing and communicate clearly so you connect with your customers. Donald Miller outlines the seven universal elements of powerful stories in Building a StoryBrand which provides readers with the ultimate competitive edge they want to make sure their customers understand the compelling benefits of using their products, ideas, or services.
You can download the first three chapters of Building a StoryBrand along with a free online tool here. Here is a link to purchase Building a Storybrand on Amazon.
Life in the Presence of God – Ken Boa: Practices for living in light of eternity.
Inspired by the classic, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, author Ken Boa offers practical exercises and disciplines that help us draw close to God even in the midst of our busiest seasons of life. Life in the Presence of God serves a contemporary guide on how-to abide in God’s presence. Using scripture, neuroscience, along with historical and living examples, Ken reveals how we can use our time and technology to make room for God, to train ourselves with new habits that deepen our awareness of God.
You can download Ken Boa’s FREE Guide to Practicing God’s Presence here. Here is a link to purchase Life in the Presence of God on Amazon.
Heroes Wanted – Rodney Bullard: Why the World Needs You to Live Your Heart Out
In Heroes Wanted, Rodney Bullard blends stories of inspiration and keen insights which put to rest the mindset that to be heroic one must be extraordinary. Imagine a world where people use their God-given gifts and talents for the benefit of others. A world where people willingly serve with a faithful heart offering hope and compassion and the desire to truly make a difference. The world needs heroes, and in Heroes Wanted, Rodney Bullard reminds readers the heart of heroism resides in everyone.
Read a sample chapter of Heroes Wanted, and find out what kind of hero you are, take the Heroes Wanted quiz. Here is a link to purchase Heroes Wanted on Amazon.
Reading List
I am giving away copies of each book for free!
To be eligible, follow the instructions below. (Don’t leave your shipping address, I’ll email the winners to get that information)
- Leave a comment below. Tell me which of the six books you are most excited to read and why. Be creative. I really do read these comments and base my decisions on them.
- Share this post on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter for extra credit. It’s easy to do, just click on the appropriate links below. And thanks in advance for spreading the word about this blog post and these great books!
- Now it’s your turn, what’s the name of a book you read recently and really liked? Share the recommendation as a comment on this post.
On Friday, May 10th, I will select six winners. They will be based solely on my arbitrary and subjective evaluation of all the comments. Tweets, and shares on Facebook and LinkedIn with count as bonus points. All winners will be notified via email to get their shipping information.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.