In the lead up to International Womens Day on March 8th, here are the two books that I keep on my desk at all times. They have equally inspired me to lift my game and boosted my confidence.
Winging It
by Emma Issacs
“Stop Thinking, Start Doing: Why Action Beats Planning Every Time”.
Emma Issacs is the Founder and Global CEO of Business Chicks – a global enterprise operating in two continents and eleven cities as well as being Australia’s largest community for women. This is a book for everyone that is restless and thinks there is something more out there for them. It draws on her life and the lessons she has learnt by not waiting until she is ready but instead taking action now and figuring out the rest as you go along. In other words – you’ve got to learn to ‘wing it’. The energy that Emma has for inspiring others just jumps off the pages as you read it. The book is action packed with practical ideas on running a business, cultivating relationships, managing people and turning your dreams into plans. She also talks about the career/family juggle with great pragmatism and humour which resonates even more when you learn that she has five kids and another one on the way! If you are ready for your next step – read this.
The Coaching Habit. Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever
by Michael Bungay Stanier
“Harlan Howard said every great country song has three chords and the truth. This book gives you seven questions and the tools to make them an everyday way to work less hard and have more impact”.
Without wanting to repeat the book title, I’m going to do it anyway. If you buy one book that will change the way you lead forever, then this is it. Without a doubt, the biggest pain point I hear from leaders that I coach is managing people. In this book, Michael Bungay Stanier offers a staggeringly simple proposition – it is the act of asking questions that is critical rather than having all the answers. For some leaders, it is a relief to know that they don’t need to know the answers all the time and they can tame the “advice monster” that lives inside us all. Through real life examples and a workbook format, you will become the expert in the seven questions that will help you build a coaching habit. And it will all make so much sense. With recommendations from Brenè Brown, Daniel H. Pink and now me, this book will ensure you’re in good company. 😊
Emma Mclean Coaching 