Current Favorites
Hey guys,
I have been asked about a few of the resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. “Current Favs” post will give you updates on what great tools I discover and a few that I keep close. I actually have today’s list on my desk right now! I’ve also listed why they are important, how they have helped me stay nimble and links to get your own copy. Let me know what you think, and if you have other favorites that you would like to share. Enjoy! -MJ
1. Dealing with People You Can’t Stand by Dr.Rick Brinkman and Dr. Rick Kirschner (McGraw Hill. 2012)
A previous version was assigned reading while working on my Masters and I love this latest revision even more. Understanding why people behave the way they do, can help you mitigate some of the difficult situations that can arise. Understand why a “Tank” bulldozes through the office and the best way of neutralizing a “Sniper” during your next meeting. If you work with people, this is book is a must-have!
2. Leading Leaders: How to Manage Smart, Talented, Rich and Powerful People by Jeswald W. Salacuse (Amacom, 2006)
This reference offers great insight on inspiring other leaders. The potential contributions of elites is vital to any organization, but the likelihood of friction is also high if relationships are not nurtured carefully. This book gave me great details that I reference often on how to leverage the assets of really talented and powerful people while making sure that “egos remain unbruised”.
3. Guerrilla Marketing for Nonprofits: 250 Tactics to Promote, Recruit, Motivate, and RAISE MORE MONEY by Levinson, Adkins & Forbes (Entrepreneur Press, 2010)
This is one of my favorite marketing guides. Both nonprofit and for profit entities can gain from the unique take on getting your services and good work in front of the right people. This is a definitive “How-To” resource, and should be on your desk today!
4. High Performance Ethics by Wes Cantrell and James R. Lucas (Tyndale, 2007)
This is a great review on not only doing the right thing because it is morally right, but it also speaks of doing the right thing because it nets a gain. One of the things that changed my thinking was understanding the “First things only” principle. Instead of having a long list of things to do, make sure that I spend the majority of my time doing the important things, things that really matter. This keeps me focused and prioritized. A great resource for key decision making tips for next-gen leadership.
5. Team Building by William Dyer and Jeffery Dyer (Jossey-Bass, 2007)
This is a great reference for facilitating and collaborating to create a high-yielding team. There is a later edition out that I haven’t read yet, so I didn’t include it in the list. Great desktop resource full of common workplace scenarios and plans to circumvent problematic areas. This is a team leader must-have!
6. MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) This is an assessment that has helped millions of people worldwide gain insights about themselves and how they interact with others—and improve how they communicate, learn, and work. Understanding how you, your staff and family process information helps you better understand how to lead and relate. I am an ENTJ and found it so revelatory about how I relate to the world. The test must be administered by a certified professional, so check with your HR department or get info here. I just found this freebie test at 16 Personalities and got the same results.
If you have a resource you think I should add, please share it with everyone in the comment section below. You can always check my RESOURCES page to find past favorites and other interesting tools.
You Can Do it! I am here to help. -MJ