5 Resources That Helped Me Become a Better Leader
I am a lifelong learner. I consume a variety of mediums including podcasts, blogs, videos, and hardcovers (Ah writing in the margins.) The topics I read about are vast too! My list has helped me become more self-aware, a better listener, an inspiring leader, and so much more. Today, I want to share a part of this list with you.
The resources in this list have helped me become a more confident and authentic leader. And I hope they help you do the same.
Here are 5 resources that helped me become a better leader.
#1: The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
I loved this book because it provided a framework for my whole team.
It gave us the tools and common language to have difficult conversations in a way that strengthens relationships rather than weakening them.
Find it on Amazon here: The Speed of Trust (I do NOT earn any commissions for the links in this article)
#2: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
My favorite quote from this book is “You must practice seeing yourself with a little distance, cultivating the ability to get out of your own head. Detachment is a sort of natural ego antidote. It’s easy to be emotionally invested and infatuated with your own work. Any and every narcissist can do that. What is rare is not raw talent, skill or even confidence, but humility, diligence, and self-awareness.”
Find it on Amazon here: Ego is the Enemy
#3: Hacking Innovation by Josh Linkner
I loved this book because it provided a framework for innovation and creating change. The five core mindsets coupled with a menu of tactics allows the reader a choice in their specific challenge.
My favorite takeaway from this book is one of the Core Mindsets, “Compasses over Maps”. Start moving and acting even if the path is not fully clear. Adapt quickly along your journey. This helps get over the fear of the unknown and allows you to start, which often can be the hardest part.
Find it on Amazon here: Hacking Innovation
#4: Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider
The principles in this book changed my life. It creates tremendous self-awareness of how I was showing up in the world. With awareness and acceptance, you can be a choice with how you show up. When I started consciously choosing, it improved every relationship I have. Once you understand the seven levels of energy and you start recognizing how others are showing up, you have a superpower to help transform your interactions with others.
Find it on Amazon here: Energy Leadership
#5: The “I Hear You” podcast by Michael S. Sorensen
If you have any interest in improving your communication/interpersonal relationship skills I highly recommend checking out Michael’s work. My biggest take away from this is the sheer power of acknowledging and validating someone when strong emotions are present. When employees complain to me about an issue, making them feel heard is critical, even if you can’t fix what they are upset about.
“It shows genuine connection and care to people that you’re talking to with validation. You can help others process difficult emotions. You can help them find solutions to their problems, even if you don’t know how to solve it yourself.”
– Michael S. Sorensen
You can find the podcast here: I Hear You
So you have the resource list. Now what?
You are busy. I get it. I understand how difficult it is to carve out time for our own growth. I’ve been there. Here’s what I do to ensure my work (and life) doesn’t get in the way of the progress I want to make or the goals I want to achieve. I commit to reading just 10 minutes a day. (Often its more), I have a downloaded playlist of podcasts and audio books that I listen to when I’m in the car. Even if it’s just a short drive.
If I can do it, so can you. Start small. Pick one book/resource from the list above. One that feels the most aligned with where you are right now. One that you think will help the most. Determine how much time you’ll take to complete it. Pen the time in your calendar. Make a habit of it. I’m rooting for you.
Which book/resource did you select? Comment below or email me at Greg@gregcrossan.com.