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Books

Essential reading on hiring, leadership, motivation, neurodiversity, and building inclusive workplaces.

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently

Based on Gallup's study of over 80,000 managers, uncovers what distinguishes the world's best managers. They focus on maximizing individual talent rather than overcoming weaknesses. Reveals 12 key statements that identify top-performing departments.

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

Jocko Willink and Leif Babin draw from their experiences as U.S. Navy SEAL officers in Iraq to demonstrate how battlefield leadership principles apply in business and life. Emphasizes that leadership is crucial at every level. Details key topics like Decentralized Command.

Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace

Guide to managing mental health in the workplace for managers, HR, and leaders. Covers recognizing at-risk employees, embracing diversity and neurodiversity, building a safe climate for open communication, and reducing stress and stigma. Benefits include improved employee well-being, productivity, and stronger teams.

The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World That Values Sameness

Todd Rose challenges the notion of measuring individuals against averages. Introduces three principles of individuality: jaggedness (talent varies), context (traits are contextual), and pathways (unique life journeys). Urges a shift from average-based views to recognizing individual uniqueness.

Persons in Context: Building a Science of the Individual

Features contributions from leading psychology researchers, building on Walter Mischel's influential work. Emphasizes the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environments, offering a redefined understanding of human nature that considers personal traits and environmental factors.

Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs

John Doerr explores the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) goal-setting system that has driven success at Google and other major tech companies. Explains how OKRs help set clear, measurable goals while enhancing transparency and coordination across all company levels.

Corporate Explorer: How Corporations Beat Startups at the Innovation Game

Introduces Corporate Explorers—a hybrid of entrepreneurs and change leaders within corporations who utilize existing resources to build new ventures. By Binns, O'Reilly, and Tushman. Provides a practical framework for applying innovation practices and leading new business models.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional carrot-and-stick motivation, proposing that true motivation arises from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Draws on four decades of scientific research to highlight the disconnect between business practices and what science tells us about motivation.

The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired

Lou Adler's Performance-based Hiring method for both hiring managers and job seekers. Uses performance profiles instead of traditional job descriptions. Promotes diversity by opening doors to candidates with varied experiences and backgrounds, and is legally compliant.

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win

Jocko Willink and Leif Babin build on "Extreme Ownership" to explore the balance essential in effective leadership. A good leader must also be a good follower—taking charge yet being ready to step back, being focused yet maintaining detachment, balancing aggression with prudence.

Fad Surfing In The Boardroom: Reclaiming The Courage To Manage In The Age Of Instant Answers

A lighthearted yet insightful look at panacea corporate thinking. Identifies the pitfalls of programs like Total Quality Management and Quality Function Deployment while explaining which management tools genuinely help—and which don't. Encourages managers to think critically about trendy solutions.

Hire With Your Head: Using Performance-Based Hiring to Build Outstanding Diverse Teams

Lou Adler's comprehensive guide to performance-based hiring (4th edition). Focuses on win-win hiring outcomes, implementing a "High Tech, High Touch" approach, and expanding talent pools by defining roles through key performance objectives. Ideal for hiring managers, recruiters, and HR professionals.

The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work

A groundbreaking guide to creating inclusive, win-win workplaces. Addresses barriers faced by neurodivergent and marginalized communities and offers a holistic, intersectional approach to organizational talent practices. Provides a "lead from where you are" framework for change-making.

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