Tom Langemo, RCC
Resources
Below are a sampling books that have made an impact on how I think about leadership, culture, change, and human and organizational wellbeing. Each have plenty of stick notes and scribbles in the margins!
And there are more! My home office is filled with books and I'm always happy to share what's been helpful and get recommendations to add to my library.
Culture Renovation: 18 Leadership Actions to Build an Unshakeable Company
Author: Kevin Oakes
For anyone in a position to affect and shape culture in any organization (that’s many of us), this is a fun and insightful source of frameworks and real-life examples. It’s full of sticky-notes now with all kinds of things to think about!
Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work
Author: Alice Driscoll and Louise Van Haarst
I’ve read a slew of books and articles about addressing conflict - and my coaching certification lands on this well. This book is a wonderful conglomeration of so much I’ve already learned in simple frameworks and a flow that makes sense specifically around tough conversations. Lots of sticky notes and a book I’ll go revisit often.
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
Author: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
An excellent take on the concept of delight in the context of customer and employee experiences, and the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when we take a moment to lift a moment for the benefit of others.
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life
Author: Rosamund Zander and Benjamin Zander
I've gifted this book many times to employees and coworkers. I had the joy of experiencing one of Ben Zander's workshops - it was incredible. So many nuggets in here about leadership and, well, living life.
The Heart of Business: Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism
Author: Hubert Joly
Tremendous book. For me, life changing in the timing and circumstance of reading it. I had the pleasure of working under and on a few occasions, directly with, Hubert while he was CEO at Best Buy. I have deep admiration for his leadership and saw what he wrote play out in real life. Authentic.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Author: Carol Dweck
When I was first exposed to the Neuroleadership Institute, I had no idea what the impact would be on me and my life. On top of gaining a Results Certified Coach credential and inspiring co-creation of an internal capability, it fueled interest in getting deeper into how and why we operate, individually and in community (culture), and this led me to Carol Dweck, a friend of the NLI. This book and anything by her is well worth the read. Articulate, tangible, and packed with examples to help elevate the concepts.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
Author: Gino Wickman
This was an easy read because it was well-constructed and followed basic human logic. It draws on what many in the corporate world have learned over the years and binds it together with real experiences to create an operating model that can be used in organizations to drive alignment, productivity, engagement, and growth. I have a lot of sticky notes in it!