Last year at this time, we were busy talking to journalists and editors about our book Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family after its release in October 2015. We are grateful for the amount of coverage the book received, knowing how difficult it is to get a book noticed among the umpteen business books that are released each and every month.
It wasn’t long before the magazine articles and reviews and podcasts and bestseller list accolades paid off and we began hearing from readers all over the world about how the book has opened their eyes, changed their minds or given them renewed hope. More than a year later, we continue to be amazed that our simple story, about the remarkable things that can happen when a business put its people at the center of its purpose, has found its way into the hands of people from all walks of life—from Fortune 500 CEOs to firefighters to city managers to manufacturing assembly workers to business students and teachers and countless others. More than ever, we know our message has power and our method has merit.
One of the wonderful byproducts of our growing reputation is the opportunity it has offered us to meet others who, like us at Barry-Wehmiller, are trying to make the world a better place through better workplace cultures, practices and leadership. From well-known speakers and consultants to up-and-coming bloggers and podcasters, we have met many impressive champions of change this year who devote day after day to changing minds and hearts. All of them have great wisdom to share! As you think about holiday gift purchases this year, consider these outstanding advocates’ books—and join us in making the world a better place together!
The Optimistic Workplace, Shawn Murphy
Shawn’s book was also released last year, around the same time as Everybody Matters. It is another essential read for everyone in an organization. “When it comes to work these days, we’re expected to do more with less–but is this nose-to-the-grindstone philosophy the best way to run a business? Alarmingly low employee engagement numbers indicate otherwise. So, if pushing everyone harder isn’t the path to productivity, what is?” Thankfully, The Optimistic Workplace has answers.
How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything in Business and in Life, Dov Seidman
I recently had lunch with Dov Seidman and am excited about the possibility of future collaboration. His bestselling book, How “explores how we think, how we behave, how we lead, and how we govern our institutions and ourselves to uncover the values-inspired ‘hows’ of twenty-first-century success and significance.”
Shakti Leadership, Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat
My good friend (and Everybody Matters co-author) Raj continues to explore all aspects of Conscious Leadership, this time with his friend, Nilima Bhat. In Shakti Leadership, they “show us a more balanced way, an archetype of leadership that is generative, cooperative, creative, inclusive, and empathetic.”
The Go-Giver Leader: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business, Bob Burg and John David Mann
Bob Burg is a very generous and vocal supporter of Truly Human Leadership. His most recent book, The Go-Giver Leader, is a re-release and something of a re-working of an earlier book on being a giving leader. Like his book, The Go-Giver, The Go-Giver Leader is a parable about a “struggling small business and the ambitious young executive trying to lead them to a crucial decision.”
Happywork, Chris Reimer
Happywork was released a couple of years ago, but it bears revisiting. Chris is another local friend who hit on some of the same themes as Everybody Matters in his book, which like The Go-Giver Leader, is also a business parable. “Delivered with wit and packed with profound sentiment, Happywork offers you truth the way we work is broken, our priorities are out of order, and now is the time for colossal change.”
The Soul of Money, Lynne Twist
Lynne has become a dear friend of our organization and offers a fresh perspective as we think about doing less harm while still doing good. Her book, The Soul of Money, will be re-released in March and is a portal to reexamining how “our attitudes toward money― earning it, spending it, and giving it away―can offer surprising insight into our lives, our values, and the essence of prosperity.”
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever, Michael Bungay-Stanier
Another guest on our Everybody Matters podcast, Michael has a great insight into an overlooked aspect of leadership. “Coaching is an essential skill for leaders. But for most busy, overworked managers, coaching employees is done badly, or not at all. They’re just too busy, and it’s too hard to change.” The Coaching Habit offers practical instruction and answers.
La morale aziendale, Sergio Casella
Sergio Casella is the president of Barry-Wehmiller’s PCMC division in Italy. Sergio has been a good friend and trusted advisor for quite some time. A couple of years ago, Sergio chronicled the story of his own leadership journey in his book, La morale aziendale, released in Italy. There is also an English translation.
Contagious Culture, Anese Cavanaugh
Anese was a guest on our Everybody Matters podcast recently, recommended to us by a local friend, Todd Reed of the Inspired and Intentional podcast. Contagious Culture is about “improving your leadership presence and your impact, not just on others but yourself; creating the space you need to share your vision, state your intention, and jump-start your team and about working yourself over―from the inside out―so you can become the strong, effective, inspiring leader you know you can be.”
Together is Better, Simon Sinek
Anything by our good friend Simon is essential, life-changing reading. For more on his new book, check out this recent blog post.