Favorite Books I enjoyed in 2019 on Leadership, Coaching, and Entrepreneurship
To support lifelong learning, I read A LOT of books, article, and blogs. In 2019, I set a goal to read 50 books annually. I exceeded my goal by reading 51 books! Reading, for me, includes reading a physical book or e-book, and also listening to audio books. In order to keep track of which books I have read, I keep a list in a Google docs spreadsheet. Between the years, it was not uncommon for me to request the same book from the library that I have read in the past, and the list heIps me to keep track of my reading. I also recommend books of interest in my monthly newsletter. To keep track of what I am learning through reading, I write notes in my Evernote notebook that I can reference to use in the future (i.e. blog posts like this).
Here is my list of 10 Favorites books in 2019
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
As an entrepreneur, I use social media and technology a lot! In 2019, I thought I may be connected too much, and read Cal’s book to learn strategies to be effective and spend less time connected. In this book, Cal suggests to take a 30-day break from “optional technologies” and use the time to do things you find satisfying and meaningful. In a recent article, he suggested a simpler version that he recommend for his students: use smart phone only for phone calls, texts, maps / navigation, and audio (Podcasts / songs / books). I am testing this experiment right now!
Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Income Streams, and Thrive by Dorie Clark
This is an excellent book for entrepreneurs, whether you are brand new or have an existing business. This book shared ideas for building multiple income streams and growing your business(s). Dorie covers tips and proven strategies for building your public speaking business, writing books or blogs, consulting, coaching, and online courses. She also provides a link to her Self Assessment that will help you navigate next steps with growing your business.
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Marie offers an optimistic approach to accomplishment. In this book, she gives many tips to move forward. At the end of each chapter, she provides “Insights to Action” which gives the reader smart steps to take as they navigate overcoming challenges in business and at home.
Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth by Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith, and Ellen Van Oosten
As a fan of Dr. Boyatzis’ approach to Compassion-based coaching, this book gives both conversation guides and tips to be most effective with coaching to support others. This book is not only targeted for coaches, but anyone who supports others, whether a therapist, manager, leader, or teacher. I enjoyed the stories that showed how this approach was applied to real cases.
The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson
This book shares thorough research by Dr. Edmondson that ties psychological safety to business performance. Psychologically safe work environments promote people to speak up, take risk, and is essential to producing high performance!
How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
In this book, Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith share best ways for women to move up and ahead at work. I was most intrigued by the habit of “putting their job before their career”. I am thankful for this book as it’s a reminder to all women to push forward! I have shared this book with many of my coaching clients who are women.
Scaling Leadership: Building Organizational Capability and Capacity to Create Outcomes that Matter Most by Robert Anderson and William Adams
This books shares Bob and Bill’s research and findings on building leadership in a volatile and complex world. The book covers findings about development gaps as well as top strengths for leaders.
Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game by Abby Wambach
This book, written by two-time Olympic gold medal soccer player Abby Wambach, shares rules that will change the leadership game. This books aims to inspire women to use their power to advance themselves, their careers, and their organizations.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Second Edition: No Guilt. No Excuses. No BS by Ramit Seth
Having read Ramit’s first version of this book 10 years ago, it was fun to read his 2nd edition that contains updated strategies on everything from investing and setting up automatic financial management, to avoiding annual credit card fees. In addition, the book shares ways to build a “conscious spending plan” to include room for FUN money expenses as well as monthly fixed expenses.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates
I listened to this inspiring book while traveling. Her first book, Melinda shares stories from women all over the world, and how empowering women leads to positive change. She recommends giving women a full voice, and discusses how tiny changes can make a huge difference. This book is focused on breaking down barriers for women to advance humanity.
What books did you most enjoy in 2019? Leave a comment.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. WHAT BOOKS DID YOUR READ IN 2019? I SPENT A LOT OF TIME WRITING THIS STORY, SO IF YOU ENJOYED IT, PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING, AND LEAVE A COMMENT OR QUESTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY. I’D REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
Check out my other blogs on recommended books for:
5 Favorite Books on Positive Psychology
5 Favorite books on Coaching Coaching
5 Favorite books on Leadership Excellence
Disclaimer: This very helpful post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.
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About the Author: Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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