Favorite Books I Learned the Most From in 2022 on Leadership, Inclusion, & Optimism

To support lifelong learning, I read A LOT of books, articles, and blogs. In 2022, I set a goal to read 40 books annually. 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. I also recommend books of interest in my monthly newsletter.

➡️ SEE All my book recommendations

10 books I learned the most from in 2022

Leadership

I frequently read books about business and leadership because I often use the lessons in my consulting practice or when I am teaching leadership development for my clients.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Radical candor is a straightforward, deeply human way to manage people who work for you and supporting them through problems. There are two vital components to radical candor: “caring personally” and “challenging directly.”

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek
Although this book is not new, it was new for me this year. In this book, Sinek’s second, he shares about a practice in which Marine Corps Officers eat last, sacrificing their own needs for those in their care. Sacrifice is key. The book shares stories of corporate cultures built on sacrifice and a “circle of safety” to protect organizations from infighting to maximize results.

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
This book was recommended for me to read by one of my mentors. This book is a parable. According to the book, self-deception affects everyone. It references “being stuck in a box” –despite our best intentions. We have a biased view of problems, may be unaware of their underlying causes and our roles in them. It erodes our effectiveness and happiness levels in work and life, and like a virus can spread and infect everyone around us.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown
I admit that I am a huge fan of Brene Brown, her Ted Talks, research and books; I have read them all! I have incorporated many of her lessons in my coaching, speaking and leadership development courses with clients.

Anti-Racism / Social Justice/ Gender Equality

The more I work with folks in historically under-represented communities, the more I want and need to learn about their struggles and successes.

How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace by Melinda Briana Epler
I learned about this author and book at the 2022 World Business and Executive Coaching Summit (WBECS). The author was a speaker and led an engaging workshop during the pre-summit. In the book, Melinda shares seven ways to be an ally including recognizing microaggressions, standing up for what is right, and leading change.

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
After reading Wilkerson’s previous book “The Warmth of Other Suns,” I felt pulled to continue to read books by this author. Her books are honest and eye opening! The author argues that the racial tensions in the United States are better explained through the lens of caste, not race—a 400-year-old hierarchy placing white people at the top and Black people at the bottom.

Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams by Stefanie K. Johnson
This book shares the recipe for Inclusion. Uniqueness + Belonging. It also includes the ABCs of breaking bias: Admit it, Block it, and Control It. We all have bias, as inclusive as we strive to be. I appreciated this book’s simple examples and stories that anyone can relate to.

Optimism, Positive Psychology, and Self-Help

I frequently read books about positivity and self-help because I often use the lessons in my consulting practice or when I am coaching my clients.

Your Time to Thrive: End Burnout, Increase Well-being, and Unlock Your Full Potential with the New Science of Microsteps by Karome Lhidekel
This book was recommended by a speaker at the Vermont HR SHRM Conference that I attended and spoke at this year. This book is backed by research and science from Thrive Global and world renowned faculty on the science of habits for improving health and wellbeing. So far, I have removed tech devices from my bedroom and turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime, as I work to implement new microsteps and habits in my own life. I am happy to share this approach with clients who are working on establishing new habits at work.

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
I have been a fan and follower of Jane Goodall for years! Earlier in my life, I followed her work with saving chimps in Africa. Her work has inspired me throughout my life. This book shares the history of hope and ways to stay hopeful even when environmental, cultural, and political challenges seem impossible.

Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits by Emmanuel Acho
I became familiar with Emmanuel Acho through his YouTube series and then book “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” that came from his work to educate after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. His most recent book, Illogical, pushes the reader to say yes to challenges and opportunities. I found this book to be inspiring when I listened to the audio book on my many bike rides!

What books did you most enjoy in 2022? Leave a comment.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. WHAT BOOKS DID YOUR READ IN 2022? I SPENT A LOT OF TIME WRITING THIS BLOG, SO IF YOU ENJOYED IT, PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING, AND LEAVE A COMMENT OR QUESTION AT THE BOTTOM. 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.

Follow my blogs on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Sign up for our Newsletter for great articles, tools, and top blog posts

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.