A few of ArchPoint’s partners share their most valuable reads of the year both for personal and professional motivation. Read on for our recommendations and share yours in the comments.
One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams
by Chris Fussell
Military men and women know things that many others don’t. They do not get to walk away from their life or death struggles without understanding how to fix them with the people who face the perils with them. Not only that but through death-defying, trial and error they learn what teams are really all about. Of course the art of warfare has changed because of technology, but many of the real innovations center on how we learn to work together.
– Stephen Peele
Team of Teams
by General Stanley McChrystal
One of the books that reminds us that team structures and strategies need to change in a changing world. There is not one model of teams that carries the day in all situations and leaders must become adept at modifying the team model to fit the goals and obstacles they face. Also a very good view into one of the longest lasting and most successful organizations we know, the military.
– Stephen Peele
Anatomy of a Warrior
by Alex Lanshe
The author interviewed over 120 experts and compiled a list of 7 virtues to live by – to protect others and reduce violence. It’s a great guide to improve one’s mindset mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
– Amy Lazarus
5 Dysfunctions of a Team
by Patrick Lencioni
From a very practical and relatable perspective, this book and the other books by Pat Lencioni set one of the strongest foundations for leaders to understand team dynamics and growth. From an eloquent story and a simple model we have seen organizations build strong team cultures that can grow and win. The presentation appeals to both the left and the right sides of the brain. It sets up a great dialogue within leadership teams and it then allows you to adapt it to your organization and vision.
– Stephen Peele
Leadership and Self-Deception
by Arbinger Institute
One of the most human books I have read in years. A provocative title that invites only the most intrepid leaders who will not compromise on the truth. Each of us comes face to face with a very real truth, we are all biased. The challenge is to know when your biases become toxic so you can then find way out of the box where you objectify others. This is useful in all spheres of human engagement.
– Stephen Peele
On Writing
by Stephen King
I read Stephen King’s On Writing to learn about his writing craft. What I got was an inspirational sharing of key events in his life and how they’ve shaped his motivation, skill and approach to his work. All done with engaging blunt honesty and some great quotes:
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.”
– Jane Bilcock
Start with WHY
by Simon Sinek
I found few ideas that have been so profoundly helpful in understanding leadership at a very core level. There are plenty of leadership model and strategies but at the heart of great leadership is inspiring people to extraordinary performance. If you look at influential leaders you cannot miss this principle. Simon does the best job I have seen at clearly communicating a profound shift in our leadership paradigm. I have also found that this helps decode differences between cultures that approach answers from different directions.
– Stephen Peele