"5: Where Will You Be 5 Years From Now" by Dan Zadra
A great bedside book to provoke thought. I'm a big believer in goal setting. This little book challenges us to think down the road and beyond our current world. I share it often and use it to help people get outside their box. A fun and useful read. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Accountability" by Greg Bustin
This book is filled with examples about accountability successes and failures. Bustin takes the approach from concept to action. As a Vistage Chair, Greg knows accountability. He teaches exercises and techniques to build a culture of accountability. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
There was no better book I read in 2018 than Atomic Habits. It fits perfectly with “The Power of Habits” by Duhigg. I describe this book as a “how to” manual for developing strong habits. I highly recommend it, especially going into the New Year!
"Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell is just a brilliant author. Blink demonstrates this through story and insight into our decision process. We often over think decisions. Conversely, many of the beliefs we'v had about decision making are proven wrong. A thoughtful read. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Conversational Capacity" by Craig Weber
No book has had a bigger impact on the relationships in my life than Conversational Capacity. Distance between people is such a common problem in business and life. Weber does a masterful job of teaching a simple approach to creating an environment where true feelings and thoughts can be shared. Craig has become a friend and I am appreciative of his work and impact into so many lives. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Crucial Conversations" by Kerry Patterson
"The most important conversation is the one you're not having" Patterson lays out a process to approach and confront tough conversations. A good read and one of the top communication books I've read. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
“Dare to Serve” By Cheryl Bachelder
Cheryl Bachelder is the former CEO for Popeye's Chicken. A well written book about a "conscious decision to lead in a new way". A Dare to Serve leader is one serious about influence and stewardship. It is about serving people, pursuit of a daring destination for the people, helping others find meaning and purpose, and providing an environment of learning and growth. Submitted by Steve Mack
"Death by Meeting" by Patrick Lencioni
Lencioni delivers a powerhouse parable filled with truth. Meetings can be a huge waste of time. This book teaches principles on ways to make meetings far more effective. An outstanding book. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown
Essentialism is a concept that has been around for generations. McKeown refines this into a practical approach for all of us and delivers techniques to be focused and accomplish more by doing less. I love the simple approach and clear communication that the author delivers. One of the best books I’ve read in 2018. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Fierce Conversations" by Susan Scott
Susan Scott is a Vistage chair and has seen her share of tough conversations. This experience, coupled with an excellent approach makes this book invaluable. I gained a great deal from this book about confrontation and the power of tough love. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
A critical read for leaders. As is the case of most of Lencioni's books, this parable sounds familiar. Dysfunction is a part of every company. Recognizing it and dealing with it must happen. This book lays the groundwork for a healthy culture. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Getting Naked" by Patrick Lencioni
Vulnerability has been a hot topic lately, with good reason. It is uncommon and critical for leadership success. In typical Lencioni fashion, this book tells a parable that is easily relatable. This approach teaches how to improve relationships with team members and clients. A valuable book that is equally eye opening. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Getting Things Done" by David Allen
If there were a gold standard for productivity, it would be this book. David Allen is widely recognized as an expert in this field and it shows. A simple and practical approach to get more done with less time. Something we all can benefit from! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Give and Take" by Adam Grant
Grant suggests that there are three types of people, givers, takers and exchangers. He presents research proving which type person is most successful and why. He goes on to explain how to be a balanced giver and the impact we can have on others. Best book of 2017. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Good to Great" by Jim Collins
If you haven't already read Good to Great, get it now! The principles Collins presents in this book are true and impactful. Fantastic illustrations about what separates companies and how the best rise to the top. A must read for business leaders. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth
"Talent counts, effort counts twice". This quote at the end of Chap. 2 of GRIT is a synopsis of the basic premise of Dr. Duckworth's book. Talent seems to be something you inherit, while effort is something that you can grow both from inside and from outside. Submitted by Steve Mack
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
Vistage speaker Boaz Rauchwerger recommended this classic. It is timeless and filled with useful anecdotes and truisms. It is a book everyone should read. A fantastic reminder about how to treat others and grow yourself as a leader. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Hyper Sales Growth" by Jack Daly
Jack Daly is simply the best! This book has fantastic idea after fantastic idea. I have personally gained more from practicing what Jack teaches than any other author. Simple activities every day that make me more effective and impactful as a leader. Thanks Jack! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Leadership and Self Deception" by The Arbinger Institute
The authors tell a story of someone with an "inward" mindset. The story follows him at both work and home and paints a picture of the impact of putting ourselves first. Well written and easy to follow. The book delivers simple language to use to identify an unproductive and potentially destructive mindset. Best book of 2016. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Leadership is an Art" by Max DuPree
The most thoughtful leadership book ever! I look the stories in this beautifully written book. "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality" is a fantastic quote and very true. This book is one I read often and share with others. It defines leadership. Submitted byTom Cuthbert
"Learning Leadership" by Barry Posner
This book is about the fundamentals of leadership. The authors take a practical approach to helping the reader develop leadership skills and enhance their effectiveness. I took away several ideas, most importantly, leaders don't grow on their own. We all need peers, coaches and mentors. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
What makes high achievers different? This is the question Gladwell asks and answers in Outliers. His famous statement that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery is found here. Fascinating read! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One" by Jenny Blake
If you are searching for what is next, this is one of the most practical books in the career space. Make sure you are prepared to take breaks and do the exercises to really get the full value of what Jenny is selling here. A great read for anyone struggling with the question that they know they can do more, but they aren't sure how to start. The advice is applicable to someone looking to change careers, or to someone looking to accelerate their career within an organization. Submitted by Brian Regnier
"Power Questions" by Andrew Sobel
Sobel and his co-author have been executive coaches for decades. The book recounts some of those conversations and provides deep insight into coaching and leadership. There is even a long list at the back of the book of "Power Questions". I refer to this list often and am grateful to the authors for this fantastic book! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Smarter Faster Better" by Charles Duhigg
This book focuses on better decision making and productivity. I found the examples excellent and relevant to me. I took exceptional value from the concept of "disfluency" and enjoy the story that described it. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln" by James Humes
A text book approach colored by remarkable stories from the authors personal experience. Humes is a master at his craft. He shares practical and impactful ideas to strengthen communication style and substance. An outstanding read! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
Every business, every leader needs a "why". Our why is our north star, guiding us toward our purpose. Sinek does a great job of providing examples and anecdotes to help us understand the concept and significant of "why". Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"That's a Great Question" by Greg Bustin
I love great questions! Greg Bustin pulls together some of the best along with techniques to apply the question to the right moment. A practical approach to learning to love questioning. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu
Over 2,500 years ago, Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War. He was known for winning and it was the strategy that won the wars. There are jewels of information and advice that apply today every much as they did centuries ago. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Fine Art of Small Talk" by Debra Fine
I love this little book! Debra Fine tells her own story of struggling to connect with others. She offers specific steps and tips to become more effective and comfortable in a networking situation. An important read for leaders wanting to improve their connecting skills! Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Go Getter" by Peter Kyne
Every young person should read this short story. We all have a bit of "go getter" in us! This little known timeless classic helps us discover our inner strength and perseverance. A touching and impactful story. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Marketing Playbook" by John Zagula
I bought and read this book in 2006. It outlines "plays" that can be used in business. Really interesting and timeless stories. We used one of the plays in building the strategic plan for Click Forensics (Adometry). I would run that play again today! A fantastic book. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The One Minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard
For many of us, The One Minute Manager was the first business book we read. While a wildly oversimplified approach is presented, there are important lessons. I refer young managers to this book. The principles are sound and a good starting point. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The One Page Sales Coach" by Dean Minuto
Dean Minuto shares his personal experience to help us plan and execute successful selling. His approach is unique and useful. I love the takeaways and simple phrases. I read the book after hearing Dean speak. It is a fantastic resource for selling. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Outward Mindset" by Arbinger Institute
The follow on book to "Leadership and Self Deception. This book presents clear action steps to move ourselves and others from an inward mindset to an outward mindset. Well written and useful. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury
"No" is the most powerful word in our vocabulary and the least used. Ever wonder why we don't have time, don't complete tasks or feel overcommitted? Ury delivers the answers and techniques to learn the power of a positive no. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Power of Peers" by Leo Battary
There is exponential growth found in peer groups. Since 2012 I've had the privilege of facilitating CEO peer groups. I've seen first hand the power of peers and recommend all leaders find a tribe to join. This book makes the case for peer groups and how to get the most out of the experience. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brene Brown
I loved listening to this book! I am a fan of Brene's Ted Talks and this book delivers great information in a fun format. She is funny, challenging and spot on. Dr. Brown's research paints a clear picture for the need to be authentic in life and work. She lays out 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living. Very useful and personally impactful. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
While the language in the book seems ancient, the principles are timeless. One of the all-time classics for business. Chocked full of great ideas and information that we too easily forget and overlook. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
The Tipping Point demonstrates how trends and waves of popularity gain traction. Even though it was written in 2000, it is relevant today. Social media accelerates a lot of trends. I hope he writes an updated version. Really interesting book. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Tools of Titans" by Tim Ferriss
This is a huge book built from thousands of hours of conversations with successful and interesting people from all walks of life. I took away dozens of individual ideas and "life hacks" I've found useful. A long read and broken into easy to follow short sections. Find my recap HERE. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"Traction" by Gino Wickman
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a very effective approach for many companies. I have quite a few member companies who have adopted this and are living out Traction daily. This is a text book on understanding and self implementing EOS. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
"What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith
Goldsmith is one of the top executive coaches of all time. This book is a "learning from the masters" experience. So many useful ideas to help get the most out of the people in my life and myself. Challenging and thought provoking. Submitted by Tom Cuthbert
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