More than 11,000 business books are published every year—an overwhelming choice for busy professionals. Therefore, in partnership with getAbstract, Training brings you October’s top three business books recommended to our readers.
“The Performance Triangle. Diagnostic Mentoring to Manage Organizations and People for Superior Performance in Turbulent Times” by Lukas Michel (LID Publishing, 2014, 368 pages, ISBN: 9781907794414; $22.52)
This “Performance Triangle” text is a tool, manual, and guide. Swiss management consultant Lukas Michel bases it on data from his extensive study of organizations over the course of his 30-year career. He understands that modern companies must adapt, make better decisions, and exercise agility in a system that centers on people. His triangle shows how strong organizations structure themselves. Michel offers a “leadership scorecard” and an organizational diagnostic, plus warnings, suggestions, and ideas for building a powerful framework for organizational success. Instead of reading it cover to cover, you might carry out the diagnostic on page 18, identify your priorities, and turn to the specific sections offering insights into those areas. Michel avoids giving tips or prescribing a “to-do” list, but he shows you how to develop solutions using his “diagnostic self-mentoring” tool for thoughtful executives. getAbstract recommends Michel’s ambitious, demanding book to determined leaders seeking insight into what elements of their operations require attention.
Rating (out of 10): 8
Applicability: 9
Innovation: 8
Style: 6
“The Confidence Effect. Every Woman’s Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success” by Grace Killelea (AMACOM, 2016, 224 pages, ISBN: 9780814436417; $12.92)
Many talented women don’t receive the promotions or raises they deserve because they’re competent but not confident. Consultant Grace Killelea shows businesswomen how to increase their confidence with the “4 R’s of Success”: “Relationships, Reputation, Results, and Resilience.” Killelea discusses how to expand your network, learn to delegate, dress for career growth, manage your brand, use data to support your decisions, and bounce back from adversity. Anyone who isn’t sure what to do next in order to advance can learn from Killelea’s experiences. She speaks from a position of relatable vulnerability and offers abundant lists, examples, anecdotal profiles, and chapter takeaways. getAbstract recommends her encouraging advice to working women—and, in some instances, to working men, as well.
Rating (out of 10): 7
Applicability: 8
Innovation: 6
Style: 8
“The Ideal Team Player. How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues” by Patrick Lencioni (Jossey-Bass Inc. Publishers, 2016, 226 pages, ISBN: 9781119209591; $15.16)
Best-selling business author Patrick Lencioni’s handy guide, which explains the top three traits of superior team players, comes cloaked in a story that also tells you how to hire the right people and help them become better team players. This informative business fable flows easily and ends with strong instructions and guidelines. Lencioni has spent the last 20 years consulting with quality teams and publishing business fables. While sometimes repetitious, this tale is plausible, helpful, engaging, and entertaining. Lencioni is known for packing lots of lessons into accessible corporate storytelling, and here he pitches a good one for the team. getAbstract recommends his illuminating parable to executives who recruit, manage, and rely on superior teams.
Rating (out of 10): 8
Applicability: 8
Innovation: 7
Style: 8
For five-page summaries of these and more than 15,000 other titles, visit http://www.getabstract.com/affiliate/trainingmagazine
