READ AND LEARN

reading picks Lukas Breucha reading picks Lukas Breucha

Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations is a practical guide to handling high-stakes conversations in any situation. The book provides a framework for approaching difficult conversations with a clear head, understanding the underlying dynamics, and achieving positive outcomes.

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler are co-founders of VitalSmarts, a training and development company that specializes in corporate training programs for communication, leadership, and performance improvement. Together they have authored several best-selling books, including Crucial Conversations, which has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into over 30 languages.

Crucial Conversations is a practical guide to handling high-stakes conversations in any situation. The book provides a framework for approaching difficult conversations with a clear head, understanding the underlying dynamics, and achieving positive outcomes. The authors provide actionable strategies for navigating conversations about sensitive topics, dealing with difficult people, and avoiding common communication pitfalls.

The book identifies key skills required to engage in effective dialogue, including staying focused on the problem at hand, creating a safe environment for all parties involved, and recognizing when to step back and allow the other party to express their point of view. The authors stress the importance of maintaining open and honest communication, and the value of seeking mutual understanding and agreement. They also provide useful tools for managing emotions, overcoming barriers, and building trust in relationships.

Key takeaways from the book include:

  1. The importance of identifying and addressing crucial conversations

  2. The need to create a safe environment for dialogue

  3. The importance of staying focused on the problem, not the person

  4. How to use facts and evidence to support your point of view

  5. The value of seeking mutual understanding and agreement

  6. Strategies for managing emotions during difficult conversations

  7. How to identify and avoid common communication pitfalls

  8. The importance of building trust in relationships

  9. Techniques for dealing with difficult people and situations

  10. The need to practice and apply these skills in everyday life

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Crucial Conversations (Third Edition): Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
By Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory
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The One Minute Manager

The One Minute Manager is a classic book that has been widely acclaimed for its simple and effective approach to management.

Kenneth Blanchard is a management expert, leadership consultant, and speaker who has authored several best-selling books on leadership and organizational behavior. Spencer Johnson was an American physician and author who wrote several books on personal and organizational development. Together, they wrote "The One Minute Manager," which is a classic book that has been widely acclaimed for its simple and effective approach to management.

The book is a quick and easy read that outlines a practical approach to effective management in a simple parable format. The authors explain how the One Minute Manager approach can be applied to achieve better results and better relationships with employees. The book presents a straightforward framework for effective leadership, focusing on clear goals, performance standards, and accountability. The approach is built around three core principles: goal setting, performance improvement, and positive reinforcement.

The authors explain how these principles can be applied in practice, providing clear examples and actionable advice. The book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills or become a more effective manager. It is a timeless classic that has helped millions of managers achieve success in their careers.

Key takeaways from the book include:

  1. Set clear and specific goals for your employees.

  2. Use the One Minute Praising approach to give positive feedback.

  3. Use the One Minute Reprimand approach to address negative behavior.

  4. Give feedback immediately, rather than waiting for performance reviews.

  5. Use a simple, direct, and consistent approach to communication.

  6. Focus on the strengths and potential of your employees.

  7. Provide ongoing training and support to help your employees improve.

  8. Encourage your employees to take ownership of their work.

  9. Celebrate successes and recognize achievements.

  10. Continually improve your leadership skills and approach.

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The New One Minute Manager
By Blanchard, Ken, Johnson, Spencer
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The Art of Possibility

"The Art of Possibility" is a book co-authored by Rosamund Stone Zander, a therapist and executive coach, and Benjamin Zander, a renowned conductor and music educator.

"The Art of Possibility" is a book co-authored by Rosamund Stone Zander, a therapist and executive coach, and Benjamin Zander, a renowned conductor and music educator. The book is a compelling exploration of how we can transform our perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs to expand our sense of possibility, creativity, and abundance in all aspects of our lives.

In "The Art of Possibility," the Zanders present 12 empowering principles and practices that can inspire readers to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace uncertainty, and tap into the vast potential of their own creativity and imagination. The book shares many insightful stories and practical examples that illustrate how adopting a mindset of abundance, possibility, and generosity can lead to profound personal and professional growth, as well as deep connections with others.

The authors encourage readers to view life as an adventure, rather than a problem to be solved, and to embrace the power of creativity, collaboration, and generosity in creating new opportunities and relationships. With its blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and uplifting philosophy, "The Art of Possibility" offers a refreshing perspective on how we can transform our lives and unlock our full potential.

The 10 key takeaways from "The Art of Possibility":

  1. Shift from a "scarcity" mindset to an "abundance" mindset

  2. Practice "giving an A" to others and to yourself

  3. Embrace the power of perspective-shifting

  4. Cultivate a sense of possibility and creativity

  5. Foster a culture of collaboration and interdependence

  6. Let go of "the way things are" and embrace the uncertainty of "the way things could be"

  7. Tap into the power of questions and inquiry

  8. Recognize and challenge limiting beliefs and assumptions

  9. Embrace the power of the present moment

  10. Practice gratitude and celebrate small wins along the way.

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The 7 Habbits of highly effective People

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a book written by Stephen Covey. Stephen Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker, who was widely recognized for his work in the field of personal and organizational effectiveness.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a book written by Stephen Covey. Stephen Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker, who was widely recognized for his work in the field of personal and organizational effectiveness.

The book provides a comprehensive guide to developing personal effectiveness and leadership skills. The author argues that by developing these skills, individuals can become more successful in their personal and professional lives. The book is divided into three parts: the first part provides an overview of the 7 habits, the second part examines how to develop the 7 habits, and the third part looks at how to apply the 7 habits in different areas of life.

The seven habits are:

  1. Be proactive

  1. Begin with the end in mind

  2. Put first things first

  3. Think win-win

  4. Seek first to understand, then to be understood

  5. Synergize

  6. Sharpen the saw

Ten key takeaways from the book:

  1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a comprehensive guide to developing personal effectiveness and leadership skills.

  1. The seven habits are: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood, synergize and sharpen the saw.

  2. The book emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and actions.

  3. The book highlights the importance of setting and achieving long-term goals.

  4. The book stresses the importance of prioritizing and focusing on what is important.

  5. The book teaches the importance of effective communication and understanding others.

  6. The book emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

  7. The book provides guidance on how to balance and improve various aspects of life, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

  8. The book has been widely read and studied by individuals, leaders, and organizations for decades.

  9. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional effectiveness and leadership skills.

In conclusion, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a classic book that provides valuable insights on how to improve personal and professional effectiveness and leadership skills. The book covers various aspects of personal development and provides guidance on how to balance and improve various aspects of life. The seven habits, which are the core of the book, are valuable tools that can help individuals achieve greater success and satisfaction in their personal and professional lives. The book has been widely read and studied by individuals, leaders, and organizations for decades and it continues to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional effectiveness and leadership skills.

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Out of the Crisis

Reading Pick of the day! Out of the Crisis. A classic but now more valid than ever! Written by the godfather of good mgmt. W. Edwards Deming.

Today’s reading pick:

Out of the crisis - by W. Edwards Deming

Deming could be called the Majestro of quality control, the Grand Monsieur of business consulting, the Godfather of management science. Deming is the source of modern business thought. He helped engineer the rise of Japanese competitiveness in the consumer goods sector, thereby giving a major prod to globalization. Perhaps his only failure was not envisioning the extremes to which others would later push his ideas of “constancy of purpose” (e.g. continuous quality improvement). Then again, their own ideas often come back to haunt prophets and, on most points, Deming passes the test of time with flying colors. In this reprint of his 1986 classic, his arguments for single supplier sourcing and for leadership rather than supervision, and against production quotas and the absurd practice of management by walking around, ring as true today as ever. 

Take-Aways

  • The US economy needs revolution, transformation and change, not a hot fix.

  • The theory that manufacturers have to choose between high volume and high quality is a lie.

  • Production increases as quality improves, because products require less “rework” and employees are more satisfied, which leads to greater productivity.

  • Japan has no natural resources; it succeeds due to its commitment to quality.

  • Like auto accident statistics, measures of productivity tell you what went wrong but not how to fix it.

  • Companies must guide workers’ efforts with a theory of management. Just having everyone try to do their best is insufficient and will lead to chaos.

  • You have to build quality instead of checking for it.

  • Quotas and management by numbers work against quality. Get rid of them.

  • Relying on a single source supplier will enhance quality in the long run.

  • If you hire consultants, give them the authority to visit any aspect of the company.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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A Manager's guide to coaching

Reading Pick of the day! A manager’s guide to coaching. Simple and effective ways to get the BEST out of your employees - by Brian Emerson and Anne Loehr.

Today’s reading pick:

A manager’s guide to coaching - by brian emerson and anne loehr

In this absolut useful book, two executive coaches, Anne Loehr and Brian Emerson, explain what coaching is, how it functions and how managers can learn to put it to work to improve employees’ productivity and morale. Often people are unaware of attitudes or behaviors that are holding them back or jeopardizing their careers. That’s where a good coach plays a crucial role. The authors delve into coaching’s methods, explain its benefits, and offer thoughtful instructions and examples. They devote the last third of the book to specific questions to ask while coaching. How you’ll react to the writing style, which is generally clear and serviceable, depends on if you think that “coachee” is a real word and that “everyone does their work” is good enough on the grammar front. Either way, this is a straightforward, practical book for managers who want to be productive coaches.

KEY Take aways

  • An employee’s success depends on “aptitude, attitude and resources.” Attitude matters most. In fact, a better outlook can make up for shortfalls in skills or materials.

  • Coaching helps staffers address behaviors and outlooks that hurt their productivity.

  • The “W.I.N. B.I.G.” process outlines steps to use with your staff members. In the W.I.N. stage, ask questions to help employees develop self-awareness about issues that are holding them back.

  • In the B.I.G. stage, help them plan and institute problem-solving action.

  • Effective coaches believe in employees’ potential, remain detached, heed their own instincts, set an easy atmosphere, don’t bog down and show alternative perspectives.

  • Coaches must “listen,” pay attention, offer “feedback” and “celebrate” victories.

  • Coaching offers employees an exciting journey of personal and career growth.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!

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