This is a “must read” for any leader at any point in their career.  As the preface states, it’s about “how leaders mobilize others to want to get extraordinary things done in organizations.  It’s about the practices leaders use to transform values into actions, visions into realities, obstacles into innovations, separateness into solidarity, and risks into rewards.” 

The sub-title of this book is “Dramatic Techniques to Reach Out, Motivate and Inspire.”  The authors have applied the lessons and expertise they have learned as performing artists to help tens of thousands of executives from companies all over the world to inspire confidence, command respect, build credibility and motivate others.  This book is an important read when seeking to understanding dynamic and authentic leadership.

Based on years of research while at the Gallup International Research and Education Center, Buckingham and Clifton have “created a revolutionary program to help readers identify their talents, build them into strengths and enjoy consistent, near perfect performance.”  This book shatters the myth that we must spend all our time striving to improve our weaknesses.  After discovering your strengths by using the StrengthsFinder Profile on the Internet, the book goes on to show you how to best leverage your strengths for best outcomes.  It is not an over-statement to say that this book can be life-changing.

Buckingham addresses the search of many women to “have it all.” His research shows that for all the gains women have made in the past decades, they are less happy than ever.  He looks at the concept of “having it all” in a new and unique way, and provides a realistic guide to help readers make the necessary changes to understand their individual keys to leading a strong life.

Pink will have you looking at every the world in a new way, and if you are a right-brainer, you will rejoice!  According to Pink, the keys to success are cultivating six senses:  design, story, symphony, empathy, play and meaning.  Pink supports a theory that the upcoming era of the world will be of intense change, comparable to the Industrial Revolution and the Renaissance.  It’s a fascinating and engagingly quick read. 

I guess you are seeing that when I find an author who moves me, I stick with them.  Daniel Pink is no exception.  Pink shows in this book that the method of carrot-and-stick motivation can actually be harmful.  His book provides strong evidence that the ability to grow and develop is at the heart of our motivation, and he shows how forward thinking companies are employing this strategy uniquely and with great success.