Nine books recommended by public sector leaders
I have received more book recommendations from many leaders from various sectors working in the public sector. All these leaders speak of the joy and learning they derived from reading great books.
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There are recommendations for every interest, very familiar titles and new ones.
These books will be great companions on your leadership journey as they have been to these leaders. Enjoy reading.
Dr Gifty Sunkwa-Mills: Operations Manager at PharmAccess, Ghana; Member of the Ghana College of Physicians (Public Health); PhD Research Fellow, University of Copenhagen.
Atomic Habits by James Clear:
The book emphasises the power of small habits and their cumulative impact over time. One key lesson is "habit stacking", which involves linking a new habit you want to form with an existing routine. By intentionally designing your environment and creating cues that prompt the desired behaviour, you can make it easier to develop positive habits.
The book also highlights the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, as consistent small improvements lead to significant long-term results.
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma:
This book promotes waking up early and making the most of the first hours of the day. A critical lesson from the book is the concept of the "Victory Hour."
This hour, typically from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., is an opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and setting intentions for the day ahead. The book encourages individuals to use this time for activities such as meditation, exercise, learning and planning, as they set a positive tone for the rest of the day and enhance productivity.
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins:
David Goggins shares his journey from adversity to self-mastery and highlights the importance of embracing discomfort to unlock personal growth.
A key lesson from the book is the concept of the "cookie jar." Goggins suggests creating a mental reservoir of past achievements and positive experiences to draw upon during difficult times. When faced with challenges or self-doubt, reflecting on previous accomplishments can help boost confidence and remind oneself of the inner strength and resilience developed over time.
The book also emphasises the importance of pushing beyond perceived limits and embracing a "calloused mind" to achieve extraordinary results.
Some of my favourite takeaways from 'Can't hurt’ me are:
1. No matter who you are, what you do for a living, or how much money you have, you're probably living at about 40 per cent of your true capability. We all have the potential to be so much more.
2. Don't stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done.
3. Personal accountability brings you self-respect, and self-respect will always light a way forward.
Mrs Wendy Addy-Lamptey, Head of National Office, West African Examinations Council, Ghana
Personal growth and development are critical to one's survival as a leader, and you can achieve these through reading books on how to have a better you. Once we start moving into that space, we become excellent and unforgettable.
As leaders, remember that the times and seasons are the litmus test that reveals our character. Many books that have kept me going, and I continue to read over and over again when I get the opportunity, are as follows:
(1) Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Brian Tracy
(2) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
(3) Gemba Kaizen by Masaaki Imai
(4) Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence by Daniel Goleman
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Ing. Dr (Mrs) Bennetta Koomson, Lecturer, Department of Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, KNUST.
The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene:
This book, for me, was an eye-opener to the motives behind interesting human behaviour. I used to worry about how inconsiderate and selfish most people could be.
This book helped me to unravel these. It also helped me to think outside the box and to draw firm boundaries while dealing with people to help me achieve excellent productivity as a leader and a mentor to younger folks.
The Bible captures all of these, but the presentation of human behaviour in a blunt manner captured in this book has been beneficial to me.
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Mrs Akosua K. Asamoah, Head, Hr & Administration, Deputy Director, Energy Commission
I have read several books; however, I want to talk specifically about "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John Maxwell.
This book contains 15 different laws that can propel your personal growth when you read and apply them.
The Laws of Intentionality, Reflection and Rubber Band have made an impression on me. Stretching oneself and embracing personal change is instrumental in achieving success, especially during challenging times.
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It requires intentional effort and dedication to improve and develop continuously.
We can reach our full potential by being deliberate about our growth, reflecting on past experiences to make necessary adjustments, and understanding the importance of gradual progress.
The writer is a Leadership Development Facilitator, Executive Coach and Strategy Consultant, Founder of the CEO Accelerator Program, and Chief Learning Strategist at TEMPLE Advisory.
The mission of The Leadership Project is to harvest highly effective leadership practices and share them in a manner that other leaders can easily incorporate into their leadership practice.
If you have an idea or leadership practice to share, kindly write to programs@thelearningtemple.com. Until you read from us again, keep leading…..from leader to leader, one practice at a time.
