I hope that my favorite books from 2023 provide you with reflection to accelerate growth.
As a life-long learner, I’m an avid reader. My parents instilled in me a love of reading from a very young age, and I still enjoy the pleasure and learnings of a well-written book.
Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or someone else on your list, a book is a gift that gives many times over. Here are my favorites from this year.
My Favorite Books from 2023:
1. How to Work With (Almost) Anyone by Michael Bungay Stanier
Many of us have had either a personal or work relationship that went off the rails, and we did not have the courage or skills to get it back on track.
What I liked about this book was the framework and 5 questions to work through to set expectations and discuss beforehand how each of you will get the relationship back on track if it goes off the rails.
This book was helpful with a recent coaching client who successfully worked through the 5 questions with a challenging co-worker. My client now has a strong ally to help her implement her initiatives in her organization.
2. Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius by Victoria Labalme
This book was an easy and quick read and validated my thinking on trusting your gut instinct, being curious, and following your interests.
If you or someone you know needs a little nudge to get out of their comfort zone, this book provides encouragement to take those risks that will move you forward.
3. Break Out of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events by Robbie Samuels
The pandemic opened the door to remote working, and this genie isn’t going back into the bottle! Many of my clients are still challenged with how to engage and be effective on virtual platforms.
Although the author primarily focuses on the Zoom platform in this book, and Zoom continuously changes and upgrades its platform, this book offers good tips and tricks for becoming more effective. And face it, virtual speaking is here to stay.
4. Think Faster Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams
I’ve had many clients who have sought to improve their ability to think more quickly on their feet. I like the way in which Matt Abrahams addresses this challenge with his framework and techniques to enable any speaker to overcome fears and improve their skills when it comes to ‘speaking off the cuff’.
5. Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant
This is my favorite book of the year. Adam Grant challenges conventional thought about how one becomes successful. As an instructor and trainer for many years, I loved the research on how we learn and how to apply structure so that we become better learners.
This ultimately leads to developing our potential and leads to higher levels of success. If you are involved with learning and development, this book will shift your perspective and help you rethink how you are delivering to your clients.
6. A Year of Wisdom with Chip Conley
One of my daily rituals is journaling, and I have found over the years that sometimes I need a good prompt to get my creative juices flowing.
I’ve been a fan of Chip Conley for several years and subscribe to his daily Wisdom Well blog (explore all posts on Wisdom Well’s website), so I was excited to purchase his daily prompt book.
I look forward to deeper inner reflections as I continue my journaling into the New Year, and perhaps you will, too.
What’s on your bookshelf?
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season! Let me know in the comments what books you’ve read this year that stood out for you and what made them stand out.
I’d love to add them to my reading list!
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