10 must reads to transform from good to great

With constant changes keeping you on your toes, there is so much to learn and upskill yourself with to stay ahead of the game. To help you take the next leap in your journey, here is a curated list of books on leadership and development that you cannot miss:

Find your Why by Simon Sinek

With a belief that fulfilment is not a privilege but a right, Simon Sinek in his book “Find Your Why” emphasizes the importance of knowing why we do what we do. Picking up from his previous book on “Start with why”, Sinek provides a step-by-step guide on finding your why through exercises and actionable steps for both you and your coworkers. Irrespective of where you are in your career, with the help of this book find your path to long-term success.

Creating a Data Driven Enterprise with DataOps by Joydeep Sen Sarma and Ashish Thusoo

Enough has been said about the importance of data in today’s business environment. While organizations collect data, not all know what, how and where to leverage it. In this book, the authors offer a detailed guide on how to utilize big data across the enterprise and the process, culture and tools surrounding it, thereby enabling data driven decision-making. Similar to how DevOps has helped bridge the gap between developers and the operations team, DataOps brings together individuals who work on and store data, from engineers and analysts to data scientists and other functions of the organization that need the data to make better decisions.

Lead or Bleed by Rajiv Talreja

In his latest book Rajiv Thareja talks about how to balance people development with operational excellence, tying back both to strategic growth. He also throws light on how to build and engage a high performing team. With daily roadblocks posing challenges in your deliverables, and regular work keeping you from building a culture, this book also offers you a sneak peek into the best practices and values of 50 Great Places to work in India alongwith advice from some of the leading CEOs and entrepreneurs. 

Good to Great by Jims Collins

Tired of mediocrity? Possess the skills and expertise but lack the results? Dive into Collin’s book “Good to Great” and find out what is level 5 leadership, why discipline matters for entrepreneurship, familiarize yourself with the flywheel and doom loop and learn how to transition from good to great

"It is what you read when you don't have to, that determines what you will be when you can't help it" - Oscar Wilde

GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Success never comes easy and failure comes way too often. A professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Angela Duckworth gives a detailed account of how it’s not just talent but persistence that brings success. She brings forth the criticality of persistence through stories of people who have attained high goals and people who are just beginning their journey. A true depiction of it’s not what you are given, but what you make out of it.

The power of a positive no by William Ury 

As a leader tackling multiple conflicts and having to say yes/no to several queries every single day, it is essential to not just know when to say no, but also to understand the impact of saying yes/no and how to say it. Often no is considered a negative response, however, given the vast number of choices and dilemmas that one faces on a daily basis, it is essential to understand the positive impact of saying no, and if you struggle with saying no, give this book a read!

Influence: The psychology of persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Where there is a no, there was a chance of a yes. In this book, understand the psychology behind why people say yes and apply the six rules of persuasion in your professional and personal life. After an extensive research on the mind and psychology of several individuals, Cialdini brings to you a handbook on the science and art of persuasion.

The Leadership Pipeline by Dr. Ram Charan

Leaders exist across all levels and units of an organization. Given the VUCA world, businesses need to be prepared for any sudden disaster, including sudden exits, especially when it comes to a leader exiting, often leaving the organization directionless. To ensure smooth functioning, the concept of succession planning was introduced, however, if the ability to lead is built across organizational levels, the company will continue to function even in the temporary absence of a leader. Through The Leadership Pipeline, develop the aptitude and attitude to build leaders throughout the organization by referring to case studies of several Fortune 500 organizations and find out how to identify potential future leaders.

The Reluctant Billionaire by Soma Das

Enter the world of the “anti-famous” man who became the richest Indian in March 2015. The life of Dilip Sanghvi, the mysterious businessman who isn’t much for conversations, comes to light through this book by Soma Das. Interactions with over 150 people from Sanghvi’s life, friends, family members, business rivals and partners, bring forth how a quiet curious child grew into an accomplished businessman, building the largest pharma organization in India, Sun Pharma. An inspiring journey for those who silently dream, quietly work and fearlessly conquer..

Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley's Bill Campbell by  Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle 

Storytelling like never before. Get your hands on the latest from the creators of How Google Works. Find out how ex-football coach Bill Campbell became Silicon’s Valley go-to-guru and an inspirational mentor to some of the greatest names in the likes of Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Sundar Pichai, Sheryl Sandberg, among others and triggered the creation of a trillion dollar market.

“Never put off till tomorrow the book you can read today" – Holbrook Jackson.