The key to success can be obtained in a variety of ways, but the catalyst that has withstood the test of time has always been reading. Even Warren Buffet, easily one of the wealthiest and most successful business persons in the world, credits reading avidly for helping him gain the knowledge to get ahead in the industry. “That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it [reading], but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”
It is not always easy finding the right book when there is so much out there to choose from. To help cut through the massive number of must-reads, we started OneDigital Reads, a monthly segment where we feature a “must read” book recommended by one of our very own OneDigital family members. To kick us off, we have Gail Fottrell-Jones, Senior HR Consultant from the Mid-Atlantic, share why “Self Leadership and the One Minute Manager: Increasing Effectiveness through Situational Self Leadership" should be added to your reading list.
Book review: Self Leadership and the One Minute Manager: Increasing Effectiveness through Situational Self Leadership
Authors: Ken Blanchard, Susan Fowler, Lawrence Hawkins
As someone who ascribes to the belief that everyone is a leader – no matter what position they have – this book really resonated with me. As is typical of Ken Blanchard's books, he uses a narrative parable which makes the book a quick and easy read. The story follows an advertising account executive as he learns the three secrets to self-leadership: 1) Challenge assumed constraints, 2) Celebrate your points of power, and 3) Collaborate for success.
The book translates Blanchard’s situational leadership theory through the power of story. It highlights the stages of the development continuum most adults experience as they are learning to master something and provides a simple tool to think through what you would need to help you progress from an enthusiastic beginner to a high achiever.
Most importantly, the book offers a different perspective to people who may feel powerless in their roles – “Ultimately, it’s in your own best interest to accept responsibility for getting what you need to succeed in the workplace.” As Steve, the account executive highlighted in the story, learned – “Each of us has a different motivation for doing what we do, so it is up to us to take responsibility for creating a work environment that is motivating to us.”
It’s a great reminder that the most important person you will ever lead is – YOURSELF. I highly recommend this book, both for the practical tools offered as well as the simple lessons and perspective shift.
Gail Fottrell-Jones, Senior Human Resources Consultant/Leadership Coach
If you have any books suggestions for next month's OneDigital Reads, please email Katie Prellwitz.
