Resources

Tools for Personal Development and Leadership

Mind42

I love this site for its brainstorming tools. Mind mapping is a tool I often suggest to clients as it can help us generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas in a new way. Whether you are creating a business, envisioning your dream life, or problem solving this website will help you get there.

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Toastmasters International

Public speaking and presentation skills matter - in your business and in your life. Being able to stand in front of an audience and present your information in a clear and compelling way allows you to market and grow your business. Find a group near you and get started today.

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Our Favorite Books for Entrepreneurs

51xxiaZ-17L._SL75_E-Myth Mastery

A practical, real-world program that is implemented real-time into your business. Understand why the entrepreneur is so critical to the success of any enterprise, no matter how small or large it may be, and why the mindset of an entrepreneur is so integral to the operating reality of the organization. Order A Copy

Working From Your Core

51xdRCkxLvL._SL75_Working from Your Core describes ten different models of human behavior and organizational culture. Its power lies in the fact that these models are "archetypes"-universally recognized patterns, models of behavior that are inherent in the human psyche. They are core to who we are. It shows how to cope with workplace challenges by calling upon our most heroic, noble selves. Order A Copy

The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

51th2zvF5VL._SL75_This book will teach you how to increase your confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize all your ambitions. More than a collection of good ideas, this book spells out the 64 timeless principles used by successful men and women throughout history. And the fundamentals are the same for all people and all professions -- even if you're currently unemployed. It doesn't matter if your goals are to be the top salesperson in your company, become a leading architect, score straight A's in school, lose weight, buy your dream home, or make millions of dollars–the principles and strategies are the same. Order A Copy

Our Favorite Books for Businesses

51t7gGmqh2L._SL75_StandOut: The Groundbreaking New Strengths Assessment from the Leader of the Strengths Revolution

StandOut, the revolutionary new book and online assessment tool from Marcus Buckingham, is the result of extensive research, statistical testing, and analysis of the world's top performers.  From the coauthor of NowDiscover Your Strengths and the recognized leader of the strengths movement, StandOut unveils your top two Strength Roles and offers sharp, practical ideas that professionals and managers in any organization can use to find their edge and win at work. Order A Copy

41qYbMR+9xL._SL75_Fierce Conversations

The master teacher of positive change through powerful communication, Susan Scott, wants her readers to succeed. To do that, she explains, one must transform everyday conversations employing effective ways to get the message across. In this guide you will find complete exercises and tools to take you step by step through the Seven Principles of Fierce Conversations. Order A Copy

51+T4T1vviL._SL75_Leading Change

John Kotter’s now-legendary eight-step process for managing change with positive results has become the foundation for leaders and organizations across the globe. By outlining the process every organization must go through to achieve its goals, and by identifying where and how even top performers derail during the change process, Kotter provides a practical resource for leaders and managers charged with making change initiatives work. Order A Copy

51isCTwoIDL._SL75_The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything

For business leaders and public figures in any arena, The Speed of Trust offers an unprecedented and eminently practical look at exactly how trust functions in our every transaction and relationship—from the most personal to the broadest, most indirect interaction—and how to establish trust immediately so that you and your organization can forego the time–killing, bureaucratic check–and–balance processes so often deployed in lieu of actual trust. Order A Copy

The Heart of Change: Real-Life Stories of How People Change Their Organizations

51fdQ26jfaL._SL75_The Heart of Change is your guide to helping people think and feel differently in order to meet your shared goals. According to bestselling author and renowned leadership expert John Kotter and coauthor Dan Cohen, this focus on connecting with people’s emotions is what will spark the behavior change and actions that lead to success. The Heart of Change is the engaging and essential complement to John Kotter’s international bestseller Leading Change. Order A Copy
 

41KlW7dE04L._SL75_The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea

The Go-Giver tells the story of an ambitious young man named Joe who yearns for success. Joe is a true go-getter, though sometimes he feels as if the harder and faster he works, the further away his goals seem to be. And so one day, desperate to land a key sale at the end of a bad quarter, he seeks advice from the enigmatic Pindar, a legendary consultant referred to by his many devotees simply as the Chairman. Order A Copy

Our Favorite Books for Team Building

41-k3mtck1L._SL75_The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

In The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, leadership expert and New York Times bestselling author John C. Maxwell shares the vital principles of team building that are necessary for success in your business, family, church, or organization. In his practical, down-to-earth style, Dr. Maxwell shows how:  The Law of High Morale inspired a 50 year-old man who couldn’t even swim to train for the toughest triathlon in the world.  The Law of the Big Picture prompted a former U.S. president to travel crosscountry by bus, sleep in a basement, and do manual labor. Playing by The Law of the Scoreboard enabled one Web-based company to keep growing and making money while thousands of other Internet businesses failed. Ignoring The Law of the Price Tag caused one of the world’s largest retailers to close its doors after 128 years in business. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork will empower you–whether coach or player, teacher or student, CEO or non-profit volunteer–with the “how-tos” and attitudes for building a successful team.

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51C2tcC+SAL._SL75_Quick Emotional Intelligence Activities for Busy Managers

Issues like lack of trust and commitment, unresolved conflicts, and the inability of individuals to understand how their actions impact others often stop the most promising teams from delivering great results. This simple, easy-to-use book gives busy managers activities they can use to help their employees improve their levels of emotional intelligence and become more effective. The exercises included will help employees deal with anger and emotional triggers, pick up on cues from teammates, encourage communication, and much more.

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41PRi1YFvDL._SL75_Coaching for Improved Work Performance

Managing employees in today’s rapidly evolving workplace can sometimes feel like negotiating a minefield. Such recent new trends as flextime, telecommuting, 360-degree feedback, the flattening of hierarchies, and the increased use of temps and contract workers present tough new challenges for supervisors in every field. This timely, completely revised and updated edition of Ferdinand Fournies’s classic management coaching "bible" shows you proven ways to get workers to perform at the highest level while eliminating the self-destructive kinds of behaviors that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

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41ud9U-4vYL._SL75_The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni once again offers a leadership fable that is as enthralling and instructive as his first two best-selling books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive. This time, he turns his keen intellect and storytelling power to the fascinating, complex world of teams.

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51bqdjKJQUL._SL75_Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us

If you think leadership is for other people, think again? Leaders come in surprising packages. Consider Joel Spolsky and his international tribe of scary-smart software engineers. Or Gary Vaynerhuck, a wine expert with a devoted following of enthusiasts. Chris Sharma leads a tribe of rock climbers up impossible cliff faces, while Mich Mathews, a VP at Microsoft, runs her internal tribe of marketers from her cube in Seattle. All they have in common is the desire to change things, the ability to connect a tribe, and the willingness to lead.

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Business Planning and Management Tools

Business Plan Pro

Have you written your business plan? Need a sample to get you started? Check out these sample business plans and look at the Business Plan Pro software. A successful business starts with a successful business plan, and this program provides expert guidance at every step and error free financials.

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The Business Owners Toolkit

This website from BizFilings provides a wealth of information for business owners. They offer more than 3000 pages of articles and downloads that will guide you through start-up, marketing, finance, running a business, HR, taxes and more.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Association and programs similar in your community serve to incubate and support small businesses. Come here to find information on starting and managing a small business, loans, grants, and a whole host of learning opportunities to enhance your business acumen.

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strategy+business

An award winning magazine for decision makers in businesses and organizations throughout the world. This magazine offers business leaders relevant news and tools that illuminate the complex choices that leaders face in strategy, marketing, operations, human capital, leadership, and more.

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