5 books that impacted my leadership in 2017

I had originally intended to write about the five books I read this past year that impacted my leadership and, as I looked thought my list of books read, realized that is was the books that I had (for the most part) read in the past (and dipped into this year) that had most affected my leadership in 2017.  So here is the list of five books that most impacted my leadership in 2017 (with no particular order of importance or impact):

• Henry V  by William Shakespeare: One of my go-to leadership texts, Henry V is the story of a man who is thrust into leadership and reflects on the role in a meaningful and realistic manner.  Henry's soliloquy on the loneliness and responsibility of leadership (act 4, scene 1) is a sober reminder of what it takes to lead and the steadiness one needs in the face of others' comments and thoughts.  Prior to the battle of Agincourt (act 4, scene 3), Henry inspires his army by reminding them that they and their actions will be remembered because of the hard work they will have done.  This particular speech was a go-to of mine as decisions were made and executed throughout the year.
• The Book of Job: this book in the Old Testament is a reflection on trusting in God, moving through the hard times, and doing the work with and among friends. Not necessarily an easy text to read, this book is full of paradoxical thinking and requires a re-thinking of how God works in our lives to bring about the Kingdom.  Job has no reason for continuing to believe and trust in God, much less a reason for living; despite urging from his friends and family to abandon God and move on with his life, Job remains faithful (though in a curious sort of way) and in the end has a greater understanding of God, himself, and others.  My favorite translation is the one by Stephen Mitchell, published by Harper-Collins and written in 1987.
• The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney: my team knows that this is my bible of execution and shows up regularly at our strategy reviews and executive team meetings.  A simple (and not so simple) approach to executing strategy throughout the organization, this text provides both a philosophy of execution and specific approaches and tools the organization can use to take in make things happen.  Whenever I feel myself (or others) slipping into a mode of complacency and not being able to execute, I return to this book to see where we are failing to stay on track and address the necessary steps to start executing again.
• Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland: I love finding books that take a topic seemingly unrelated to leadership and finding new and hidden gems on how it speaks to the role of leaders in a new and unique way.  Art and Fear is one of those texts for me as the authors consistently remind me why leaders are unable to make and execute on hard decisions.  The tension that exists for artists between the ideal and the actual also exists for leaders...and the ability to manage that tension is one of the hallmarks of good leadership.  Simply substituting the words "making decisions" for "creating art" makes this a text on leadership and provides the reasons why leaders often fail in their roles.
• Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: this text, written in the 3-4 centuries BC, keeps drawing me back year after year to more deeply understand the complexities and the paradoxes of leadership.  The 80-some short poems each have something to say to leaders who take seriously their roles of courageous execution of strategy and compassionate caring for people.  Similar to the Book of Job, this is not easy reading and should be done in short bit and pieces, taking the time to contemplate and meditate on what the author is really saying.  One of my favorite sections is #11, where the author unpacks the idea that what is not present is what actually causes the action to happen (yes, you will need to read it to better understand what I am trying to say).  My favorite translation is by Jonathan Starr as a part of the Tarcher Cornerstone editions.

That's my list!  If you have read any of these before, I challenge you to read them again through leadership lenses.  If they are new to you, find time this year to read them, many of which can be read over time.  And finally, I challenge you to come up with your own list of five books that are your go-to leadership texts.  Which ones, over time, have influenced you the most and that you keep going back to, especially at those times that might be the most challenging?  A blessed New Year to all!