Reading for Leading: Some Books for National Reading Month

For those out there who are unaware, March is National Reading Month. While this month is often celebrated with Dr. Seuss and children’s literature in mind, it’s important not to forget that reading is also an excellent way to stimulate ideas for professional growth. With that in mind, here are some recommendations for books that I highly recommend if you are interested in turning a few pages!

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel Pink. This book provides great insights into why you should be thinking about when to do things, not just why or how. A unique and thought-provoking shift from the standard text on self and team improvement.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown. An excellent book to start with if you have never been introduced to the writings of Brene Brown. Many excellent topics such as leadership and culture development are discussed, with applicable action steps and tons of online resources.

Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey, A TED Book by A.J. Jacobs. If you’ve never read a TED Book, this is an excellent first choice. This book follows the author’s journey to thank every single person who made his morning cup of coffee happen, from the barista and paper cup manufacturer to the coffee farmer and distributer. A short and fun journey into gratitude and the systems our world is made of.

Reading provides a great opportunity to step back from the world we live in and gain a new perspective. It can be on your own, with a friend or in a group, something new or something you’ve read before, a book or an article or anything in between. You never know when or where you’ll find some inspiration!

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UW-Green Bay’s Continuing Education and Community Engagement Division (CECE) is continuously looking for ways to stay on the cutting edge of professional development for its clients. Be sure to check out the CECE website and reach out if you have ideas for new content you want to see!

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Writing/Research Credit: Christopher Ledvina, UW-Green Bay Business Development Specialist