As you might imagine, it can be difficult to organize and support nearly 800 employees who provide services to more than 4,500 individuals across Montana each year. This is why each month AWARE’s leadership team comes together in person to collaborate and coordinate across service lines, connect and learn from one another and model an effective organizational culture.
During each meeting, the team sets aside time to explore ideas from thought leaders across varying industries within the context of our own programs and services. They have embraced the concept “leaders are readers” and are enthusiastic about continuous learning, growth and development.
Below is a list of some of the books AWARE’s leadership team has read, discussed and incorporated into the culture of AWARE.
Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf
Twenty-five-years-ago Robert Greenleaf published these prophetic essays on what he coined servant leadership, a practical philosophy that replaces traditional autocratic leadership with a holistic, ethical approach. This highly influential book has been embraced by cutting-edge management everywhere.
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice, so we can step up and lead.
Good Company by Arthur Blank
"When good companies put the wellbeing of their customers, their associates, and their communities first, financial success will follow," Blank writes. "The entrepreneurs and business leaders of today and tomorrow have an extraordinary opportunity: to prove that through upholding values we can create value for the company, for the customer, and for the community."
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
In the mode of other best-selling business fables, The Energy Bus takes listeners on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment - at work and at home. Everyone faces challenges. And every person, organization, company and team will have to overcome negativity and adversity to define themselves and create success.
Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
Sisters Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are here to help end the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of asking us to ignore the real obstacles and societal pressures that stand between us and well-being, they explain with compassion and optimism what we’re up against - and show us how to fight back.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders create environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.
During the next several months, we will feature each of these books individually, diving further into the details, and explaining some of the core concepts that have “stuck” with the leadership team. We hope you enjoy learning more about these books and encourage you to become a better leader through reading as well.
Have you read any of these books? We’d love to know what you think about them! Let us know by sending an email to bhiggins@aware-inc.org.