What's Your GiG?

Part of the required reading for clients of GiG!, the EQ (Emotional Intelligence) establishes a baseline for interactive dialogue and interpersonal skill assessment.  Goleman's research is valid and relevant and provides a good place to start EQ work. 

The concepts of neuroplasticity laid bare.  Said differently, this is the theory behind emotional intelligence.

A grounded and inspiring book with simple truths that have profound impact.

Gordon MacKenzie wrote this gem that became popular during the Motley Fool/Dot.com phase.  Much of what he says still resonates, like the chapter called, "Thou Shall Not Have It Easy" and my personal favorite, "Milk Cans Are Not Allowed."

Just finished reading this and highly recommend it.  The insights are priceless, like "innoculate for stress", "situations are either threats or challenges", and "don't bilge colleagues and teammates."  The corporate version of that last one is "don't throw someone under the bus."  Good advice.

Forgive me for including a virtuoso of corporate speak.  I've done so only because there are nuggets in here worth your attention. And, if you are a systems thinker, a quant jock, or just never could get enough of charts, graphs and surveys, this book will be heaven.  For those less inclined, I direct you specifically to pages 25, 81-82, 89, and 212:  Assessment of Problem Preferences (- let's face it, we all like some and not others), Avoid Common Traps, Problematic Behavior Patterns (not yours, silly!), and Assessment of Core Challenges

The Art of Loving is NOT really what you think it's about.  Read the last chapter and tell me if you don't get chills, given everything happneing in the markets and financial world today.  He wrote this in 1956! Awesome.

I can't resist it.  I read this as part of required reading in one my last classes before I finished my Columbia MBA.  The class was called Creativity and Personal Mastery, it was an invitation only class, and about 14 of us systematically pulled apart every capitalistic ideal out there; we plowed through a few social, religious, and political concepts as well.  In the end, the true purpose of the class, in my opinion, was to prepare us to serve within the power centers of our society. This book was a gateway.

Dick has a fabulous way of poking and prodding that can get just under your skin. See what you think about his chapter:  "Once you find a management technique that works, give it up."

Jeanie has a self-deprecating style that pulls you in from the very first chapter.  The book won't tell you what to do, but it will tell you what's happening, to the organization, to your colleagues, and to you.

While this may seem a bit new-age for some, the art and practice of asking ourselves hard questions is THE process for self development.  In the workplace and in our relationships, this practice can bring clarity and cohesiveness to our thinking and actions.