12 Books Worth the Read (Or Listen) in 2023

It was two years ago, almost to the day, that I posted my first article My 2021 Reading list (So Far). Though I can assure you it only appears strategically planned, exactly one year later I posted my 2022 reading list: 9 Books Worth The Read (Or Listen). Now as I sit down to put together my latest reading list, it has become abundantly clear that we, as humans, are creatures of habit. Here are 12 books worth the read (or listen) in 2023.

Turn the Ship Around!, David Marquet

David Marquet’s Turn the Ship Around! is a compelling leadership book that emphasizes a new approach to leadership and empowerment. Marquet, a former submarine captain, shares his experiences of transforming the USS Santa Fe from one of the worst-performing submarines to one of the best. He introduces the concept of “leader-leader” as opposed to the traditional “leader-follower” model. Instead of giving orders, leaders in a “leader-leader” environment provide guidance and enable their team members to make decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. Through engaging stories and practical insights, Marquet demonstrates how giving individuals autonomy and trust can lead to a more efficient, innovative, and resilient organization.

My Key Takeaways:

• Empowerment Over Control: Shift from a top-down leadership style to one that empowers team members to think and act independently, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Intent-Based Leadership: Communicate intent and goals clearly, allowing team members to make decisions aligned with the overall mission.
• Skill Development: Invest in continuous learning and skill development for every team member to enhance their capabilities and decision-making confidence.
• Cultivate a Learning Environment: Encourage open communication, learning from mistakes, and sharing lessons to create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Trust and Collaboration: Trust your team’s abilities, encourage collaboration, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing their ideas.

For me, Turn the Ship Around! provided valuable insight and practical ways to implement the shift of organizational culture from hierarchical control to decentralized empowerment. I recommend this to any leaders looking for new ways to ultimately drive enhanced performance and innovation. Leadership through empowerment with a nuclear submarine as a backdrop makes Turn the ship arounda captivating read.

Radical Technologies: The Design of Everyday Life, Adam Greenfield

Adam Greenfield’s Radical Technologies: The Design of Everyday Life explores the profound impact of emerging technologies on our daily lives and societal structures. The book delves into how technologies such as smartphones, AI, blockchain, and more are shaping our behaviors, interactions, and even our notions of privacy and freedom. Greenfield critically examines both the positive and negative implications of these technologies, urging readers to consider the ethical and social consequences of their adoption. The book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how these radical technologies are reshaping the world around us and calls for a more conscious and responsible approach to their integration.

My Key Takeaways:

• Technology’s Societal Impact: New technologies are reshaping not only how we interact but also our understanding of privacy, identity, and social structures.
• Ethical Considerations: The adoption of radical technologies raises ethical dilemmas, necessitating thoughtful discussions about their implications on individual rights and collective values.
• Surveillance and Privacy: The book highlights the trade-offs between convenience and personal privacy in a world increasingly driven by data collection and surveillance.
• Digital Inequalities: The proliferation of radical technologies can exacerbate existing inequalities, both in terms of access to these technologies and the benefits they provide.
• Human-Centric Design: The author emphasizes the importance of designing technologies that prioritize human well-being and agency, rather than solely focusing on technological advancement.

 

Radical Technologies: The Design of Everyday Life pushed me to critically challenge and consider modern technologies and our reliance on them in modern society. I truly recommend this book to anyone as it encourages us to question the status quo and consider the ways in which we can harness these technologies to create a more equitable and ethically conscious world.

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist, Kate Raworth

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth presents a revolutionary approach to economic thinking that challenges traditional growth-focused models. Raworth introduces the concept of the “doughnut,” which envisions a safe and just space for humanity between the social foundation (meeting basic needs) and the ecological ceiling (planetary boundaries). The book critiques the narrow focus on GDP growth and advocates for a holistic approach that considers environmental sustainability, social equity, and well-being. Raworth’s seven principles guide readers towards an economics that is regenerative, distributive, and in tune with the needs of both people and the planet.

My Key Takeaways:

• Doughnut Model: Shift the focus from GDP growth to the “doughnut” framework, which balances the needs of people within the limits of the planet’s resources.
• Beyond Growth: Rethink economic success by prioritizing well-being, social equity, and environmental health over relentless growth.
• Circular Economy: Embrace regenerative practices that minimize waste, prioritize recycling, and restore ecosystems.
• Distributive Justice: Create an economic system that ensures fair distribution of resources and opportunities, reducing inequality on a global scale.
• Localism and Resilience: Build resilient communities by prioritizing local economies, reducing dependence on distant supply chains, and fostering self-reliance.

I thoroughly enjoy books like Doughnut Economics because of the fresh perspective they offer on the world—specifically on how we view economics, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable approach. By integrating social and environmental considerations into economic thinking, the book provides a roadmap for economists, policymakers, and individuals to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and create a world that balances prosperity with planetary boundaries. If you have a “conservative” view of economics this book might trigger you, however still worth the read and the different view point.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t, Jim Collins

Goodreads and anyone who has cracked the spine of Jim Collins’ Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t” will agree that this is a career-changing, must-read. The business classic investigates the factors that distinguish successful companies from their peers and inspires you to be…well, great. Collins and his research team identify a set of companies that experienced sustained, exceptional growth over a 15-year period, comparing them to similar but less successful counterparts. The book introduces several key concepts, including the Hedgehog Concept, the Flywheel Effect, and the Level 5 Leadership. Collins emphasizes the importance of disciplined thinking, strategic alignment, and cultivating a culture of excellence in achieving long-term greatness.

My Key Takeaways:

• Hedgehog Concept: Successful companies focus on what they can be the best in the world at, what drives their economic engine, and what they are deeply passionate about.
• Disciplined People: Level 5 Leaders combine humility and unwavering resolve, putting the organization’s success ahead of their own.
• Disciplined Thought: Confront the brutal facts while maintaining unwavering faith that you can and will prevail, aligning actions with long-term goals.
• Disciplined Action: Build momentum over time, using the Flywheel Effect to make consistent efforts that accumulate and drive breakthroughs.
• Culture of Discipline: Foster a culture of disciplined people, thought, and action, enabling the organization to make the right decisions even in challenging times.

Good to Great is the read (or listen) that will inspire you to implement the fundamental principles that will set your company apart from the rest. For me, this book will live in my library and serve as a guide for sustained excellence and strategic alignment.

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein explores the concept of “nudging” as a way to influence people’s decisions towards better outcomes without restricting their freedom of choice. The authors advocate for designing environments and choices in ways that guide individuals toward making decisions aligned with their own well-being. Drawing on insights from behavioral economics, Thaler and Sunstein discuss how subtle changes in the way choices are presented can have a significant impact on people’s decisions in various aspects of life, including health, finance, and personal happiness.

My Key Takeaways:

• Choice Architecture: The way choices are presented can significantly impact decision-making. Small changes in the presentation of options can “nudge” individuals toward more beneficial decisions.
• Default Options: Setting default options can guide people toward making choices that align with their best interests, while still allowing them to opt out if they choose.
• Feedback and Information: Providing timely feedback and information can influence behavior positively by increasing awareness and encouraging informed decisions.
• Incentives and Motivation: People respond to incentives, and understanding these dynamics can help shape behavior in desired directions.
• Ethical Considerations: While nudging can be powerful, it raises ethical questions about manipulation and freedom of choice. Transparency and respect for individual autonomy are crucial.

Nudge provided me with a fresh perspective on decision making—specifically on how behavioral economics can be applied to design choices and systems. It emphasizes the power of subtle interventions in shaping behaviors and outcomes and highlights the potential for governments, organizations, and individuals to make positive changes in society by leveraging these principles.

Chaos: Making a New Science, James Gleick

James Gleick’s Chaos: Making a New Science is a captivating exploration of the emerging field of chaos theory and its implications for understanding complex and nonlinear systems. The book traces the history of chaos theory, from its roots in mathematics and physics to its applications in various disciplines, including meteorology, biology, and economics. Gleick introduces readers to the concept of deterministic chaos, where simple rules can lead to unpredictable and intricate patterns. He highlights how chaos theory challenges traditional notions of order and randomness and demonstrates its relevance in deciphering the complexities of natural phenomena.

Key Takeaways:

• Deterministic Chaos: Complex systems governed by deterministic laws can exhibit unpredictable and chaotic behavior, even though they lack randomness.
• Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions: The famous “butterfly effect” illustrates how small changes in initial conditions can lead to drastically different outcomes over time.
• Fractals and Self-Similarity: Fractals, repeating patterns at different scales, are prevalent in chaotic systems and provide insights into their structure.
• Nonlinear Dynamics: Chaotic systems often involve nonlinear interactions, where small changes can lead to disproportionate effects.
• Applications in Various Fields: Chaos theory has applications in weather prediction, population dynamics, stock market behavior, and more, challenging linear models.

I recommend Chaos: Making a New Science to any of my peers in infrastructure major programmes or any project management environment. This read left me appreciating the complexity of chaos  and ready to approach problems in a new way. I often say major programs are complex adaptive systems. Chaos explains why that is an important definition and why we need a new science to manage such systems.

Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, Kim Scott

For those looking for a practical guide to effective leadership and communication in the workplace (cough*all of us* cough), Kim Scott’s Radical Candor should be next on your to be read list. This book introduces the concept of “radical candor,” which emphasizes the importance of providing honest feedback while genuinely caring for your team members. Scott shares her experiences from working at companies like Google and Apple, offering insights on building strong relationships, fostering a culture of open communication, and becoming a better boss without sacrificing empathy.

My Key Takeaways:

• Radical Candor Framework: Achieve a balance between care personally and challenge directly. Offer candid feedback that is both honest and considerate.
• Building Trust: Developing strong relationships with your team members is essential for effective communication and feedback.
• Feedback Conversations: Embrace discomfort by addressing issues promptly, being specific about the behavior or situation, and focusing on improvement.
• Guidance and Empowerment: Provide clear expectations and support for your team’s growth while giving them autonomy to make decisions.
• Caring Personally: Show genuine concern for your team members’ well-being and professional development.

Radical Candor altered how I approach communication in my career and opened my mind to the importance of honest and candid feedback, while still maintaining strong relationships. And if you don’t take my word for it, take the words of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal because this is a bestseller.

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage, Brené Brown

I’m not sure why I hadn’t heard of Brené Brown before this year, but here we are. I have now binged nearly all of her work and am fascinated by the concepts explored in The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage. Based on years of research, Brown highlights how embracing vulnerability allows us to lead more authentic and fulfilling lives—which of course can lead us to become better leaders. She emphasizes that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a fundamental aspect of human experience that fosters genuine connections with others. Through personal anecdotes, research findings, and relatable insights, Brown offers guidance on how to overcome shame and fear, cultivate self-acceptance, and create meaningful relationships grounded in vulnerability and empathy.

My Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability and Authenticity: Embrace vulnerability as a way to live authentically, allowing yourself to be seen for who you truly are.
• Connection and Empathy: Vulnerability nurtures deep connections with others by fostering empathy and shared understanding.
• Shame Resilience: Develop the ability to confront and overcome feelings of shame, which often hold us back from embracing vulnerability.
• Courage and Growth: Cultivate courage to step outside your comfort zone, take risks, and embrace uncertainty for personal and emotional growth.
• Wholehearted Living: Strive for “wholehearted” living, where you approach life with an open heart, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating gratitude.

I must admit, I am still working through how to implement my many learnings from Brené and The Power of Vulnerability. I recommend this transformative guide to anyone who hasn’t  invited vulnerability into their professional (or personal) lives. Keep your eyes out, because I intend to explore this topic further in the upcoming months.

The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, Amy C. Edmondson

The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth” by Amy C. Edmondson examines the concept of psychological safety and its impact on organizational success. Edmondson emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where team members feel safe to voice their ideas, share concerns, and take risks without fear of punishment or humiliation. Through research, case studies, and practical insights, the book demonstrates how psychological safety encourages collaboration, creativity, and resilience. Edmondson offers strategies for leaders to cultivate psychological safety, enabling teams to learn from failures, innovate, and thrive.

My Key Takeaways:

• Psychological Safety Defined: Psychological safety is the belief that one can take interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career.
• Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue and active listening to ensure that all team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns.
• Risk-Taking and Innovation: A psychologically safe environment encourages experimentation and innovation by removing the fear of retribution for failures.
• Learning from Mistakes: Embrace failures as opportunities for learning and growth, fostering a culture where lessons are shared rather than hidden.
• Leadership Role: Leaders play a crucial role in modeling vulnerability, acknowledging their own mistakes, and creating a safe space for others.

The Fearless Organization has completely changed how I prioritize openness, trust, and collaboration. I encourage any leaders who are looking for new ways to drive improved performance to add this one to their reading list to understand the role innovation, creativity, and resilience play in efficiency.

Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life, Martin E.P. Seligman

Brief Summary:

Martin E.P. Seligman’s Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Lifeexplores the psychology of optimism and its transformative effects on mental health and wellbeing. Seligman presents the concept of learned helplessness and examines how individuals can shift from a pessimistic outlook to a more optimistic one. Through research and practical exercises, he introduces readers to the ABC model—identifying Adversities, Beliefs, and Consequences—and provides tools to challenge negative thought patterns and cultivate resilience. The book offers insights into the power of optimism in reducing stress, improving relationships, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

My Key Takeaways:

• Learned Helplessness: Understand the concept of learned helplessness, where individuals develop a belief that they have no control over negative outcomes.
• ABC Model: Recognize Adversities, examine Beliefs and how they influence thoughts, and consider Consequences to develop a more optimistic perspective.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge negative thought patterns by identifying irrational beliefs, questioning their validity, and replacing them with more balanced thoughts.
• Positive Self-Talk: Practice positive self-talk by reframing negative situations and focusing on strengths and achievements.
• Resilience and Well-being: Cultivate learned optimism to enhance resilience in the face of challenges, leading to improved mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Learned Optimism offers actionable strategies for individuals seeking to transform their thought patterns and cultivate a more optimistic mindset—a challenging concept for those of us who have been focusing on managing our optimism bias. That being said, by recognizing the power of our thoughts and beliefs, we can develop resilience, manage stress and lead with more positivity.

Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness, Robert K. Greenleaf

Brief Summary:

I’m not going to lie, this one was a hard read, but one that I still recommend because it serves as the foundation of my leadership learnings. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf introduces a transformative approach to leadership that prioritizes serving the needs of others and fostering their growth and wellbeing. Greenleaf proposes that true leadership emerges from a desire to serve, rather than a thirst for power or authority. He emphasizes that effective leaders act as servants first, putting the needs of their team members and the organization ahead of their own. Through stories, anecdotes, and practical insights, the book explores the principles of servant leadership and its positive impact on organizational culture, employee engagement, and long-term success.

My Key Takeaways:

• Servant First: A servant leader places the needs of their team members and stakeholders ahead of their own, focusing on serving and supporting their growth.
• Empowerment: A servant leader empowers individuals by fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and personal development.
• Listening and Empathy: Active listening and empathy are essential qualities of a servant leader, enabling them to understand the needs and concerns of their team.
• Ethical and Moral Leadership: Servant leadership is rooted in ethical and moral principles, guiding leaders to make decisions that align with the greater good.
• Long-Term Impact: Servant leaders create lasting positive change by building strong relationships, promoting innovation, and nurturing a sense of purpose within the organization.

Servant Leadership has furthered my understanding of empathy and vulnerability as a leader. As many leaders already understand, we are often in a more vulnerable position by placing our results on our team. This read helped me better understand how to cultivate an environment that inspires trust, fosters growth and promotes both individual and collective success.

Talent Wins: The New Playbook for Putting People First, Ram Charan, Dominic Barton, and Dennis Carey

Talent Wins: The New Playbook for Putting People First  by Ram Charan, Dominic Barton, and Dennis Carey addresses the crucial role of talent management in driving organizational success. The authors argue that in today’s dynamic business landscape, a company’s talent strategy should take precedence over other aspects of management. They emphasize that the key to winning in the market lies in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Through insightful case studies and practical guidance, the book outlines strategies for aligning talent management with business objectives, creating a culture of continuous learning and development, and ensuring that the right people are in the right roles.

My Key Takeaways:

• Talent as a Competitive Advantage: Companies that prioritize talent management gain a competitive edge by fostering innovation, adaptability, and agility.
• Leadership Development: Effective leadership is critical for driving organizational success; invest in leadership development programs to groom future leaders.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Align talent strategies with business goals, ensuring that you have the right people with the right skills in the right positions.
• Agile Learning Culture: Foster a culture of continuous learning and development to keep pace with rapid changes and technological advancements.
• Data-Driven Talent Management: Leverage data and analytics to make informed decisions about talent acquisition, development, and retention.

Talent Wins amplifies the notion that if you prioritize your people, the results will come. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a guide to strategic talent management that creates a culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.

While I give you my wholehearted recommendation for all twelve of these reads, you don’t have to take my word for it—I haven’t recommended any book with less than a four-star rating on Goodreads. With a few months left in the year, I’d appreciate any of your top book recommendations to take me into 2024. And with that, I’ll see you the same time next year for my next reading list.