Why I read it Every coaching course I’ve been on, and most coaching blogs that I’ve read, recommend The Coaching Habit as the go-to guide for coaching wins. It is renowned for its insightful advice and practical style. After hearing about it multiple times, I had to read it – now, after completing it twice,Continue reading “The Coaching Habit, by Michael Bungay Stanier”
Category Archives: Leadership and Culture
The Advantage, by Patrick Lencioni
Why I read it: As you may know, I’m on a quest to understand how staff can thrive within organisations, and have reviewed many books that study this area of working life. The Advantage is written by Patrick Lencioni, an American author who is well known for his charisma, know-how and enthusiasm – having readContinue reading “The Advantage, by Patrick Lencioni”
A School Built on Ethos, by James Handscombe
Why I read it When I was Head of Sixth Form, I took assembly most weeks, either for Year 12, Year 13, or both together. I viewed the assembly preparation and delivery as an art form – a chance to consider an important message, and then to work hard to encase it in authenticity, sincerity,Continue reading “A School Built on Ethos, by James Handscombe”
Alive At Work, by Daniel Cable
Why I read it: If you’ve read a few of my posts, you’ll know that I have a keen interest in how we thrive at work – how we find purpose, safety, enthusiasm and wellbeing in our jobs. I’ve particularly enjoyed books such as The Culture Code, Think Again, and The Human Workplace, which examineContinue reading “Alive At Work, by Daniel Cable”
No Rules Rules, by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
Why I read it: Aside from my Netflix addiction (closing in on 10 years now, reader), I’ve been fascinated by the platform’s business model and inner workings. Directors and producers have often commented on the freedom they have to create high-quality content with Netflix, who aren’t chasing traditional ‘ratings’ but are looking to innovate andContinue reading “No Rules Rules, by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer”
Education Exposed, by Samuel Strickland
Why I read it – I’d seen a couple of talks by Sam Strickland, and follow him on Twitter, where he voices his views about school culture with clarity. I initially pegged him as ‘no nonsense’ – a Headteacher with high expectations of students’ behaviour, attitude and respect; given that I worked in a school withContinue reading “Education Exposed, by Samuel Strickland”
Legacy, by James Kerr
Why I read it – six years ago, I was preparing to move on from a position I loved, Head of English, to the much-feared Head of Year role (there was nothing to worry about, it was a brilliant job!). I made it my mission to practise my public speaking, sharpen up my knowledge of theContinue reading “Legacy, by James Kerr”
The Thinking School, by Dr Kulvarn Atwal
Why I read it – during the staff wellbeing research project I ran last year, my colleague Rachel and I were interested in Self Determination Theory, and one of its three pillars in particular: autonomy. We wanted to explore how, in professions with high accountability measures, you could still enable staff to thrive by giving themContinue reading “The Thinking School, by Dr Kulvarn Atwal”
Putting Staff First, by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley
Why I read it… Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of school staff succumb to the seemingly inevitable notion that workload is high and many tasks are arbitrary, but you just keep chipping away and hobble along. You get the holidays, and teaching is fun; so you’ll tolerate the other crap. But the tide hasContinue reading “Putting Staff First, by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley”
Tribes, by Seth Godin
Why I read it… In 2010, my friend Dave gave me a copy of Seth Godin’s Tribes while we were working on some business and philanthropic projects. I read it, found it fascinating, made notes, and then it went onto the shelf, hopefully influencing some of my decisions forthwith; in fact, it’s that passive processContinue reading “Tribes, by Seth Godin”
The Human Workplace, by Andy Swann
Why I read it… In autumn 2019, I launched a staff wellbeing research project with a colleague, and we were pointed in the direction of the Relationships Foundation. They were a source of inspiration and knowledge; one of their recommendations was The Human Workplace by Andy Swann, which is a worthy starting point if you’reContinue reading “The Human Workplace, by Andy Swann”
Make Your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven
Why I read it… You might have seen the videos of Admiral William H. McRaven delivering a Commencement Speech at the University of Texas in 2014. It is perfect assembly fodder: here are links to the full speech, and the slightly dramatized version. I don’t delve into works by armed forces personnel often, but IContinue reading “Make Your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven”
Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, by Jacqueline Novogratz
Why I read it… I’ve been an admirer of Jacqueline Novogratz ever since I read her book The Blue Sweater in 2010, and her amazing work with Acumen, a non-profit which creates sustainable solutions to poverty through investing in businesses and championing those who might not ordinarily receive support or finance. Her ‘Manifesto for aContinue reading “Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, by Jacqueline Novogratz”
The Culture Code, by Daniel Coyle
Why I read it… As part of a research project I was doing on staff wellbeing, I researched Self Determination Theory, a model which explores human needs. I wanted to experience these ideas in a workplace setting, and learn from other industries about how they create thriving cultures that allow people to belong and develop.Continue reading “The Culture Code, by Daniel Coyle”
Pocket Wisdom 