I know, I know. . .you barely have time to read the newspaper, let alone a book. . .but here is a list of the 15 books that have most influenced me—as a coach, a teacher, a speaker. . .

1. The Call Of Stories
   Robert Coles, M.D.
   (every physician must read this book!)
2. Storytelling In Organizations: Why Storytelling Is Transforming 21st Century Organizations and Management
   Brown, Denning, Groh, Prusak
   (radical thinking on management, but taps into a primal need of humans)
3. The Winning Edge: Effective Communication and Persuasion Techniques for Lawyers
   Richard Lucas, Ph.D.,  K. Byron McCoy, J.D.
   (the book for any attorney whether a seasoned pro or just out of law school)
4. Never Eat Alone:  And Other Secrets To Success, One Relationship At A Time
   Keith Ferrazzi
   (a whole new take on networking—especially essential for the shy)
5. Effective Business Writing: A Guide For Those Who Write On the Job
   Maryann V. Piotrowski
   (considered the best book of its kind--period.)
6. Talking 9-5: How Conversational Styles Affect Who Gets Heard, Who Gets Credit, and What Gets Done at Work
   Deborah Tannen
   (you will never talk the same way again after reading this book)
7. Working the Room:  How To Move People to Action Through Audience-Centered Speaking
   Nick Morgan
   (even freshmen college students are inspired by this book)
8. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
   Patterson, Grenny, McMillian, Switzler
   (if you avoid conflict at any cost, this is the book to read)
9. Maximum Success: Changing the 12 Behavior Patterns That Keep You From Getting Ahead
   James Waldroop, Timothy Butler
   (a book you can read several times over and still gain insight)
10. Emotional Blackmail: When the People In Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You
    Susan Forward
    (you know who these people are—maybe even you are one of them!)
11. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
    Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.
    (applies to fear in any and all circumstances)
12. Working With Emotional Intelligence
    Daniel Goleman
    (essential guide to understanding what business calls “soft skills”)
13. Cultural Intelligence: People Skills for Global Business
    David Thomas, Kerr Inkson
    (essential reading for anyone working in a multi-cultural setting)
    
    Books 14/15 will help you understand yourself, life, and work in practical, yet transforming ways
    
    
14. A Whole New Mind:  Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
    Daniel Pink
15. Awakening Corporate Soul: Four Paths to Unleash the Power of People At Work
    John Izzo, Ph.D.