As I’ve looked back at over 11 years in the workplace, the word “leadership” has been somewhat of an enigma. It’s a word lots of people used – but what does it actually mean in my organization, places I volunteer or even inside my family?

While there are thousands of definitions of leadership, I was able to experience significant growth in 2016 through the help of lots of prayer, a tremendous mentor, amazing teammates, a supportive family, individual assessment tools and these great books.

The common denominator in all of these titles is research. For me, being an authoritative source on leadership requires more than catchy sayings, the latest concepts and good stories. I buy-in when you’ve walked the walk…when your experience drives your teaching. And in most, if not all of these books, research is at the core of their concepts.

2016 brought a lot of personal clarity in the area of leadership. May these titles help you grow in 2017!

• The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by Kousness/Posner
  • This isn’t a quick read and is more of a “work in progress” you’ll digest over the entire year. I started it, took a few big bites and came back later when I was hungry again.
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Graves/Bradberry
  • I was unfamiliar with this concept until this past year. It’s a straight-forward read and insanely helpful in improving how you work & live alongside people.
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Duhigg
  • Insightful reading on habits and how we can rewire our own. Crazy studies!
• Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Weisinger
  • An incredibly helpful approach to dealing with something we all will experience in life – pressure. Backed by tons of research of some of the most stressful occupations – there are a variety of practical tools you can employ when stress comes knocking.