Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom – Psalm 90:12. God is our teacher when we submit to being a student and read his Word. When it dawns on us that there are a limited number of New Year’s Eve’s in our future, there is tremendous wisdom that comes with it. The “heart of wisdom” is to do the best we can with our limited supply of time.
It is important as servant leaders that we take this command seriously and stay intentional about gaining wisdom and developing ourselves to be the very best for those people that we serve.
In light of that I am sharing a list of both my favorite books that I read, and blogs that I followed in 2012, for your reference and development in 2013.
Favorite Books of 2012
- The Holy Bible
- Lead…For God’Sake, by Todd G. Gongwer – When you align your personal purpose with God’s purpose for your life, you will have a significant positive impact on those within your sphere of influence. Great principles of servant leadership.
- The Go – Giver, by Bob Burg & John David Mann – The secret to success and significance is giving. Great things happen when you change your focus from seeing what you can get, to seeing what you can give.
- Good to Great in God’s Eyes, by Chip Ingram – Principles that will inspire and encourage you to achieve your God-given potential for the glory of God and for the good of others.
- Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, by Beverly Kaye & Julie Winkle Giulioni – Career development is one of the most powerful and underutilized levers leaders have to drive engagement, retention, and results. Great tips on how to have the career conversations that employees want.
- Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin – Abe Lincoln is a great teacher on the principles of servant leadership, sticking to your values, and surrounding yourself with the best talent possible.
- #Positivity at Work, by Chris Edmonds & Lisa Zigarmi – More great insights from Chris on how to drive a positive culture where employees can thrive.
Favorite Leadership Blogs that I follow:
- Driving Results Through Culture – Chris Edmonds
- Great Leaders Serve – Mark Miller
- Leading With Trust – Randy Conley
- How We Lead – Ken Blanchard
- Leadership Freak – Dan Rockwell
- Seapoint Center – Jesse Lynn Stoner
- Gusto Coaching – Ulrika Nilsson
- Lead From Within – Lolly Daskal
I wish you all a Happy New Year and a year of intentional growth in 2013!
Mark