Self Knowledge

Human Givens: The New Approach to Emotional Health and Clear Thinking

Griffin, T. et al

We like Human Givens!  This is a school of therapy that’s really accessible and makes some fundamental points about how the stressed mind works (or rather, doesn’t).  Recognise that you have some essential human needs and that a lot of unhappiness and stress arises from them simply not being met.  Also, recognise that clear thinking requires a calm state of mind.

The Inner Game of Tennis

Gallwey, T.

A 1970s classic – as fresh as ever.  A great description of how we can hold ourselves back and what to do about it.  A good one to read alongside Coaching for Performance by Whitmore.

Mindware

Richard Nisbett

An enlightening and practical guide to the most powerful tools of reasoning ever developed, by one of the world’s most renowned psychologists.

Many scientific and philosophical ideas are so powerful that they can be applied to our lives to help us think smarter and more effectively about our behaviour and the world around us. Surprisingly, many of these ideas remain unknown to most of us. Drawing on his own groundbreaking research, Richard Nisbett presents these ideas in clear and accessible detail to offer a tool kit for better thinking and wiser decisions. Mindware shows how to reframe common problems – whether professional, business, or personal – in such a way that these powerful scientific and statistical concepts can be applied to them.

We thought this was a great read.  Just knowing a few of the principles could really help you make better work and life decisions.

Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ

Daniel Goleman

In some ways this was the book that kicked off the whole EI debate: the groundbreaking bestseller that redefined intelligence and success. Does IQ define our destiny? Daniel Goleman argues that our view of human intelligence is far too narrow, and that our emotions play a major role in thought, decision making and individual success. Self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, motivation, empathy and social deftness are all qualities that mark people who excel: whose relationships flourish, who are stars in the workplace. With new insights into the brain architecture underlying emotion and rationality, Goleman shows precisely how emotional intelligence can be nurtured and strengthened in all of us.

Prepare for Tests at Interview guides for Graduates and Managers

Robert Williams

If you’re preparing for interviews with a prospective or current employer, it’s now highly likely that you’ll be required to complete a selection test. To achieve your best, it’s essential that you understand what selection tests involve, how you can prepare for them and how they influence a recruiters final decision. Prepare for Tests at Interview guides you through the entire testing process and tackles many of the concerns you may have when faced with the prospect of a selection test.  Of course what this book also does is give you some advice on how you can increase your self knowledge.

The EQ Edge, Third Edition: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success

Steven J. Stein

Authors Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book show you how the dynamic of emotional intelligence works. By understanding EQ, you can build more meaningful relationships, boost your confidence and optimism, and respond to challenges with enthusiasm–all of which are essential ingredients of success.

The EQ Edge offers fascinating–and sometimes surprising–insights into what it takes to be a top law–enforcement officer, lawyer, school principal, student, doctor, dentist or CEO. You will learn what the top EQ factors are across many different kinds of jobs, from business managers and customer service representatives to HR professionals and public servants.

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level

Gay Hendricks

In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks, the New York Times bestselling author of Five Wishes, demonstrates how to eliminate the barriers to success by overcoming false fears and beliefs. Fans of Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, and The Secret will find useful, effective tips for breaking down the walls to a better life in The Big Leap.

Asda Magic

David Smith

A readable and in places quite provocative look at what it takes to build a winning culture.  Useful to think about alongside leadership style and personality.

True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership

Bill George

A readable treatise on what it is to be an authentic leader.  Authenticity is a much used term and it can be hard to define.

Affluenza

Oliver James

An interesting spin from Oliver James:  just what is it that makes otherwise successful people so unhappy?  Is there a malevolent side to having a lot of personal drive?  When is enough, enough?

Reading the Room

David Kantor

In this innovative book, renowned psychologist David Kantor applies his research and theory of structural dynamics to the workplace to show how individual leaders and coaches can develop their own skills in understanding group dynamics and apply this understanding to improve organisational communication and performance.

The Elephant in the Room

Diana McLain Smith

A systematic look at how relationships determine the success of leaders and their enterprises, along with tools to help strengthen and change them.

Personal Branding for Brits

Jennifer Holloway

Leadership – All You Need to Know

David Pendleton

Personality and Individual Differences

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking

Susan Cain

Act Made Simple

Russ Harris

Man’s Search for Meaning

Viktor E. Frankl

The NLP Workbook: A Practical Guide to Achieving the Results You Want

Joseph O'Connor

The Hero’s Journey: A voyage of self-discovery

Stephen Gilligan

Read more about logical levels and a host of other important things from a big noise in NLP.

Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Human Strengths

Alan Carr

The Seven Basic Plots

Christopher Booker

Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Sonja V. Batten

Emotional Literacy: Intelligence with a Heart

Claude Steiner

Scripts People Live

Scripts People Live

How to Stay Sane

Philippa Perry

The Private Life of the Brain

Susan Greenfield

Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby’s brain

Sue Gerhardt

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

Another metaphor for thinking:  one system that does the quick and dirty and the slower, more analytical system.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Cialdini, Robert B., PhD

There are some key psychological principles are underpin persuasion.  Read this exclusive text, recommended by those who know … whilst stocks last (yes – those were are few of the principles!)