The 6th Annual Executive Lift Book Awards

This year's list is far-ranging, and has something for everyone! I searched for some type of through-narrative to reflect on why I was drawn to these books. I can tie each title to either continuous improvement or the drive for excellence, two of my core values. If you are interested in either, check out my top recommendations!

Leadership

THE FRICTION PROJECT - How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder

The concept of adding or removing friction to drive action and behavior is the one concept I have referred back to the most, and shared with my clients. Filled with endless examples of bad friction (the 42-page form required for Michiganders to receive state benefits) and good friction (deleting all standing meetings and preventing rescheduling for a 2-week moratorium to eliminate wasted time) you will find rules and tools you can apply right now, in any environment.

LEADERS EAT LAST

If you want to become the leader everyone wants to work for, this is your guide. Simon Sinek does what he does so well: breaks down concepts into simple ideas, explains why these practices work (and how they can fail,) and concludes with practical guidance to improve as a leader. Baked into the book is a bit of historical perspective about the evolution of leadership, a fascinating explanation of how we got to where we are today.

Brain <-> Body

When the Body Says NO: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection

This book is mind-blowing. I ran out of ink with all the underlining, starring, and margin notes I did while reading. Dr. Gabor Mate takes you through a series of patient case studies, demonstrating the impact of stress and it's associated hormones on the body. If you are intersted in exploring ways to impact your wellbeing, and understanding your current state of health, start here.

YOUR BRAIN ON NATURE: The Science of Nature's Influence on Your Health, Happiness, and Vitality

We humans have only had an "indoors" for a few hundred years. Our bodies - and our minds - were developed to survive and thrive outside. With less and less exposure to nature, we experience more stress, in every way. We know that the simple act of looking at water for as little as 2 minutes can lower blood pressure and heart rate. And having a sense of awe of the world around us is a powerful antidote to 21st century stress.

Don't take my word for it, give it a try. The next time you find yourself feeling wound up, depressed, or ready to snap, step outside. Take a few deep breaths. Move your body. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? Even looking out the window for a few minutes will have an impact. Best part? It's free and accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Biographies

Ina Garten, a memoir: Be Ready When the Luck Happens

I was completely unprepared for this book. I have watched the Barefoot Contessa cooking shows for years, and thought this would be entertaining. Her journey from working in the White House to her eventual success in the food industry is worth the read.

And then there is the back story. Chapter 2, "What Goes in Early Goes in Deep," is an unvarnished deescription of a deeply unhappy childhood. I admire and respect the massive amount of vulnerability displayed by sharing such painful memories.

Everyone has a story. Be kind.

THE SISTERHOOD: The Secret History of Women at the CIA

If you, like me, enjoy learning history by reading stories about people who lived it, this book is for you. To be sure, it is yet another tale of women being blocked from positions of power and prestige merely because of their gender.

AND... We get an inside look at how the CIA is organized and structured, and the impact that has had on national security. There is a pivotal moment when the very tasks these women had been relegated to developed the skills that led to the ultimate prize: locating bin Laden. I won't say anything more, but you have to read it to believe it.