Our Top Ten Books - Winter 2007
Leading Change by John Kotter (1998)
The classic Eight Stage Model for organisation change, ideal for educating leaders and specialists in the key change principles. It's not the Holy Grail, so don't try to use it as a change management methodology as you'll come to grief. And Stage 8 on culture change is controversial - many (including me) disagree with Kotter. Nevertheless, a good foundation for change leaders.
The Heart of Change by John Kotter (2002)
More recent case studies of organisations using Kotters's 8 Step Model, useful for ideas and inspiration on how to put the 8 stages into action.
Beyond the Boundaries - Leading and re-creating the successful enterprise by Doug Stace and Dexter Dunphy (2001)
Debunks the "one size fits all" approach to change and presents four options for organisation change. Wholistic, covering strategy, change, leadership and HR. Well-written, with excellent case studies. Written by two leading Australian academics and change consultants with international reputations, it’s an essential handbook for change leaders.
Managing Transitions - Making the Most of Change by William Bridges (2003)
The workbook companion to the classic book Transitions by Bridges. Contains the Bridges individual change model of Endings, Neutral Zone and New Beginnings, plus useful assessments, activities and guidelines for change leaders.
In Great Company - Unlocking the Secrets of Cultural Transformation by Quentin Jones, Dexter Dunphy, Rosalie Fishman, Margherita Larne and Corrine Canter (2006)
Identifies the key success factors in five Australian case studies of cultural change, using Human Synergistics OCI, LSI and GSI tools. The Meta-Capability Model for Cultural Transformation is insightful and practical.
Solution Focussed Coaching: Managing People in a Complex World by Jane Greene and Anthony Grant (2003)
Excellent handbook on coaching containing classic and contemporary change models as well as guidelines and techniques. A top-quality guide for coaches, leaders and change professionals.
Communicating Change by TJ Larkin and Sandar Larkin (1994)
The book that triggered a major change for the better in how to communicate with employees. Puts the direct manager on centre stage as the most credible and effective change communicator. Be aware that new research by Prosci found that senior executives have a key role in communicating the need for change and the big picture, so communication is a shared role with line managers.
First Break all the Rules - What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (2000)
On my personal short list for Best Management Book Ever. This is the book that put employee engagement and Gallup's Q12 survey on the map. Reveals what great managers do create engaged employees and high performance cultures with examples that everyone can relate to. At last, some appreciation for managers!
Execution - the Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan with Charles Burck (2002)
Execution is the missing link between vision and reality. Explains what leaders need to do to ensure their managers and people deliver. Brilliant, practical insights from two of the best and brightest management writers. My copy is already dog-eared and highlighted - a sure sign of a great read. Wish I'd read it in 2002.
Change Your Thinking by Dr Sarah Edelman (2006)
A friend told me this book helped her successfully overcome chronic anxiety. Inspired, I used it as a cure for Kmart-rage during Xmas shopping. It uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to address everyday frustrations, anger, and anxiety. I am happy to report it works! (So is Kmart) Handy for coaches and managers, as it has proven tools such as I Statements, Complete Statements and Behavioural Disputing.
