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Recommended Readings
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 Business & Professional Reading:

These books are suggested for leaders who want to create a new sense of spirit in the workplace and community and who want their people to work together better. Don’t forget to review the personal growth and communication bibliography for more insights.

DIALOGUE AND THE ART OF THINKING TOGETHER, William Isaacs. This book takes communication to a deeper level. Based on 10+ years of research with corporations, managers, and business and community leaders, Isaacs shows how dialogue is about embracing thoughts -- not just exchanging words.

FISH! Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. Do your people enjoy their work? Do they love what they do? Reading this book might give you the impetus you (and your people need) to work together better and have fun while getting it done.

GOING DEEP IN LIFE AND LEADERSHIP, Ian Percy. This book challenges readers to ask themselves some hard questions. The answers will simplify as well as enrich your life.

GUNG HO! TURN ON THE PEOPLE IN ANY ORGANIZATION. Ken Blanchard & Sheldon Bowles. Increase productivity, profits, and your own prosperity!

INSIGHTS ON LEADERSHIP, Larry C. Spears, Ed. A compilation of essays on service, stewardship, spirit and servant leadership. A very thought provoking book for leaders who want to move beyond the bottom line to the very human side of leadership.

PRINCIPLE CENTERED LEADERSHIP, Steven Covey. Interpersonal, managerial, and organizational skills reinforce each other so you can achieve a high level of organizational effectiveness. Quality service, performance, and profitability are the result.

RETAINING YOUR EMPLOYEES: USING RESPECT, RECOGNITION AND REWARDS FOR POSITIVE RESULTS, Barb Wingfield and Janice Berry. Just released, Feb. 2001! This 55-minute read will remind you and your leadership team what it takes to really motivate your employees. Following the simple, yet applicable guidelines, can help managers start getting more sleep at night! (937)468-2197. www.moralebuilders.com

THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD. Og Mandino. How to change your approach to life and work with this timeless adventure.

THE TIPPING POINT: HOW LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. Malcolm Galdwell. If you care about how society works, and how we can make it better, then this book is for you. You will begin to understand the trends that "tip" the scales to create winning products, communities, or even TV programs! A must read for leaders who want to maintain a high public image for their organization.

WHY IS EVERYONE SO CRANKY? THE 10 TRENDS THAT ARE MAKING US ANGRY AND HOW WE CAN FIND PEACE OF MIND INSTEAD. Leslie Charles. We’ve all suspected it, and now we can understand it! People are “crankier” than ever. This book will help you make the transition from crankiness to contentment or help you help cranky employees!

BOOKS ABOUT LEARNING ORGANIZATION: OUTLEARNING THE WOLVES; SHADOWS OF THE NEANDERTHAL. David Hutchens;

THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE: THE ART AND PRACTICE OF THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION, Peter M. Senge.



 Personal Growth, Family & Communication

COME ALIVE: 50 EASY WAYS TO HAVE MORE ENERGY NOW! Karen Rowinsky. If you need more energy and you need it now, read Karen’s book! Strategies for a balanced life are at your fingertips!

CREATING A CHARMED LIFE: Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Must Know,
Victoria Moran. A book filled with a joyful approach to everyday living. Buy it for yourself . . . or the charming women you know.

JOURNEY TO CENTER: LESSONS IN UNIFYING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT, Thomas Crum. Using anecdotes from his own journey and from the extraordinary people he has met around the world, Tom introduces the principles of centering, a skill for unifying the body mind and spirit. Information about retreats available. Aiki Works: (716)924-7302

MAGIC OF CONFLICT: TURNING A LIFE OF WORK INTO A WORK OF ART, Thomas Crum. The book and available audio/video cassettes and workbook creates a new mind set for understanding conflict. One of the most important book you can read this year! (716)924-7302

MAKE LIFE COUNT! 50 WAYS TO GREAT DAYS, Julie Alexander. This book is filled with vignettes that help you find everyday greatness. You’ll also want to read Julie’s other book, Great Days: 50 Ways to Add Energy, Enthusiasm & Enjoyment to Your Life.

MASTERING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE, Erik Olesen. A terrific guide for dealing with the inevitable life changes we all face in addition to skill development for managing organizational change. Excellent reading for speakers of any topic.

MEN ARE FROM MARS - WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS. Current best seller helping reader to understand gender differences. Another one of the great books on tape!

MESSAGES: THE COMMUNICATION SKILLS BOOK, McKay, Davis, & Fanning. A resource for improving relationships and personal effectiveness through mastery of communications. The skills addressed in this book can enhance your communication from the boardroom to the bedroom. Great reference book.

ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF: TURNING THE LIFE YOU HAVE INTO THE LIFE YOU WANT, Dr. Sonja Freidman. Excellent book (available in paperback) for dealing with many of the self-esteem struggles we all confront.

NEW PASSAGES: MAPPING YOUR LIFE ACROSS TIME, Gail Sheehy, 1995. If you work with people who are 10±years older/younger than you, this book can serve as a resource for bridging generation gaps. The anthropological research used by the author is rich with information that leaders need to know.. .to better understand themselves and the people they work with.

REACH FOR THE STARS, Receive the best business and personal advice from 20 top speakers, trainers, and consultants. While the overriding theme of the book is success, topics addressed are: values and ethics; communication, goal setting, business writing, emotional intelligence, networking strategies, and personal growth skills. Includes Shirley’s chapter, It’s A Juggle Out There. Available directly from Shirley Garrett.

RISK TAKING FOR PERSONAL GROWTH: A STEP-BY-STEP WORKBOOK. Joseph Illardo, 1992. A terrific workbook for you to understand your willingness to take risks in business and in life! Must have your own copy as there are several inventories and questionnaires that make this workbook a personal experience.

THE ARTIST'S WAY: A SPIRITUAL PATH TO HIGHER CREATIVITY, Julia Cameron. A workbook for developing creativity through daily exercises (including writing). The 12 week program could unleash the artist in you (this book is not for the traditional artists only - everyone benefits from the powerful exercises)!

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES: HOW TO EXPRESS HEARTFELT COMMITMENT TO YOUR MATE.
Gary Chapman, It is my belief that this book has the potential to change your relationship and change your life. It helps clarify why people profess their love for each other and yet why partners/children don’t feel that love. There are several specialized editions of the book. Get it today!

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FAMILIES, Steven Covey. On-target advice for putting parenting into its proper perspective. Emphasizes specific steps that can be shares to assure that families become and stay connected. A must for all families.



 Shirley’s Favorite Fiction & Non-Fiction

These books don’t fit into any particular category. I just like them. Some are for thought -- some of for laughs!

CIRCLE OF THREE, Patricia Gaffney. This story is told through the voices of a mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. As each silently copes with loss, their stories offer women of all ages a deeper understanding of each other.

HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG, Andre Dubus III. This story gives insight into two very different cultures. A wealthy Iranian becomes a struggling immigrant in the United States -- a young woman loses hold of her hard-won stability. Their paths collide in an uncanny and unfortunate way. A must for people who want to develop understanding of our world.

STONES FROM THE RIVER, Ursula Hegi. The setting is Germany between WWI and through WWII. The main character is a dwarf (Zwerg) whose struggle to “not be different” challenges her during her early life. The story weaves the characters and events of a small town -- a powerful tapestry of emotional power, humanity, and truth.

THE COLOR OF WATER, A BLACK MAN’S TRIBUTE TO HIS WHITE MOTHER, James McBride. If you have ever felt different this book is for you.

THE LITTLEST CHRISTMAS TREE, Janie Jasin. A beautiful story, a beautiful message. For the child filled with hope in all of us and for the grow hope in our children’s lives.

THE NOTEBOOK, Nicholas Sparks. A love story told through the experience of an 80 year old man as he re-tells his wife of their life together. Daily he sits with her and during “good moments” (free of the Alzheimer fog that surrounds her) they remember the kind of love that poets celebrate.

THE RAPTURE OF CANAAN, Sheri Reynolds. Fascinating and compelling story of a young girls life in the rural south. But this story is told with a twist. The Church of Fire and Brimstone and God’s Almighty Baptizing Wind serves as the background and the commune where this story takes place.



 Resources For Speakers

Shirley will be happy to share with you her insight about the professional speaking business. Contact Shirley for your free 30-minute consultation.
The following resources are designed to help you learn more about the speaking business and the business of speaking. One of the greatest resources you can tap into is the National Speakers Association (NSA) and one of the local chapters. To discover more about NSA, visit their web site at nsaspeaker.org. Also review the books on personal growth and communication to enhance your message.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS. Mark LeBlanc. What you need to know about growing a business that makes sense. Is quickly becoming a leading “grass roots” best seller!!!

SPEAKER’S SOURCEBOOK I & II: QUOTES, STORIES, & ANECDOTES FOR EVERY OCCASION, Glenn Van Ekeren. An incredible collection of quotes that can enhance your speaking, provoke your thinking, and engage your audiences.

SUCCESS SECRETS OF THE MOTIVATIONAL SUPERSTARS, Michael Jeffreys. Chapters by 15 of the top speakers in the country . . .. 500+ pages of the best information available about the keynote speaking business. A great read in segments -- or all the way through!

THE BOOK OF MYSELF: A DO-IT-YOURSELF AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN 201 QUESTIONS. Carl and David Marshall. Embrace your memories as you recall your life stories. Share your life with those you love . . . or create a unique family heirloom. . . or write just for the joy of re-discovery. Have fun!!

THE RIGHT TO WRITE: AN INVITATION AND INITIATION INTO THE WRITING LIFE, Julie Cameron. This provocative work will help you begin to write. And good writing is at the core of good speaking. Own your insights by bringing them from thinking to tangible.

WRITING FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: HOW TO TURN YOUR LIFE INTO SALABLE PROSE. Nancy Davidoff Kelton. If you’ve ever thought that you might have a story to tell, use this book for easy guidelines in getting started. A great resource for speakers to use for creating signature stories.

WORDS THAT SELL: THE THESAURUS TO HELP YOU PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND IDEAS: Richard Bayan. Use this book to create copy that gets attention and helps you define your uniqueness..

OTHER STUFF:
CREATIVE LEARNING TOOLS, (715)842-2467 / WWW.CREATIVELEARNINGTOOLS.COM
ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY, 1-800-228-2269 / WWW.ORIENTAL.COM
EDDIE’S TRICK SHOP, (404)377-0003 / WWW.EDDIESTRICKS.COM
EXECUTIVE BOOK SUMMARIES, 1-800-521-1227


 
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