Five books to deepen your knowledge

1)     The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White is a No. 1 New York times bestselling author. A quote from the blurb by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Francis Yeoh, CBE; Managing Director, YTL Group of companies; Primus Inter Pares (First Among Equals), Honouree of the 2010 Oslo Business […]

1)     The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White is a No. 1 New York times bestselling author. A quote from the blurb by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Francis Yeoh, CBE; Managing Director, YTL Group of companies; Primus Inter Pares (First Among Equals), Honouree of the 2010 Oslo Business for Peace Award reads:
“I don’t know a more dignified and effective workforce than one that excels in language of appreciation. This book will help you transform the workplace with godly values and a simple ‘people come first’ approach”.
We generally believe that the best way to get our staff to work is to beat them into place, be a slave driver and be nasty to them. A lot of times we forget that they are also human beings. They need to be remembered on their birthdays, be supported when they lose someone, those kinds of things. We need to be kind to our drivers, aides, give them gifts if you can, it does not matter how small. Let’s try. This book is about empowering organisations by encouraging people. Some of the highpoints include: express genuine appreciation to coworkers and staff even on a tight budget; increase loyalty with the employees and volunteers in your organisation, reduce cynicism and create a more positive work environment; individualize your expressions of appreciation by speaking the right language. Learn workplace appreciation from this book, deepen your knowledge.
 

2)     Joyce Meyer is a multiple award winning inspirational and spiritual writer. I enjoy a lot of her books. I have however been completely blown away by The Confident Mom a book about guiding your family with God’s strength and wisdom. Although this is a book with Christian doctrine as its plank, it will serve any mom of any faith to deepen one’s knowledge about being a mother. One of her quotes that is endearing is about how different we moms are.
“…mothers are as different as can be. Some are multi-talented homemakers who love to cook, bake, and sew to create beautiful home décor. Others are on-the-go businesswomen who can close a financial deal and help with a science project at the same time. Some have supportive, helpful husbands; others are doing it alone. Some have lots of money to spend on their children; others are barely scraping by.”
Then she goes on to describe women as being different even in biblical times and gives us an example again of how great men and women have described their moms. In the end of the book she tells us we cannot even be confident moms without the supreme confidence in God. A really educative book about how no matter how much of a supermom you are, you need God to be a successful mum

3)     Unique by Phil Cooke is a great book about social media and it’s also about telling your story in the age of brands and social writer. The author is a Television producer, writer and media consultant. Like is noted in last week’s column, social media befuddles me a little bit. So I got a lot of understanding about branding, entrepreneurship and how to cut through the noise and get your story heard. Phil Cooke reveals in this book the new rules for communicating in the twenty first century. He shares his road-tested strategies for getting noticed in a media-driven culture. Regardless of the size of your vision or organisation, Phil’s remarkable insights will give you the tools to tell your story, be heard and truly connect with a changing world.
The blurb also adds a comment from Christine Caine, founder the A21 Campaign-
“If you want your story to be heard amongst the thousands of competing messages out there, Unique is the book for you”. Well said!
 

4)     A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar is one of the most beguiling books I have ever read. It’s the story of John Nash, one of the most brilliant mathematicians of his generation who had spiralled into Schizophrenia in the 1950’s. His most important work had been in game theory which by the 1980’s was underpinning a large part of Economics. John Nash became a legend at the age of 30. In 1994 Nash in remission from Schizophrenia, shared the Nobel Prize for economics for work previously done some forty five years previously. An amazing book; Nash’s story told by Economist and Journalist Sylvia Nasar looks at all sides of his life. She gives understandable exposition of his mathematical ideas and a picture of Schizophrenia that is evocative but decidedly unromantic. A truly fascinating book. This biography was the basis for the popular film “A beautiful mind”. This is the story of the human mind, complex and incredible. Mental illness is not properly defined especially in Africa but this book deepened my knowledge of Schizophrenia. Brilliant mathematician, madness, remission from Schizophrenia then Nobel Prize. Amazing, amazing. Here is a quote to draw you in-
‘How could you, a mathematician, believe that extraterrestrials were sending you messages?’ The visitor Harvard asked the West Virginian with the movie-star looks and Olympian manner. ‘Because the ideas I had about supernatural beings came to me the same way my mathematical ideas did’ came the answer. ‘So I took them seriously’.

5)     Rising above a toxic workplace. Taking care of yourself in an unhealthy environment by Gary Chapman, Paul White and Harold Myra is a book about brutal bosses! Soul crushing cultures and poisonous people in the workplace and the confidence to rise above them all.
“Rising Above a toxic workplace will save you from hours and hours of venting about your job. Its pages are packed with fascinating anecdotes and actionable solutions for the modern worker”-Devin Tomb, Associate Lifestyle Editor, SELF.
“…you will discover how workplaces can become unhealthy and how to avoid getting wounded; what drives toxic leaders and why they are so damaging to those around them; essential tips for maintaining your sanity while dealing with dysfunctional colleagues; counsel on how to decide when to leave for your own mental, emotional and physical wellbeing”
“Silent toleration of toxicity creates intolerable chaos. Chapman, White, and Myra pull the curtains back and reveal the true cost of unworkable workplaces. In this well-researched book, these noted authors voice the nagging feeling of failure and fear we or those we love may experience. However, they don’t leave us with hopelessness but provide a robust tool-box for assessment and action”-Brenda A. Smith, President/CEO, Breakfast with Fred Leadership Institute BWF Project Inc.
Grab a copy!