Book list

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Personal development book - how to choose your career

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What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Guide for Job-Hunting and Career Changes
Richard Nelson Bolles (2003), Ten Speed Press

If you are struggling to find out what career might interest you,  this book is an excellent tool.
Emotional Intelligence book looking at its influence in work, education and personal life

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Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman (1997), Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London.

The first book that Goleman produced on EI where he lays down the research that backs up the concept. Some good reference stories and case studies. Looks at EI from an educational, work and personal point of view.
Emotional Intelligence in the work place - how does EQ affect business

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Working with Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman (1998), Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London.

This focuses on EI in the workplace. It is very useful for understanding EI and workplace issues and goes deeper into understanding the factors that make up EI.
Emotional intelligence book - How to become more emotionaly intelligent using NLP

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7 Steps to Emotional Intelligence
Patrick E. Merlevede, M.Sc. Denis Bridoux & Rudy Vandamme (2001), Crown House Publishing Limited, Carmarthen

To get the most out of this book I recommend that you have a working knowledge of NLP. Having said that, it is still an interesting read with many practical ideas about improving your emotional intelligence.
Proven techniques and strategies for increasing emotional intelligence and EQ

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The HeartMath Solution – Proven Techniques for Developing Emotional Intelligence
Doc Childre & Howard Martin (1999), HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Very interesting book based on research done on how our heart has intelligence. Research has shown that there are many thousands of neurons in our hearts that act as a control centre  for the body regulating its systems and maintaining health. The book then offers some key concepts on how to improve our lives through using tried and tested techniques that have a positive affect on our heart. Not for everyone as I have found in using some techniques in my trainings. Our “instant gratification” society can get in the way of people learning useful new ideas!
Personal development - how to become highly effective - a business classic

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey (1989), Simon & Schuster of Australia PTY Ltd, Sydney.

A business classic which has sold millions of copies. Not an easy read but   worth the effort if you are willing to get stuck in. Many people have probably bought this, read the first chapter and then consigned it to their bookshelves. You will be wiser if you read the whole book.


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Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Susan Jeffers (1987), Rider Books, An imprint of Random House Ltd, London

Susan’s style of writing makes this book an easy read. The concepts she presents are powerful and practical and are relayed with compassion and love. This was the first pop psychology book I read and although there are those that trash the genre, this is one that I treasure.


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The Road Less Traveled
M. Scott Peck (1978), Rider Books, An imprint of Random House Ltd, London

A classic book, Mr Peck’s first, and best in my opinion. An enlightening introduction to Psychotherapy that persuaded me to take the plunge and seek professional therapy to deal with my own baggage. Filled with thought-provoking concepts and stories of his own practice, it is at times heart-warming and at others tear-jerking. A work of love and highly recommended for those who wish to make a change in their life.


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What We May Be
Piero Ferrucci (1982), Thorsons, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, London

During my own journey with counselling and therapy I have discovered various tools and techniques that have been invaluable for my development. This book is a fine introduction to Psychosynthesis. Please don’t be put off by the long word. It is a practice of self-discovery which has tremendous benefits


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Nonviolent Communication
Marshall B. Rosenberg (2000), PuddleDancer Press, Encinitas

I saw Marshall ‘perform’ at a SEAL conference and was totally amazed at his simple wisdom. The book provides us with the tools to be more compassionate in the way we relate to others and to realise how damaging our language can be. The book does not compare with an afternoon listening to Marshall talk, sing, play guitar and perform puppet shows but the stories that illustrate his philosophy are very touching.


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The Wisdom of Teams
Jon R. Katzenbach & Douglas Smith (1993), McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Maidenhead

I was recommended this book when I had a project to look at how our sales team was performing. I was amazed that all the things that this book suggested made up a good team were somehow missing from ours. My big mistake was presenting the things that were wrong first. The manager of the group was furious and basically I was not allowed to make my point and suggest ways to change. My conclusion – this book had hit the nail on the head and pointed out some fundamental things which needed to be addressed. I would not say this was an easy read but it is full of case studies and useful insights into how teams can make a tremendous difference to how a company performs. If you are committed to getting your team to work more effectively this is a book for you.


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Take Yourself to The Top
Laura Berman Fortgang (1998), Thorsons, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, London

I saw Laura talk at a mini-conference in London. A dynamic speaker she got me interested in the concept of life coaching. Laura shares her ideas about life coaching and presents us with ways to challenge our status quo and move forward in life. A very practical book about how to succeed in life.


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Once a Customer Always a Customer
Chris Daffy (1996), Oak Tree Press, Dublin.

I like this book. Chris Daffy is a very entertaining speaker and writer. His concepts on customer service are easy to understand and they work. I used his concepts to great effect when working with BT. One MD of a company I looked after, said to my General Manager “If it wasn’t for Andy, we would not be doing business with BT.” Putting small things into practice can make a huge difference and Chris gives us some very useful ideas. If you like models, there are plenty here to keep you happy. If you like entertaining stories, you won’t be disappointed. If you are interested in customer service, buy this book.
  Building the Emotional Intelligence of Groups
Venessa Urch Druskat & Steven B. Wolff, March 2001,
Harvard Business Review

A stimulating article on EI in groups. Often so-called successful teams do not realise the effect they have on other teams in the organisation. How come a successful team one year fails the next? This article gives us some answers to that question.


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