You are never really playing an opponent.

You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, 

And when you reach your limits, that is real joy.

 

– Arthur Ashe, Grand Slam tennis player

 

There are many excellent books, websites and articles that I have found motivating and instructive. Here are a few of my favourites.

 

Building Awareness of your values and strengths - Authentic Happiness

Authentic Happiness is the homepage of Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of positive psychology, a branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. This website has almost 1,975,000 users from around the world, and the public is welcome to use all of the resources available for free.
To find your key strengths and learn how to leverage them to be successful take the VIA Survey of Character Strengths at:
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx
 

Now Discover Your Strengths

One of the many books by March Buckingham that shows you how to develop your unique talents and strengths. With the purchase of each book, there is a link to complete an online questionnaire.


Other similar books include:

  • Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingman
  • Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
  • Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conshie
  • Find Your Strongest Life: What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham


Career Management

What Next? by Barbara Moses
A great resource to find the work that is right for you. A number of simple tools to determine who you are and what are some options that will help find your passion or perhaps get out of a career slump.

Creating You and Co by William Bridges – a resource to renew your career and find fulfillment in your work

The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins, a must read for any leader taking on a new challenge

Managing and Leading

The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, a great source for becoming an effective leader

Good to Great by Jim Collins, what makes companies great

Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni, a simple and practical guide to enhancing your leadership

High Five by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles, a fable that captures the power and vision of great teams