1) The Mask of Command
John Keegan
Pimlico, £10.99
Keegan compares Alexander the Great (archetypal hero), Wellington (anti-hero), Ulysses S Grant (unheroic) and Hitler (false heroic). Keegan argues that the role of the general alters with societal shifts - a point applicable to leadership today. It's a thought-provoking, deep analysis. And my most important leadership principle? Always surround yourself with first-class generals.
2) Why Should Anyone Be Led By You?
Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones
Harvard Business School, £12.14
Why indeed? My husband gave me this just before I took on the role of director of enforcement at the FSA. Obviously he was trying to tell me something. It made me think about who I am, what influences have shaped me and how I can develop a leadership style that has impact. I pick and choose from this one - it doesn't all work for me - but I figure that's what being authentic is all about.
3) The Wisdom of No Escape
Pema Chodron
Element, £8.99
A spiritual guide to making the most of life by recognising that there's no escape from the good and bad things - a modern-day version of treating triumph and disaster just the same by an American Buddhist nun. One I dip in to when my zen balance gets unbalanced. Useful advice on how not to prefer samsara or nirvana - but hard to do when battling through traffic in the rain to catch a flight. Give me nirvana any day.
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