Understanding Yourself and Others

Resolving Conflicts at Work:  Eight Strategies for Everyone on the Job

By Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith

316 pages, 8 key chapters and a Foreward by the “Leadership Guru” Warren Bennis

Resolving Conflict, really resolving conflict is a tough task.  We can all cause conflict, some of us do not recognize conflict, some of us run a million miles from conflict.  This book takes a thorough and well-researched look at what it really takes to effectively resolve conflict.

This is a really great book – but it takes stamina.  It is not a book that is easy to dive in and out of and the pages are packed with information.  However, once you have read this book, you will NEVER have to read another book on the topic as it is totally comprehensive.

If you have already read “Getting to Yes” and any of the books from the Leadership category, some of what you will read will be repetitive, but you can skim through these – the overall content is so well-researched and explained that the effort is well worth it!

Emotional Intelligence:  Why it can matter more than IQ

By Daniel Goleman

350 pages, 5 parts plus Appendices

This is the seminal popular text in the field of brain and behavioural research.  It’s quite a “dense” read and requires focus and concentration.  The content is, however, fascinating!  I think this book should also be required reading for all parents – it can really help in guiding our children and helping us to understand the benefits and limitations of our upbringings.  So a book that expands, self-awareness and helps us to interpret both work and family interactions.