CTC - Book recommendations and reviews

The 7 habits of highly effective people: Stephen Covey (1989)

If you want to be more effective in your personal or professional life and like the step by step practical approach, this may be the book for you. Lots of practical examples and anecdotes, and there are only 7 principles (or habits), so you should be able to remember them. Lots of useful tips. However the cynical may regard it as common sense dressed up in management speak. There is some truth in that, but the value lies in examining whether you really buy into all the principles and (importantly) translate that into action.

First Break all the Rules: Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman (1999)

A book based on research by Gallup as to what makes a great manager. As is implied by the book's title, the findings are that what makes for success as a manager is often the opposite of what conventional management wisdom would lead you to expect. Practical, straightforward and packed with convincing data and examples. As a manager you can't afford to not read it.

A path with heart: Jack Kornfield (1994)

A book about the principles and practice of Buddhist meditation. It provides practical advice as to how to integrate spiritual practice into ordinary life. Even if you are not interested in Buddhism or meditation, it provides much food for thought on self awareness and attitudes to life. The basic message of the book is simple: "we must make certain that our path is connected with our heart". How to do that is the challenge.

Anam cara: John Donohue (1997)

In contrast to many personal development books, this is beautifully written and a joy to read. Short on practicalities, this book is for you if you want a challenge to your perceptions of success and achievement. It is about your relationship with yourself, life and the world. It is a book which speaks to the soul not the rational mind. Do not read this book if you want to know the ten easy steps to fulfilment and happiness; you will be greatly disappointed.