Welcome to My Favorite Books & Tools!
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Welcome to My Favorite Books & Tools! *
Explore a growing collection of the best books and resources for conflict resolution, leadership, and workplace dynamics—curated for HR leaders, managers, and professionals navigating complex workplace challenges.
Check back often for new recommendations!
The Speed of Trust - Why Trust is Your Workplace’s Greatest Asset (or Its Biggest Liability)
Trust isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of leadership, teamwork, and business success. The Speed of Trust reveals how leaders can build credibility, foster strong relationships, and accelerate results by developing a high-trust workplace culture.
The Power of Us – How Group Identity Shapes Workplace Conflicts & Solutions
What makes people work together—or against each other? The Power of Us explores how shared identities influence teamwork, cooperation, and decision-making. A must-read for HR leaders and managers looking to build cohesive, high-performing teams.
Fight Right – How to Make Workplace Arguments Constructive, Not Destructive
Conflict in the workplace isn’t the problem—it’s how you handle it. Fight Right challenges leaders to rethink conflict as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and stronger teams. This book provides actionable strategies for transforming workplace disagreements into productive conversations.
How to Have Impossible Conversations – The Art of Persuasion & Conflict Management
Difficult conversations don’t have to end in frustration. How to Have Impossible Conversations provides a step-by-step guide to engaging in high-stakes discussions with people who strongly disagree with you. Whether you’re managing workplace conflicts, negotiating tough decisions, or trying to bridge divides, this book equips you with the tools to communicate effectively and build understanding.
The Mediation Process – Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict
Mediation is an essential skill in resolving workplace disputes. The Mediation Process offers a step-by-step guide to facilitating fair and effective resolutions. Whether you're an HR leader, mediator, or manager, this book provides the tools to navigate difficult conversations with confidence.
Good Arguments – The Science of Productive Disagreement in the Workplace
Disagreements don’t have to be divisive. Good Arguments reveals how mastering debate skills can improve listening, persuasion, and decision-making. Ideal for HR professionals, managers, and leaders looking to foster constructive discussions in the workplace.
Dealing with Difficult People: How to Navigate Challenging Workplace Interactions
Every workplace has them—difficult personalities that create conflict and tension. Dealing with Difficult People offers proven strategies for handling challenging behaviours with confidence. Whether it’s an aggressive colleague, a passive-aggressive employee, or an uncooperative boss, this book provides tools to navigate tough interactions and maintain professionalism.
The 48 Laws of Power – Understanding Power Plays in Workplace Conflict
Want to understand how power works in leadership and negotiation? The 48 Laws of Power explores historical strategies for gaining influence, avoiding manipulation, and navigating power dynamics. While controversial, its lessons are valuable for those seeking strategic leadership insights.
Leadership and Self-Deception – How Leaders Unknowingly Fuel Workplace Conflict
What if the biggest obstacle to effective leadership is... yourself? Leadership and Self-Deception reveals how our own biases and blind spots shape workplace dynamics, often in ways we don’t realize. A transformative read for leaders who want to improve team trust, culture, and collaboration.
Power and Influence – Understanding Navigating Organizational Dynamics: Mastering Power, Politics, and Influence
In today’s world, power isn’t just about authority—it’s about influence. Power and Influence examines how modern leaders navigate workplace politics, persuasion, and credibility to drive success. A must-read for executives, HR leaders, and professionals looking to increase their strategic influence.
Humble Inquiry – How Great Leaders Ask More and Tell Less
Asking the right questions can be more powerful than having the right answers. Humble Inquiry teaches leaders how to foster trust and collaboration through thoughtful, open-ended questions. Essential for HR professionals, managers, and anyone looking to improve workplace communication.
The Leadership Challenge – The Leadership Challenge: Five Practices That Drive Extraordinary Leadership
What makes a truly great leader? The Leadership Challenge breaks down leadership into five key practices that inspire, motivate, and transform teams. This book provides a roadmap for leaders at all levels to develop trust, credibility, and lasting influence.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There – Breaking Through Career Plateaus: Why Past Success Won’t Guarantee Future Growth
Successful leaders often hit a plateau—what worked before no longer drives progress. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There reveals the subtle habits that hold leaders back and offers practical strategies to break through to the next level. Essential reading for executives, HR professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their leadership impact.
Thanks for the Feedback – Mastering Feedback: How to Get the Most Out of Criticism (Even When It’s Hard to Hear)
Feedback is essential for growth—but why is it so hard to give and receive? Thanks for the Feedback explores the psychology of feedback, providing actionable strategies for workplace leaders to improve performance, communication, and relationships.
Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion – Mastering the Art of Persuasion: How Verbal Judo Defuses Conflict and Builds Influence
Want to turn confrontation into cooperation? Verbal Judo teaches techniques to defuse tension, redirect hostility, and communicate effectively—even in high-pressure situations. Essential for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone managing difficult workplace conversations.
Nonviolent Communication – How Empathy Can Transform Workplace Disputes
How do you communicate in a way that defuses conflict and builds understanding? Nonviolent Communication introduces a four-step process to express needs, listen actively, and create mutual respect. A must-read for HR professionals and leaders who navigate high-stakes conversations.
The Art of War for Leaders – Strategic Thinking for the Workplace: Leadership Lessons from The Art of War
What can ancient military strategy teach today’s leaders? The Art of War for Executives distills Sun Tzu’s wisdom into practical leadership strategies for the modern workplace. Learn how to anticipate challenges, outthink competitors, and lead with strategic foresight.
Why We Fight – Understanding the Roots of Conflict: Why We Fight and How to Stop It
Why do conflicts escalate, and how can we prevent them? Why We Fight explores the underlying causes of disputes, from personal clashes to global wars, offering research-backed strategies for de-escalation. Ideal for HR professionals and workplace leaders, this book provides insights into managing tensions before they spiral out of control.
When to Walk Away – The Power of Letting Go: Knowing When to Walk Away from Toxic Situations
Sometimes, the best conflict resolution strategy is knowing when to disengage. When to Walk Away offers guidance on recognizing when a workplace relationship or situation has become too toxic to fix. A must-read for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone struggling with workplace toxicity, this book helps set boundaries and protect mental well-being.
High Conflict – Breaking Free from High Conflict: How to Stop Workplace Feuds from Spiraling
What happens when conflict becomes all-consuming? High Conflict explores how workplace tensions, political divides, and personal disputes can spiral into destructive cycles—and how to break free. Amanda Ripley’s research-driven approach offers insights for HR leaders and professionals managing complex workplace conflicts.