I love reading, learning and exploring new idea’s. It may be obvious by the background, and it is to those who know me. I am often quoting books or recommended reads to those I network with and mentor.

Picking up on a suggestion a couple of months ago, via WUN, I am sharing some of my most favourite reads, and why I think they are great and useful or helpful. It was difficult to curate a short list, so it a long one… this is 1 of 52! A book a week for the year ahead ☺️  Hayley Monks, WUN Co-Founder & Director.

Multipliers – Liz Wiseman’s excellent book has probably been my most recomended book for leaders.
The books characterises two stye of leaders; Multipliers and Diminishers.
A multiplier leaders makes those around them feel more capable and encourages and empowers them to explore potential. When you read the book and it describes the attributes of these leaders, you may find that managers and leaders you have worked for come to mind!
One of the leades who had the most influencial impact on me was Kanat Emiroglu. Kanat was a Multiplier and had a hugesly positive impact on me and my career. Multiplier see intelligence as continually developing – a growth mindset.
On the other hand, there are diminishers. Leaders with diminishing tendancies are controlling, the make you question your capability and decision making and can drive a competent and capable person into self doubt, eroding confidence and perceived incompetency… I have worked for one of those too…

I strive to be a Multiplier. To find people’s native talent, water them so they can grow and get out of the way! Wiseman give great insight into how to lead and how to continually check ourselves when our diminishing tendencies creep in – after all none of us are perfect 😜
Reviewing this has been a great reminder of the leader I continually strive to be. Brilliant brilliant read for leaders everywhere

For all you wanna be Multiplier’s!

Why women don’t ask..… the high cost of avoiding negotiation and positive strategies for change…

This book was recommended by Paul Fisher when I re-visited Saïd Business School, University of Oxford as an Alumni Facilitator on their Women Transforming Leadership Programme in 2021. Paul led an afternoon session on Negotiation.

The book talks through why we may not ask, aka ‘nice girls don’t ask’, the fear of asking and ‘scaring the boys’, but the most important thing is the impact of not asking!

Opportunity does not always knock! You cannot assume your hard work will be recognised AND we (all of us) are not mind readers, as so I won’t know what you want, need , aspire to, unless you tell me.

Asking is one of the things I encouraged my children to do “you can always ask, the answer may not always be yes, but don’t let that stop you asking”. They are both happy and achieving adults (I’m probably biased there 😊) but I haven’t always took my own advice, consistently, so books like this are a great reminder

Paul also joined a WUN4ALL and spoke to the #WUN network in October 2022 and the recording of that can be found below for those who prefer audio / visual to reading…

WUN For All -Negotiation – Womens Utilities Network

Happy Reading 📚