MyCareerCoach.net

When I was younger I used to chew up books. No sooner, had I put one book done that I had picked up another. These days, I don't have that luxury.  Instead, I listen to books on CD (a trick I learned when I was in sales), read snippets over breakfast, or refer to my favorites that are sitting in a stack next to my desk. Below are a few of my must read recommendations:

Creative Visualization written by Shakti Gawain has had a tremendous impacts on  my life. Published long before The Secret, this book speaks about the power of visualization or law of attraction. Whatever you call it, this book discusses attitudes that block achievement  and then offers a series of guided meditations to help you access you deepest desires. People like Walt Disney, Martin Luther King and Ben Franklin recognized the power  of visualization. I have used these techniques, with great success, in my own life and while coaching clients.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey -  Stephen Covey is a master of relationship  management. He understands the power of listening and asking good questions. The  greatest idea I took away from his book is the importance of the emotional bank account. Everyday, I try and add something into the emotional bank account that others hold for me. Be it a kind word, acknowledging an accomplishment or cheering on a friend, family member, acquaintance, client or even a stranger. As my husband so eloquently puts it "my stock is up today." The greater your emotional bank account or stock becomes the easier it is for others  to forgive your transgressions.

Getting the Love You Want, Harville Hendrix Ph.d - The lessons I learned about love, relationships and communication while attending the Imago workshop and reading the book were life changing. If I could, I would give the workshop as an engagement present to every couple I know. However, given the investment, I will have to settle on giving the book or CD as present, instead. Hendrix provides the most sensible tools and methods for improving interpersonal relationships. Please read his book or better yet sign up for a workshop http://lindaschnapp.com (in the New York Area)  or  Gettng the Love You Want (outside the New York area)

Interview Strategies That Will Get You the Job You Want; Greener Pastures; Life's A Bitch and Then You Change Careers, Andrea Kay – I first heard Andrea Kay speak in 2002 at a Career Master's Institute conference in Kansas City. My first  thought was wow, this woman is amazing. My second thought was I want to be as good as her and so I bought her book Interview Strategies That Will Get You The Job You Want. It quickly became one of my favorite reference books. A few years later, I heard Andrea was speaking on a teleseminar. So, I quickly signed up. This time not only did I buy her book, Greener Pastures, but I contracted with her to be my coach and mentor.

Andrea's no nonsense, practical approach to career management is a must read for everyone. Her strategies for making a  career transition, as outlined in Life's A Bitch, have proven successful with every client I've coached. While I whole heartedly recommend working with a good mentor or career coach  to catapult your career, Andrea's books are a close second.