We asked the leadership coaches we work with to suggest three books for their clients to read this summer. This is the list that was created. Happy Reading!

TitleAuthorWhy Suggested
Adjusting the Sails, Weathering the Storms of Administrative LeadershipDonya BallIf you feel like there is no roadmap for navigating the challenges of leadership, you are right. But this book provides guidance for the storms. Used in LACOE Admin Credential Program.
Beyond Conversations about Race, A Guide for Discussions with Students, Teachers, and CommunitiesCollado, Hollie Isiah, Jackson, Muhammad, Reeves, WilliamsLeaders willing to have discussions about race will appreciate these suggestions for addressing topics such as bias, discomfort, and advocacy. Used in LACOE Admin Credential Program.
Book of Forgiving Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?Desmond Tuto and Mpho Tutu   Timothy KellerThese two books give a wonderful alternative to our current culture where forgiving is often seen as a weakness to be avoided at all costs, or exploited for our benefit.  
Book of Luminous Things: An International Anthology of PoetryCzeslaw MiloszLeaders can benefit from stepping away and reflecting on the places and circumstances where poets from all over the world have found light.
Contagious Culture: Showing Up, Set the tone, Intentionally Create an Organization that ThrivesAnese CavanaughOne of the best guides to understanding this influence and showing up in a way that generates positive energy. When a leader creates this positive presence, everything changes.
Courageous Follower: Standing up to and for Our Leaders, 3rd editionIra ChaleffI first read this book in the 1990’s.  It has been very beneficial to me…and also got me into trouble at times.  Be sure to read the dedication.  
Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice: Capacity building for Schoolwide SuccessPete Hall/Alisa SimeralAs a school administrator, instructional coach, or teacher leader, you know that reflective teachers are effective teachers. But how can you help teachers become self-reflective practitioners whose thoughtful approach translates into real gains for student achievement? 
Dare to LeadBrene BrownStrategies to cultivate brave, daring leadership and embed the value of courage in building a positive culture.  Learn to stay curious and ask the right questions!   The challenges brought forth in leading imperfect, emotional people call for bold focus, courage, tenacious resolve—-and skill.   A must have for every new administrator.
Four Disciplines of ExecutionChris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim HulingThis book distills the hard work of improving an organization to four concrete and achievable disciplines.  Great for a leadership team.
Happiness AdvantageShaun AchorFun read. Lots of data about how happy people are better at what they do.  Practical ways to foster happiness in an organization.
Higher Standard of Leadership: Lessons from the Life of GandhiMorgan Keshavan NairDives into the personal responsibility that leaders bear and impact of one person leading with integrity.  
Improving Schools from WithinRoland BarthSuccessful leadership is more often found in making the best of what you have rather than looking elsewhere for silver bullet magic.
Innovator’s Mindset Innovate Inside the BoxGeorge Couros  Great read to spark creativity and innovation.
Leadership Secrets of Santa ClausEric Harvey, David Cottrell, Al Lucia and Mike HouriganHow to get BIG things done in your workshop all day long! How to build a wonderful workshop and choose your reindeer wisely!
Leading in a Culture of ChangeMichael FullanA great grounding book.
Leading So People will FollowErika AndersenDiscover the six leadership characteristics that will inspire others to follow you.
Leading with SoulLee Bolman and Terrence DealThis classic book is a parable of an executive’s quests for passion and purpose in work and life.
Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary LeaderJames Kouzes and Barry PosnerThis book provides a concrete framework to help us take charge of our own leadership development.
Leverage Leadership 2.0Paul Bambrick-SantoyaIf you wonder what great school leaders do that sets them apart, read about and practice the seven Levers of Leadership that allow transformational growth.
Never Underestimate Your TeachersRobin JacksonWhile we say we believe all children can learn, author Robyn Jackson wonders why many administrators don’t believe all teachers can become master teachers? She posits that if all administrators did believe, the approach to teacher support and improvement would be different.
Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of Teams (and its Handbook)Patrick LencioniI have used the surveys in this book a million times.   This book gets at what teams need in order to work. The accompanying handbook is a great resource of activities.
Power of Positive Leadership The Energy Bus The Power of a Positive Team (and others)Jon GordonShort, easy summer reads that call leaders to reflect on culture and the power of positivity.
Powerful Student CareGrant Chandler, Kathleen M. BudgeEach learner is distinctive and irreplaceable. Learn the five tenants of community and the importance of welcoming and valuing EVERY student.
Principal: 3 Keys to Maximizing ImpactMichael FullanAnother great grounding book.   Still the most powerful book written for principals in the 21st century.
Radical LeapSteve FarberA quick read for all types of leaders. I especially appreciate the attention to what he calls the OSM (Oh sh_t moments) that resonate with every leader.
Restorative Practices Handbook Restorative Circles in Schools Restorative Justice ConferencingCostello, Wachtel, and Wachtel   Costello, Wachtel, and Wachtel Wachtel, O’Connell, WachtelThis way of “being” in school has a powerful impact on climate, engagement, behavior, and achievement.
Shattering InequitiesRobin Avelar LaSalleWritten in an easy-to-read format it looks at situations that happen every day in schools and how we can see through what the common response, and do what is right in order to stand up for kids.
Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to be a Servant Leader and Build TrustKen BlanchardExemplars of a servant leaders and how leaders can dramatically impact both results and human satisfaction in their organization.
Start with the Heart: Igniting Hope in Schools Through Social and Emotional LearningMichelle TrujilloAn interactive guide to help create schools that are safe, welcoming, and supportive places for all to learn and belong.
Start with WhySimon SinekPeople need shared purpose to drive their work, and how they pursue that purpose, together, needs to be a thoughtful expression of shared beliefs and values.
Surprising Science of Meetings: How you can Lead your Team to Peak PerformanceSteven RogelbertHow to make meetings more productive, creative.  Based on science, the author talks about how to deflate negative energy from the start. Good takeaways in this book.
Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things DoneKim BeardonThis is not a new book, however, I still feel it stands the test of time.
Teach Like a Champion (and its recent sequel 2.0)Doug LemovRegardless of what you may think of explicit, whole group instruction these books provide a plethora of instructional strategies.
The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our SchoolsLiz Wiseman, Lois Allen Elise FosterBecome a “multiplier” and amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around you.
Visible Learning for LiteracyFisher, Frey, HattieI feel this book is foundational for 21st century learning.
What Great Principals Do Differently: 20 Things That Matter MostTodd Whittaker20 things that leaders do differently that enable them to be labeled “GREAT” and tips for retaining talent.
You Don’t Need a Title to be a LeaderMark SanbornHow do we develop some of our teachers to be the leaders we desperately need them to be? Answers within. Read this book with a leadership team.

TED Talks

Linda Cliatt WaymanWhen a School is not a SchoolIf you are going to lead…LEAD.
Derek SilversHow to Start a Movement.It is not always about the leader, but the first follower.
Carl St. ClairInnovative WhispersThe Art of Getting the Best out of Others

Podcast

The Poverty ProblemHoracio Sanchezhttps://youtu.be/lc03ckT9FEA   This is a podcast every school leader should hear. It explores issues of poverty and equity.