These are some books, downloads, and programs that will give you the kind of sustenance that results in personal growth and improved business results.

Good To Great

In his groundbreaking book, Jim Collins immediately lays it all out in a no nonsense way. He starts by defining a Level 5 Leader, telling you what real leadership is. Then he explains the importance of hiring the right people, and just when you thought you are blown away, he reveals The Hedgehog Concept. That’s all about core strengths. On to The Flywheel Concept, and the momentum of good things taking place. Before you know it, you are not thinking about work anymore, but your own life and family finances, and applying these great ideas to yourself. If you insist on getting back to business, well the book does not disappoint you. If you do have a taste for more Good To Great self improvement, however, then try Five Simple Steps To Take your Marriage From Good To Great. It’s not by Jim Collins, though, but by a renowned marriage and family counselor. I hope you are ready for this, because it will change your relationship with your spouse in such a positive way. Instead of wondering why you got married, you will be glad you did.

Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is. That’s all there is to say. He speaks to us on a deep level, on the level of being, and allows us to remain there. He reminds us that words are signposts, not the thing spoken about. He shows us not a path to some form of enlightenment in the future, but he awakens us right now. With a subtle form of humor and deep caring, he points to the layers that hide us from ourselves, and gently strips them away. In a practical style of sharing, he offers a variety of portals to the experience of pure being. Without theories, without psychology, without effort he gestures, gently turning us in an unexpected direction. Before you even realize it, you are there, in disbelief, you are there, in awe, shocked, you are there. All you can do is take a deep breath.

Byron Katie

In her book Loving What Is, Katie shows us the way out of the thoughts that trap us in a world of pain. I consider her work to be a bridge between psychoanalysis and spirituality. In very simple to understand terms, Katie gives you the tools to free yourself from a life of suffering and confusion. In the workplace, people familiar with Katie are free of the gossip, backbiting, and other negative behaviors that are corrosive to team and company. Her other book A Thousand Names For Joy is beautiful in a more poetic way, as we get to experience the being that Katie is, in a very intuitive and non-technical way. Byron Katie has done great work in this world, and these books are a pathway to her doorstep.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Meant for personal growth, these behaviors can also provide a new corporate culture or a solid personal management style. Ruiz blends ancient lore of the Toltec Indians with a modern manual consisting of four steps. His book, The Four Agreements, states simply and clearly what you must do, with the promise of living in a Heaven on Earth right now. By adhering to these four practices, your life will change dramatically for the better. 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Don’t take anything personally, 3) Don’t make assumptions, 4) Always do your best. The book explains how to put these into practice and face the daily challenges that try to prevent you from being the peaceful warrior. It is a powerfully awesome book, not to be underestimated, for it is in perfect alignment with all the great teachings and paths towards enlightenment. Yet the formula is deceptively simple.

Lao Tzu

“The way to do, is to be.” There are a number of translations or interpretations of The Tao Teh Ching, by Lao Tzu. My favorite interpretation is the one by Witter Bynner, though it’s fun to compare it to the more literal translation by Burton Watson or the modern translation by Stephen Mitchell. The ancient Lao Tzu offers us a business, political, social, and personal way of living in harmony with life. The Tao is is a blend of the practical, the mystical, and the profound. Although the the book can be read in a sitting, its wisdom is of value for a lifetime.