“This slim volume, which introduced us to the notion of paradigms and paradigm shifts, is in my opinion one of the most important books of the twentieth century. It delves into why ideas sometimes move incrementally and at other times move in seismic leaps. Beyond that, Kuhn’s book very clearly depicts the perceptual blinders that make it difficult for all of us, even scientists, to break out of our boxes. It is essential that anyone who leads organizations understands how deeply mired we are in our own idea frames.”

“Another essential book, The Innovator’s Dilemma describes the structural and business challenges that drive organizations back from the cutting edge of their industries. Christensen shows that disruption—like Kuhn’s paradigm shifts—often does not come from where we most expect it. Disruption requires getting past immediate demands and breaking out of short-term mindsets — it requires real leadership, especially in organizations that have routinized success.”

“If leaders are to successfully promote new ideas and create change, it is my belief that they must cultivate political competence. Allison used the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis to explore how we make critical decisions under conditions of crisis and pressure. He explained the micropolitical skills that are essential to the decision-making process. His book teaches leaders when and how to bring other people into the decision process, without falling prey to groupthink and conflicting agendas.”

“Team of Rivals is one of the great leadership books of all time. It lays out how Lincoln won people over and mobilized them — creating the microcoalitions necessary to pursue his overall strategy. In recounting the way in which the president worked with the members of his cabinet, Goodwin demonstrates the critical roles of tactics and small, incremental decisions in the achievement of larger goals. Lincoln understood that a fundamental responsibility of the leader is to enlist the support needed to unleash ideas and move them forward.”
Also available as an Overdrive ebook.