The New Science of Radical Innovation

In her book The New Science of Radical Innovation, Sunnie Giles draws from quantum mechanics, complexity science, systems theory, neuroscience, psychology, and business to identify six leadership competencies required to catalyze radical innovation in organizations. Giles admits she limited the book’s focus to what and why to the exclusion of a detailed discussion of how because of the volume of content she wanted to convey. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating and useful read. Giles explains the new ways leaders must think in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world. She draws from research conducted in multiple disciplines to make a convincing case of why common business practices have become obsolete. She then explains what leaders need to do to deal with the realities of today’s business environment in order to propel their organizations forward. This book is not for those seeking explanations for how to implement incremental changes. Giles has written  for those who are prepared to take their organizations to the cutting edge of their fields. If you are not one of those individuals, then read this book to discover why you need to be if you and your organization are to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The Leader Habit

The Leader Habit by Martin Lanik provides a leader development process that is supported by extensive research. Lanik identifies twenty-two leadership skills and the seventy-nine micro-behaviors that constitute those skills. He then provides a process for mastering those skills until they become habitual. The outline of the leader skills, their micro-behaviors, and the development exercises will be valuable to anyone interested in leader development. Lanik’s explanation of how habits are formed, however, will be of interest to anyone seeking to initiate change in the behavior of oneself or others. Also of value are the discussions of how to motivate change in self and others and how to effectively coach individuals to create new habits. This is a must read for anyone wanting to be a leader, responsible for helping others to lead, or in the role of initiating change.