If yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery then the present really is a gift... below are our top five books when it comes to exploring just that - what it means to be present, to develop yourself personally, across various contexts and philosophies.
We’ve put a brief synopsis of each one below and purposefully not specified where to buy them from… We are sure many good bookshops stock them! Our wish for whoever reads these is that they get as much enjoyment out of them as we do (some of these are annual reads for the team, always retrieving something different or new with each read).
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson:
Amy Edmondson explores the concept of psychological safety in the workplace and how it contributes to organizational success. The book provides insights into creating a culture where employees feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take risks. It’s a must for any modern or post-modern leader.
Hostage at the Table by George Kohlrieser:
George Kohlrieser, a psychologist and former hostage negotiator, delves into leadership and interpersonal skills. Using his experiences, he offers valuable insights on how to build strong, trusting relationships and lead with empathy and effectiveness. A recommended read (and essential read) for anyone who is on our Mastery & Art of Coaching course.
The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey:
One of the original books on coaching, this book applies the principles of Zen philosophy to tennis, teaching players to overcome mental obstacles and improve performance. The Inner Game of Tennis is not just for sports enthusiasts; it offers valuable lessons on mastering the inner challenges we face in various aspects of life. Available in other contexts - think Golf, Work etc - the tennis version (and original) is the favourite of our team member Gareth, who highly recommends this book in May or June in the hope of improving his backhand before the oncoming season!
The Gift by Edith Eger:
Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychologist, shares her incredible journey of resilience and healing. The Gift provides profound insights into finding meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Her story and the light that it shines illuminates even the darkest rooms in which we may find ourselves.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
A timeless classic, The Little Prince is a philosophical tale that explores the importance of human connections and the simplicity of life's truths. This beautifully illustrated story is suitable for readers of all ages and is a reminder for us all to truly seek and understand one another.
So whether you’re looking for leadership models, personal development, resilience, ‘sports’ psychology or timeless philosophical reflections, we hope you’ll be thanked for offering any one of these gifts time and time again.
Or for those of you who would rather offer the gift of choice, Nova Terra offers Gift Vouchers which can be redeemed against any of our Personal Development courses. So whatever you choose, these really are the gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.
With season’s greetings and warmest wishes ❄️
Team Nova Terra
