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There are tons of interesting books to read for assertive women who want to advance themselves, improve their leadership skills and become better business women. Both my book shelf and Kindle explode with very interesting reads. Still, if I had to recommend only the most important books to a working mother looking for self-development and inspiration, I would recommend these four books:

 

My Top 4:

 

1.     Lean in – Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Because Sheryl Sandberg went through the same issues that all women and working mothers are facing: Judgment, pressure and guilt. Of course not everyone will become Facebook COO, but this is not the point. What I like is her personal way of sharing her experiences and to provide advise as a mother of two who tried her very best to be a good mother, good wife and business woman.

 

She wants every woman to Lean In, not only for ourselves, but also for the next generation of girls who are watching us.

 

It´s an inspiring book to read at any moment of your career and self-development path.

 

2. Crucial Conversations – Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High,  by Kerry Patterson,‎ Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan,‎ Al Switzler

More than a book this is almost a didactic work. The authors help you to analyze your communication skills and your dialogues and provide you with the tools to cope with any type of conversation. This book is for everyday life, since we face difficult conversations in any situation (family, friends, work). You learn that the sooner you recognize your communication mistakes, the better you can move forward with the dialogue.

 

Crucial conversation will help you as a woman, wife, mother and employee to face any crucial conversation.

 

3. The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetismby Olivia Fox Cabane

This book was a revelation. I was one of those people who believed that you either are or you are not charismatic. People were born with that special “je ne sais quoi” which makes the difference. How wrong I was. At first the author brings us incredible examples of people who play with their charisma, then she goes through all the main steps which can help you to develop your own charismatic person. You will find exercises to do and examples to help you develop your charisma by becoming a better listener, being more present, showing more warmth and having a bigger impact on people.  And it does not matter if you are a extrovert or a shy personality, everyone can build their personal charisma.

 

 

4.     Hostage at the table: How Leaders Can Overcome Conflict, Influence Others, and Raise Performance, by George Kohlrieser

 

This was a life changing book. Another great recommendation from my lovely husband, who knows so well what kind of books I like. I read this book in a moment of sadness and delusion. A project I was working on went completely wrong and I was trying to cope with my disappointment with my best positive abilities. This book gave me the key to recovery. The author George Kohlrieser, an international leadership professor, consultant, and veteran hostage negotiator, explain how to face any kind of challenge by using his experience as hostage negotiator.

This book will drive you in a very personal journey by letting you understand when you are “hostage” of a situation. Step by step he provides you with the key factors to help you to take control, find your way out and manage any kind of difficult situations.

 

What I retained most from this book:

• never think like an hostage (or victim),
• the person involved in the conflict is never the problem,
• personal bonding is key for problem resolution.

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