Ashley Velez

Become a Better Leader

Improving Work Culture One Book at a Time

BY ASHLEY VELEZ

Are you looking to take a deeper dive into strategies that create an engaging and productive work environment in your company or organization? There are plenty of resources available for leaders, covering topics like organizational values, management techniques and environmental components, that can help elevate job satisfaction among employees. Here are five top-rated, culture-building books that will help you build stronger teams.

1. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek The meaning behind “Leaders Eat Last” is a call for servant leadership. Sinek explains that great company cultures depend on empathetic, generous leaders. In this book, he illustrates how team members feel most valued and fulfilled when a leader elevates their needs above his or her own. He also shares how organizations with people-first cultures benefit from higher levels of collaboration and performance.

2. “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown The focus of “Dare to Lead” is on the power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Brown makes the case that leadership shouldn’t be about status or control, but instead should recognize the potential in people and their ideas. Brown is celebrated for her lessons on courage, shame, vulnerability and empathy. She invites leaders to step up and step into daring leadership. True leaders, she says, lead from the heart, with empathy and self-compassion. 3. “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott Honesty and open communication in the workplace are explored in“Radical Candor.” This book will help make better leaders and colleagues through a process that urges bosses simultaneously to care personally and challenge directly. Adopting this attitude can encourage employees to be honest, and inspire candid conversations across all teams. This book outlines strategies for cohesive teams, as well as practices to get, give and encourage guidance and feedback at work.

4. “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle “The Culture Code” is an exploration of different organizations, examining which working conditions foster optimal unity and cooperation among employees. In it, Coyle lays out a three-pronged approach, designed to build safety, share vulnerability and establish purpose, while also inspiring camaraderie, personal growth and positive change in the workplace.

5. “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh “Delivering Happiness” is a detailed account of how Hsieh built an authentic culture through a positive atmosphere that encourages creativity across all teams. This book looks at how his company, Zappos, an American online shoe and clothing realtor, made organizational happiness a priority, by insisting that customer service is the responsibility of every employee, from customer service representatives to the CEO. Ultimately, he says, that creates an organization that people want to work for and buy from.

Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.