Bookshelf

Great books, put to work

Great leaders are lifelong learners. Each book here is summarised for busy school leaders: the big ideas, the behaviours it supports and what you can do differently tomorrow.

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6 books

Leverage Leadership 2.0

Paul Bambrick-Santoyo

Discover how exceptional school leaders transform learning by mastering time, feedback and culture. Deliberate, high-leverage actions build great teaching and lasting improvement.

Linked behaviours (8)

C1 Hold High Standards C3 Establish Routines L1 Lead by Example S5 Establish Collective Goals S6 Focus on the Main Thing S8 Find the Lead Measures T7 Hold Meetings for Impact Y9 Build Habits That Last

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Atomic Habits

James Clear

Small, deliberate actions compound into lasting success. The science of habits, and how leaders can design systems that make improvement inevitable.

Linked behaviours (6)

L1 Lead by Example S8 Find the Lead Measures S9 Leverage Marginal Gains S10 Sustain Change Y5 Organise for Clarity Y9 Build Habits That Last

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Great by Choice

Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen

Why some organisations thrive in uncertainty while others fall behind, and the behaviours that create exceptional, consistent performance even in chaotic conditions.

Linked behaviours (8)

C3 Establish Routines L1 Lead by Example S6 Focus on the Main Thing S9 Leverage Marginal Gains S11 Break Through Limits S12 Lead for Lasting Excellence T7 Hold Meetings for Impact Y9 Build Habits That Last

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The Power of Moments

Chip and Dan Heath

Why some moments matter more than others, and how leaders can create them on purpose through elevation, insight, pride and connection.

Linked behaviours (7)

C5 Celebrate Success C8 Create Moments L1 Lead by Example S2 Tell the Story S7 Communicate Often T7 Hold Meetings for Impact Y7 Think Long, Act Daily

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Drive

Daniel H. Pink

Why rewards and punishments work for routine tasks but damage creativity and long-term performance, and why people thrive on autonomy, mastery and purpose.

Linked behaviours (8)

C3 Establish Routines L1 Lead by Example S6 Focus on the Main Thing S9 Leverage Marginal Gains S10 Sustain Change S11 Break Through Limits T7 Hold Meetings for Impact Y9 Build Habits That Last

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How Children Succeed

Paul Tough

Why non-cognitive skills matter as much as knowledge, and how adversity, attachment and character shape long-term success for children.

Linked behaviours (9)

C1 Hold High Standards C3 Establish Routines C5 Celebrate Success C8 Create Moments L1 Lead by Example T6 Be Wonderful to Work With T10 Embracing Accountability Y5 Organise for Clarity Y9 Build Habits That Last

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A recommendation for every behaviour

Each of the 54 behaviours has one essential book or article to read next, alongside every reference from the book, all on one searchable page.