Books To Help You Stay Positive In Any Situation

We probably all need a little bit of positivity this week, to keep us going through these troubling times. Here are some reads that I've learnt a lot from, have picked me up and helped me through challenges and helped me to manage any unexpected situations.

1. Presence by Amy Cuddy

We have all seen the power pose Ted Talk and in this book, Amy expands on the notion of presence and no matter what we can develop these skills to help us handle any situation.

I listened to this book when driving from Kent to Manchester to attend the Lantum and DrDoctor Innovation Dinner. I only knew one person and that person was the host. I’m NOT good whatsoever at networking (believe it or not, in a crowd I really am quite shy), but in a funny way, this book helped me prepare to walk into a room full of strangers and have an excellent time.

2. The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You by Lydia Fenet

If you ladies need a bit of a confidence boost to be able to hold your own in any situation, this is for you.

3. Lead Like Walt by Pat Williams

Want to learn how one of the all-time greats started one of the most recognisable brands in the world? I loved ‘Lead like Walt’ so much I wrote a blog about it.

4. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Want to know how the shoe brand Nike got started? What I loved about this book was the resilience and determination shown in building this business. I didn’t particularly agree with Phil’s team leadership skills, but nevertheless, I found them interesting and this book has informed and confirmed the type of leader I want and need to be.

5. The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

In this book, Simon’s key message is that we ultimately can’t win at business. In the infinite game, our role is to play to grow, sustain, improve and innovate focusing on a just cause and positive values, and not just share price, profit, rankings or ego.

6. I know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam

A book for professional women who are looking for advice, and practical tips on how to run a successful household, juggle kids and relationships and build a stellar career.

Every book I read, helps not only inform my understanding and leadership skills as I run my business but enables me to cope and manage when I find myself in unexpected situations.

When I read, I feed the highlights of what I have learnt into everything I do, be it: communication, strategy, planning, business growth, positioning, storytelling, productivity, presence, networking, difficult conversations, sales, marketing, negotiation, line management and taking calculated risks.

What books help you manage unexpected situations?

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Tara Humphrey is the founder of THC Primary Care, a leading healthcare consultancy specialising in workforce transformation and the host of the Business of Healthcare Podcast.

Tara and her team also work with GP federations supporting the implementation of clinical services.

Tara has over 20 years of project management and business development experience across the private and public sector and has an MBA in Leadership and Management in Healthcare, is published in the London Journal of Primary Care and is the author of over 150 blogs.

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