BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
LEADERS ARE READERS BOOK CLUB
RECOMMENDED BY...
BY DEANNA VAN KLAVEREN (32) CALF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
WE ASKED AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI TO GIVE US THEIR TOP
We launched the Leaders Are Readers Book Club in May 2021. The club gives alumni an opportunity to read books that connect with our program curriculum and then gather to share takeaways from the readings using the synthesis process. The Alumni Learning Committee members helped create the reading guides and links to supplemental materials for each book. Books will be released quarterly with group session opportunities available via Zoom. Our first selection was “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. This book connected to the emotional intelligence part of the curriculum and built upon the personal growth piece that our fellows gain through coaching and learning about themselves through assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The book also connected readers to taking the “wholehearted inventory.” Having this additional assessment allowed the members to use this as a point of connected conversation during the group sessions. The fall session’s book was “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker. As we came back together in different ways, resuming Class 50’s in-person seminars and seating Class 51, this book gave tools for and thoughtfulness to gatherings. Similar to our first selection, there were group sessions via Zoom. We were able to host one in-person session at the inaugural seminar in Clovis for book club members. We also held a discussion session at the Alumni Council (AC) meeting during their learning lesson which they try to have as a part of each meeting. The AC’s discussion was more specific to thoughtful ways to gather and connect with our alumni through foundation activities. Ideas from this discussion were carried forward to the AC’s retreat in November. The winter session’s book is “The Anatomy of Peace” by the Arbinger Institute. Reading the sequel to a book read during the program (“Leadership and Self Deception”) will connect our alumni to the lessons learned during the program. We hope this will give building blocks to the next step of approaching situations with “a mindset of peace.” Ag Leadership alumni can join the book club at any time. The annual membership includes reading guides, support materials and opportunities to participate in group discussion sessions for each book. For more information, contact me at: (209) 765-2476 or dvanklaveren@agleaders.org.
PICKS. HERE’S WHAT THEY SHARED. WE HOPE YOU’LL READ A RECOMMENDED BOOK AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. “Rising Strong” -by Brené Brown Recommended by Caroline Berry (14) “How many times do I have to fall down, get hurt and get back up again? Always,” says Brené Brown, a University of Houston research professor. She is the author of four New York Times bestsellers and is a popular TED talk speaker. Brown demonstrates what it looks like to “risk and endure failure, disappointment and regret—and keep showing up.” Her conclusions come from years of collecting data and studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. As a leader, one of my favorite motivations for sharing this book is, “courage is contagious.” This book changes not just you, but also the people around you. “The Energy Bus” -by Jon Gordon Recommended by Sarah Hovinga (46) If you’re in need of a quick and easy reboot on joy, “The Energy Bus” is worth your time. Following the story of a man stuck in a self-pity rut and who then takes an opportunity to embrace joy, we learn about 10 ways to fuel life, work and teams with positive energy. While simple on the surface, these takeaways offer space for deep reflection. All aboard the energy bus! Send your recommendations to LRobertson@agleaders.org
5 FALL 2021 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
