Books

Here are a number of books Sue Edwards has found to be of value in working with coaching clients transitioning into a new organization or moving up to a more senior level of leadership. The Clearing the 90-Day Hurdle^™ process draws on some of the material in these books.

	What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Goldsmith, an executive coach to the corporate elite, pinpoints 20 bad habits that stifle already successful careers as well as personal goals like succeeding in marriage or as a parent.
	The Next Level : What Insiders Know About Executive Success by Scott Eblin
Draws on in-depth interviews with leaders Identifies nine key sets of behaviors and beliefs that rising executives must pick up and let go of to succeed at the next level. Eblin describes the differentiators between success and failure for new executives. Many of his observations are consistent with the research interviews I had conducted in developing the Clearing the 90-Day Hurdle process. (A copy of the report, Top 10 Success Factors and Seven Deadly Sins for Leaders Transitioning Into Organizations can be downloaded here http://www.clearingthe90dayhurdle.com/top10-report.shtml)
	The First 90 Days Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael Watkins
A strong, overall handbook on the topic. Broken-down into 9 chapters focused on optimizing the first 90 days for leaders and a 10^th chapter geared to establishing a process at the organizational level. Contains a number of models which will be particularly appealing to some readers. Written for leaders at all levels, but most geared to Director, Vice President level and above. Some clients have found the book a bit daunting to read in this timeframe and it can be helpful to be pointed to particularly relevant chapters, depending on the client need.
	You’re In Charge — Now What? The 8-Point Plan by Thomas Neff and James Citrin
Geared mainly to CEO level, but many principles are similar to other senior leadership roles. A great airplane read. Essentially the book provides anecdotes from well-known CEO’s on what they have done to ensure a great first 100 days. Research is not overly academic, yet it still addresses the main success factors and derailers in transition. Engaging stories to create connection with high potential leaders.
	Leadership Passages: The Personal and Professional Transitions That Make or Break a Leader by David Dotlich, James Noel and Norman Walker
Addresses 15 different types of significant transition experiences for leaders. Easy to pick up and read in short intervals and still come away with very helpful reminders and insights. Most relevant chapter for onboarding is "Joining a Company". Other chapters of interest during transition (depending on the nature of the assignment) are: "Moving into a Leadership Role" "Accepting the Stretch Assignment" "Assuming Responsibility for a Business" "Living in a different Country or Culture"
	The Leadership Pipeline: How to Build the Leadership-Powered Company by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter and James Noel
Book is particularly geared to senior human resources leaders and organization development professionals who are establishing succession planning processes for their organization. However, there are some powerful insights describing the 7 types of transitions or promotions within organizations that represent significant shifts in skill-set requirements. For example: "From Managing Self to Managing Others" "From Managing Others to Managing Managers" "From Functional Manager to Business Manager" Very helpful tool in coaching individuals moving to a new level. Appealing for leaders coaching managers who report to them. During a time of transition, it is most useful for coaching clients to be pointed to the relevant chapter and not overwhelmed by the full content of the book.