Hidden Talents by Maryanne DiMarzo, Amy Acker and Rodica Ceslov

With decades of leadership experience between them, authors Maryanne DiMarzo, Amy Acker and Rodica Ceslov deliver a full-on master class in Hidden Talents: Practical Tools and Inspirational Stories to Unleash Higher Levels of Leadership Performance, exposing the fundamentals of leadership and stripping away the business jargon for a clear and engaging read.

The world is changing rapidly, as is business and industry, and in order for leaders to remain on the cutting edge and avoid becoming obsolete, professional evolution is necessary. The authors also understand that some skills are timeless, and must be adapted, rather than forgotten. Their book offers a unique combination of personal stories, thoughtful reflection, leadership tips, commonly asked questions, and actionable solutions that should be eye-opening to even those who are familiar with the topic, and help boost effectiveness in today’s changing work environment.

While some books about leadership feel entirely generic, filled with hackneyed phrases and well-worn advice, this guide is contemporary and relevant to specific issues facing leaders across all levels of industry and countless other careers. These authors have a wide-ranging perspective and believe in a holistic approach to leadership, one that can be successfully applied for any reader. The flow of the chapters is intuitive, and the concepts gradually become more abstract, so by the end of the book, readers are not only learning how to become better leaders, but also better communicators, observers, partners, colleagues, friends and human beings. The concepts move along quickly, making this a surprisingly fast read, despite its density and the lack of wasted words.

For anyone looking to sharpen their skills, from a restaurant manager or a college TA to a CEO or a small business owner, Hidden Talents is an inspiring and revitalizing read.