Grab a Nibble in the Leadership Lounge

July 19, 2021

Written by Brooke Geller

For years, I drove up and down the New Jersey Turnpike to lead professional development in schools. Sometimes, I flew back and forth across the country to do the same thing the next day. This sort of schedule could lead to stress-induced eating, especially during delayed flights. I was tired and needed to move around. I craved something other than food to fill my time. To avoid paying for multiple, overpriced dinners at the United Airlines terminal, I devised a system to stay healthy and maintain my weight.

I replaced devouring salty fries with turning pages of books to pass the time. That’s right. I read a lot. I bought leadership books from Hudson Booksellers. I guess you can say the airport fueled my passion for leadership. Here’s one leadership series you can nibble on:

20-Minute Manager by Harvard Business Review Press

This 5X7 size series is easily one you would pass by because it is so tiny. Beware! Each title will get you up to speed fast on skills needed to be a successful leader, regardless if you are an educator or the next aspiring executive. I am drawn to this series because each book is concise and practical. The titles range from Getting Work Done to Innovate Teams to Managing Up. Each book in the series is about 80 pages long (hence why you only need to dedicate 20 minutes of your time to read it), and you could read each chapter on its own. You probably like writing in books and filling up the margins with notes if you are like me. Each title contains a few blank pages in the back of each book so you can journal your thoughts away. Its compact size invites you to throw it in your bag and not give it a second thought. If you want to go all out, check out the box set of leadership books to keep you engaged for a while. 

Leaders are always looking to learn, even in small bursts. If you keep this in mind, you’ll be developing your skills soon enough and sharing your knowledge with others. 

If you choose to read this series, post a comment on social media. Also, consider supporting local booksellers, such as Words Bookstore, located in Maplewood, New Jersey. 

3 Comments

  1. Ryan

    This is so true. One way I try to keep learning is through collecting quotes about leadership. It is a “little” thing that can be inspirational and is nice to share with others. Another way is reading tweets as a tweet can capture both inspiration and insight and connect you to others who you might not have access to otherwise. How does everyone else carve out moments for learning? Also, Brooke, what is the name of that book that talks about personalities on a team that connect with the suits of playing cards?

    • Brooke Geller

      The book is called Play Your Best Hand. Natalie Louis and I often talk about it. It is one that really resonates with me. I designed new ways to carve out moments for learning since the pandemic. Benches. I sit on a lot of benches. There might be a nibble about that topic soon.

  2. Erica Reardon

    Every time I’m with you I end up with a full Amazon cart. Love that you traded in those fries for leadership books. Looking forward to learning more from you!

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