Samantha Hardy

I’m re-posting this book review for people who might have missed the original post late last year. The book is well worth reminding everyone about! This book is about turning struggle into strength. It really connected with me as I saw very strong parallels with one of the fundamental shifts that we aim to support […]

This book took me a long time to read, because I kept getting bogged down in the statistics side of what they were talking about. I’m not naturally a numbers person! The book is basically about why human beings tend to be poorer than they think at making judgements, and also explains that we tend

This book (to which I have contributed) includes over 80 story-based activities to engage people with the power of story. The book is a terrific resource for consultants, facilitators, educators, change makers and leaders who want to harness the power of story to create positive change in individuals, organisations and communities. The book provides a

A few months ago I posted on social media that all my reading lately had been pretty depressing and negative and I asked for some recommendations for books that would cheer me up! Thanks to Dr Andrew Rixon for recommending this book to me! The premise of this book is that humans are fundamentally good

“How to Listen to Stories”, Chapter 11 in Narrative Coaching by David Drake This chapter provides a very narrative-focused take on listening to people. It’s quite different to the usual “active listening” approach. Drake describes four dimensions of listening: What is happening between the two of you, What is happening in the room, What is

“The lost art of listening”, by Michael Nichols and Marta Straus (2021) This book, now in its third edition, provides a practical and entertaining guide to improve our relationships by learning to listen. It includes four main parts: The yearning to be understood; The real reasons people don’t listen; Getting through to each other; and

“You’re not listening: What you’re missing and why it matters” by Kate Murphy Another must read book for conflict professionals, and everyone else! Kate Murphy, a NYTimes journalist, explores listening, why it is so important, and why we are so bad at it! Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and interviews with people from all

Dr Pippa Grange is an Australian Sports psychologist and culture coach who has worked with a diverse group of clients; from the English football team preparing for the World Cup in 2018, to Australian Rules Football clubs, to professional musicians and leaders in the business world. In this book she explores how fear underlies many

Stephen Burt “The art of listening in coaching and mentoring” (2019) This book is essential reading for anyone who coaches, and is also very useful for anyone working in a context in which listening to others is important. If you want to become a better listener in any situation, you will find this book helpful.

Leadership on the line by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky Real leadership surfaces conflict … and causes pain. This book starts with that premise and then suggests strategies for personal survival as a leader. Strategies include some common conflict management techniques (such as going to the balcony to get a big picture about what is