As fall begins, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in a new book. Reading is proven to have health benefits like reduced stress, improved memory function, and increased brain power. And when you choose a book geared towards professional development, it can also boost your work performance. For mortgage branch managers, there are some really enjoyable books out there that pack quite a punch when it comes to useful tips and strategies. Since leadership is at the heart of a branch managers job, here are a few books that can help strengthen and build that skill:
The Positive Organization: Breaking Free from Conventional Cultures, Constraints, and Beliefs by Robert E. Quinn
This book is a powerful one that all leaders can benefit from reading. Studies show that many people today lack passion and engagement in their work. Employees often feel disempowered, and this contributes to a fragmented work culture. In his book, Robert Quinn talks about ways to create a more positive organization by helping your team flourish. He introduces two different work languages. The first is conventional business language, centered around authority, hierarchy, and extrinsic rewards. The second is about influence, relationships, and intrinsic rewards. He explains why leaders need both of these in order to guide their team to success and shares tips to create a balance.
Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord
This next one is a shorter read written by the former chief talent officer at Netflix. In her book, you’ll gain an insight into how her perspective on business, people, and performance led to Netflix’s enormous success. This isn’t your typical business book, and McCord gives an honest personal account of how she helped to create a unique thriving business culture. You’ll leave with some truly valuable information to build a great team in your mortgage branch.
Drive by Daniel Pink
One challenge that many managers face is maintaining their teams’ motivation. Dan Pink’s best-selling business book Drive delves into the true motivators behind high performance. While some managers rely on extrinsic incentives, like money, to keep their team motivated, Dan introduces what he believes are the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. These internal drivers are much more effective at motivating people in the long-term than external rewards. The techniques he illustrates can help you make a motivational shift in your branch and transform culture and performance.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Mortgage professionals are no stranger to the idea of grit — the blend of passion and performance that drives achievement. In her New York Times best-selling book, Angela Duckworth explains that talent is not the main indicator of success. Instead, she attributes success to this less-tangible quality of grit. She also gives scientific evidence showing it’s a quality you can grow. You’ll go along for the ride as she gives her firsthand account as well as a variety of other anecdotes, including cadets in their first days at West Point and some young National Spelling Bee finalists. Managers can take her insights and apply them directly to their own work.
A good book is a wonderful opportunity to blend relaxation and inspiration, both of which busy managers can benefit from. Check out one or two of these titles and see why they’ve made of the top of many managers’ reading lists. Do you have any books on leadership that you’d recommend? Share some with us in the comments.
