No matter the company issues, problems or goals, strong and effective leadership is required to manage change, navigate through rough waters, and garner results. Technical know-how, innovation, communication and influence play an important role in the success of any organization.

I work with clients, from CEOs to accounting staff to sole proprietors, from all industries and at all levels of development. Many of my clients have been inspired by the following books. I hope that these resources will also help you -leaders, managers and professionals-grow and succeed, and as a result, change your organizations.

Below is a list of some of my favorite books:

Good to Great by Jim Collins

This book is designed to help leaders transform companies over time with sustainable, outstanding results. The book is based on solid research and not hype and uncovers the distinguishing characteristics of great companies.

Traction by Gino Wickman

This book offers an uncomplicated method for strengthening six key components of a business. Using a simple tool, Wickman helps leaders and managers focus on growth and success. Perhaps the most valuable take-away is the insight and strategy into getting the right person (employee or contractor) in the right seat.

Managing Explosive Corporate Growth by Steven Bragg

This book, for managers, controllers and CFOs, addresses the enormous problems companies face when growth over-runs internal systems and functional areas do not keep pace with sales. Bragg offers pacing strategy across all functional areas with emphasis on budgeting, cash management and control systems during periods of rapid growth.

The Strategist by Cynthia Montgomery, Harvard Business School

This book exposes the myth of “Super-Manager” and offers insight into the true connection between leadership and strategy. Montgomery calls business leaders to become company strategists and shows how to customize strategy for the organization and the people who lead it.

Optimizing Back Office Operations by Zahid Khalid

This book, written for business leaders, controllers, and CFOs, contains best practices for maximizing profitability in the back office. Concentrating on the financial supply chain, Khalid challenges companies to change their focus from profits to profitability. He shows how cost optimization, and not cost reduction, in core back office operations is the right approach to increasing enterprise value.

The Power of Presence by Kristi Hedges

This book reinforces the value of presence in leading companies, in securing a new position or selling a product. Hedges reminds us that presence is linked to our ability to forge valuable relationships and to get others to accept our vision. Using simple strategies and practical tools, she demonstrates how to improve “presence” over time with authenticity.