Mastery as a Source of Motivation

Employee Development on a Shoestring

By Halelly Azulay

This outstanding handbook covers a wide range of low-cost or no-cost mechanisms for employee development, such as individual development plans, self-directed learning (e.g. reading, videos, etc.), mentoring, rotational and stretch assignments, learning by teaching, and service on working groups. Each chapter includes self-assessments to determine one's readiness for a given kind of developmental activity and suggestions on how to overcome common pitfalls. Also includes numerous case studies and examples from government. The strategies described in this book should be part of every manager's toolkit for developing their team members. The author;'s podcast, The TalentGrow Show, is also superb.
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Developmental Assignments: Creating Learning Experiences without Changing Jobs

By Cynthia D. McCauley

This well-organized and useful guide is an update to the Center for Creative Leadership's classic book Eighty-Eight Assignments for Development in Place.  CCL's research shows that a significant percentage of leadership learning occurs through varied and challenging assignments.  This book provides a wealth of examples of how aspiring leaders can gain those opportunities for growth by reshaping their job, seeking temporary assignments and by taking on challenges outside of work.  Addresses a real need for government agencies, where it is often difficult to give employees long-term rotational assignments.  The author summarized some of her key points in an interview with GovLeader.org.  Read More...

A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring

By John Wooden

Considered by many to be the greatest coach ever, John Wooden's UCLA Bruins won 10 NCAA backetball titles in a 12-year span, including seven in a row. Wooden saw his primary role as that of a teacher. He spent much of his energy helping others become the best they could be. The first half of A Game Plan for Life are about the seven most important mentors Wooden had during his formative years. The other seven chapters were written by some of those who were mentored by Wooden, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. A truly inspiring book about the impact of mentoring. Read More...

All Learning is Self-Directed: How Organizations Can Support and Encourage Independent Learning

By Daniel R. Tobin

This book is an absolute gold mine of information for managers who want to develop the skills and knowledge of their people. It describes all the different kinds of self-directed learning and provides a comprehensive strategy for implementing them.  One of the best sections includes a description of what managers can do to foster a positive learning environment for their employees.
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Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

By Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D

In her classic book Mindset, Carol Dweck focuses on the difference between people who believe a person's intelligence and ability are "fixed" and unchangeable and those with a "growth" mindset, who believe that people can continuously learn and develop their skills and cognitive abilities. Dr. Dweck notes that leaders with a fixed mindset tend to need affirmation from others and often try to show they are the smartest person in the room. In contrast, leaders with a growth mindset tend to bring curiosity and a belief in continuous improvement. As a result, leaders with a growth mindset are more likely to focus on developing others, since they see the benefits to the organization of cultivating the potential of their teams. Includes a chapter on how to make the shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Read More...