Fall often feels like more of a fresh start than the New Year. For those working in academia or attending graduate programs, whose fiscal calendars begin again in October, or folks with kids that recently started their school year, the fall is a time of new beginnings. In many places, the weather shifts and there’s a certain crispness to the air that puts a pep in the step and increases focus and motivation.

Now is a great time to refresh your leadership as well. To add to the excitement of fall, here are three new book releases that will help you rejuvenate your leadership.

1. Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You by Heidi Grant

Somehow, asking for help is the hardest thing in the world, especially for Type-A leaders. In her new book, author Heidi Grant, Ph.D., explores that while we hate to ask for help, most people would like to be helpers. She uses storytelling to deliver an extremely practical take on how to manage your team so they are contributing in the most helpful ways that feel meaningful to them, and effective for you.

2. Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most by Steven Johnson

Oh, decision-making. This can be either a natural skill for one leader, or a fear-inspiring one for another. In his latest work, Steven Johnson dives into what tools are needed to conquer the complexities of decision-making, particularly for creatives. The key piece that Johnson explains and explores is that impactful decision-makers don’t just go with their gut all the time—they have a future-focused mindset that informs their decision-making process that will transform their organization.

3. Why The Best Are The Best: 25 Powerful Words That Impact, Inspire, And Define Champions by Kevin Eastman

After nearly 40 years in basketball, 13 of which in the NBA, Kevin Eastman has seen teams and leaders rise and fall. In his newest book, he details what has made these champions and championship teams effective, and translates that to everyday leaders. Through up-close-and-personal stories and practical strategies, Kevin will inspire you to give your team and personal leadership a jumpstart.

Recommendations received from Leadercast

DO NOT SELL AT ANY NETWORKING EVENT

Please release yourself of all expectations of returning from a networking event with an order. You are there to meet new people, and if there is a fit, to make a connection for a first meeting.

BRING YOUR 2 BIGGEST ASSETS TO EVERY NETWORKING EVENT

Your ears, of course! You are there to listen actively to the needs of others, looking for ways that you can help them.

COME PREPARED…WITH A GOOD  60 SECOND INTRODUCTION

Once you have learned about your fellow networker’s business, it is time to share a bit about yourself. The quality of that “bit” is entirely controlled by you and should be planned and practiced before the networking event.

BE A GIVER

The posture of wanting to give assistance, to be helpful, generates positive energy and advances the relationship quickly and respectfully.

DO NOT SPEND VALUABLE NETWORKING  TIME WITH COMPANY COLLEAGUES OR ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS

Please use your networking time well by sharing your wish to meet new people with your colleagues and established relationships.

ALWAYS BRING YOUR NETWORKING TOOLS

Your most important networking tool is your business card. Other networking tools include an informative name badge and the business cards of your key referral partners.

SET A GOAL FOR MEETING NEW PEOPLE

Since networking is all about making connections, please assign a number to the new people that you would like to meet at each event.

SPEND NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES PER NEW CONTACT

You can accomplish a lot in 10 minutes! By being genuinely interested in others, asking good questions and by developing your own clear message, you will find that you will be able to assess and/or advance relationships much more effectively.

DO UNTO OTHERS AS THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

By understanding the 4 basic behaviour styles, you will be able to treat others the way that they would wish to be treated.

FOLLOW-UP ON EVERY PROMISE AND CONNECTION

As you place your prescribed 2-3 networking events into your weekly calendar, be sure to book in some follow-up time within 24 hours of the event.