“Among the most important work that any Hydra team member can do for the company is to focus on their own self-improvement and personal growth.”
If you’re a person who loves to read, you’ll find yourself right at home at Hydra. If you’re not a person who loves to read, please take a moment to let yourself be inspired.
You are part of this company because you stand out. This company will be different because you have chosen to be part of it. We invite your ideas, crave your innovation, and hope that you find productive ways to challenge the process. Whether you’re with Hydra for one year or twenty, we aspire to be as proud as you will be about the personal and professional accomplishments you’ll make during that time. The value of each Hydra teammate cannot be overstated, and that includes you.
Your existing strengths shouldn’t suggest that continued progress isn’t possible. We would argue that growth is essential to personal happiness and professional performance. The company would like to take an active part in your personal development by encouraging you to read 20 pages per day.
You are not expected to read on your own personal time. Please fit this reading into your regular workday and consider it just as important as any other item on your to-do list.
You don’t have to read every one of these books cover to cover. Hydra’s recommended strategy is to read the final chapter first (begin with the end in mind), then skim through to find a chapter that seems relevant to your life at the moment. You’re encouraged to talk with other teammates about the books they’ve read and the lessons that proved most valuable.
Meaningful growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of continuous effort, genuine curiosity, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Whatever your dream is, we want to be part of helping you achieve it.
Happy reading, and here’s to your continued growth and success!
Extreme Ownership draws on the experience of Navy SEALS to help us perform better on the business battlefield.
The core lesson of the book is to take responsibility for every aspect of one’s personal and professional life.
The book makes an excellent case for the need to develop leaders at every level (Chapter 8: Decentralized Command), and the importance of believing in the mission (Chapter 3: Believe).
The Leadership Challenge shares the import lesson that leadership is not necessary an inherent skill, but something that can be developed through deliberate practice.
Through inspiring a shared vision, modeling the way, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart, we can lead ourselves and others to success.
Type Talk at Work expands upon our knowledge of the sixteen personality types identified by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment and allows better communication and collaboration at work.
Recognizing and respecting different personality preferences can lead to more effective teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership skills development.
ADKAR provides a framework for understanding and managing change within an organization. The key elements for successful change are: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
The book uses practical examples and case studies to show leaders (that’s you!) how they can apply change effectively by focusing on the needs of individuals and ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals. If you have big changes in mind for your department or the organization, this is a great place to start.
Who Moved my Cheese uses the time-tested art of storytelling to share important ideas about change. Through this simple yet profound narrative, the author shares the importance of adapting to change, letting go of fear, and embracing new opportunities.
The book offers valuable insights into how individuals can navigate change with resilience and creativity, both in their personal lives, and at work.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace reminds us that it’s not the people with the highest IQ who tend to be most successful, but rather the people with the highest levels of emotional intelligence (EI). EI influences many aspects of workplace dynamics, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and decision-making.
The five components of EI are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. This book shows that developing these skills can lead to better relationships, higher performance, and enhanced overall well-being in the workplace.
Neuroscience for Leadership offers insights into how understanding the function of our brains can enhance our leadership effectiveness. The book will help you gain an understanding of how brain function impacts leadership behaviors, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and personal resilience.
Through practical examples and actionable strategies, the book challenges readers to optimize their leadership approach, foster better relationships, drive innovation, and navigate change. This framework allows leaders to unlock their full potential and inspire peak performance in their teams.
Never Split the Difference shares the personal experiences of former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. The tactics discovered in his career can help each of us achieve successful outcomes in personal and professional negotiations. The book emphasizes the importance of active listening, emotional intelligence, and tactical empathy to influence positive outcomes.
The book challenges conventional wisdom about negotiation by encouraging more collaboration and empathy rather than focusing solely on compromise. The principles help us achieve desired outcomes while still preserving healthy relationships.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership inspires effective individuals to harness the power of leadership to become a force-multiplier in achieving success. The book shares insights about how each law can be applied to inspire and empower others, foster organizational growth, and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced leader, the strategies in this book will provide valuable insights for enhancing leadership effectiveness in any context.
