Recommended Books

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Over the years, Debbie has accumulated what she considers some of the best books on leadership, customer service, change implementation, business management, and personal development. She would like to share her recommended reading list with you. Some of these books are life-changing. A brief description of the goal of each is provided.

If you have a favorite to add, Debbie would love to hear from you.

The Veterinarian’s Guide to Healthy Pet Plans
Co-authored by Debbie Boone
FISH!
By Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, & John Christensen – Read as a team to focus the staff. Goal – understanding that we create the culture in our business – it is a choice.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
By Stephen R. Covey – Lessons on how to live a life of meaning and accomplishment
Who Moved My Cheese?
By Spencer Johnson, MD – Helps people understand why change is difficult – and necessary
The One Minute Manager
Ken Blanchard – Lessons to managers on how to delegate and accomplish great things using the correct methods with your staff
Seeds of Greatness
By Denis Waitley – Learn the power within you.
The Exceptional Presenter
Timothy Koegel – Every person who speaks to a client is a professional speaker – learn how to use powerful communication to move clients to “yes”
The Leadership Pill
Ken Blanchard – Learn how to be a real leader who inspires your team
Gung Ho!
Ken Blanchard – Team work
The New Gold Standard—Lessons from the Ritz Carlton
Joseph Machilli – Learn how to give exceptional service to you clients by the company that does it best
The Fred Factor
Mark Sanborn – Lesson in positive attitude
Any of John Maxwell’s books on Leadership
John Maxwell is the most powerful force in leadership training in the world. His books are all excellent, easily understood and inspiring.
Good to Great
by Jim Collins – Well known in business circles this book explores what makes some companies endure and make a difference in the world while others of similar size and age never reach the heights of being great.
Tribal Leadership
Dave Logan – Understanding humans is vital to the success of a veterinary practice. People are drawn to certain leaders in their “tribe”. Learn how have your clients embrace you as part of their “tribe”.
How to Choose the Right Person for the Right Job Every Time
Lori Davila and Louise Kursmark – This is my go to book on developing job descriptions, competency and interviewing. A must read for hiring managers.
If You Have Employees You Really Need this Book
Jerry Osteryoung, Timothy J. O’Brian – A great practical book on hiring and managing your team
The Cost of Bad Behavior – How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business
Christine Pearson – Enlightening book on the damage bad behavior, bullying and even snide remarks are doing to business.
Shine – Using Brain Science to Get the Best from Your People
Edward Hallowell, MD – Learn the science behind understanding your employees and become better able to support them by placing them in positions where they will succeed.
Brain Rules
John Medina – My favorite book on neuroscience. Learn how the brain works and how it applies to training your team.
If Disney Ran Your Hospital
Fred Lee – Veterinary teams often forget that clients are watching their every action. This book discusses how Disney training can improve your client experience.
The Checklist Manifesto
Atul Gawande – Shocking revelations about how something as simple as a checklist can save lives. Stresses the importance of setting up standards of care and protocols.
Crucial Conversations
Grenney, McMillian, Switzler & Patterson – Veterinary teams have these conversations every day in practice and often they are huge communication failures. If we improve our dialog we improve the health of our patients and the wellbeing of our team.
Crucial Accountability
Grenney, McMillian, Switzler & Patterson – Continuing the theme of Crucial Conversations this book teaches how to have those conversations when team members don’t comply with company needs and hold them to their promise of improvement.
Traction
Gino Wickman – Excellent business management book that gives a step by step plan of action for improving your veterinary business practices.
High Conflict
Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out-Amanda Ripley- explains how people get embedded into positions and how they can find the way out.
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
Patrick Lencioni- Breaks down why teams are in discord and examines how to make repairs.
Stories That Stick
Kendra Hall – shares the value and techniques of building your brand story.