The Revelation Conversation: Inspire Greater Employee Engagement by Connecting to Purpose

Steve Curtin

Berrett-Koehler, 176 pp., $21.95

This book comprises a series of one-on-one conversations between managers and their direct reports "to ensure employees understand the why behind their job roles and how that why should be reflected in their everyday job tasks." Each of the three parts of this book focuses on one of the three objectives of the Revelation Conversation: Reveal the total job role, connect job functions to purpose, and inspire greater employee engagement. At the end of each chapter, the author includes reflection questions and exercises that will help managers at all levels prepare for having these conversations with their staff.

12 Winning Strategies for Building a Talent Development Firm: An Action Planning Guide

Stephen L. Cohen

SLC Press, 395 pp., $39.95

If you are ready to go out on your own or at least are thinking about it, Cohen's guidance will help you create, build, and grow a successful talent development consultancy. The author uses his more than 45 years of experience with eight different talent development consultancies (in the roles of founder, cofounder, and director) as the basis for his insights and perspectives. "The intended value offered here is to provide a reference tool for both reflection and action that should help you clarify your own and your customers' needs, as well as possible growth strategies for your business," he writes.