This is a quick short stack of a few of the books I have read over the last year. I have to admit, I hesitated to buy a 200+ page book on breathing, but Breath is one of the most fascinating books I have read in a long time. Why do we breathe the way we do? How did evolution change the way we breathe? How does breathing impact sleep? Why did my old boss used to say, “Tell that guy to go breathe in a bag!” when he was frustrated with someone’s impatience. Does breathing in a bag even work?

If there’s one sure fire way to help transform perspective on whatever challenges we might be facing, reading is it for me. And yes, I still buy hardcopy books from time to time, especially when I am “studying” them. I am one of those people that whips out a highlighter and writes in the margins, not because I am necessarily going to memorize the content, but because the act of highlighting or re-writing a concept helps it take root in my mind. Later, when I only have a vague recollection of what I read, I flip through the books and read the highlights and my margin comments to spur thought or make connections.

For those leaders transitioning from one career to another, and that might be a lot of us these days given corporate downsizing, potential layoffs, and simply life choices, from Strength to Strength is a terrific option. If you are trying to rebuild your resilience or that of your team, Resilient is an excellent choice. If you are struggling with a divisive organization, And provides a really interesting way of seeing that our decisions aren’t always “either/or;” this book is particularly compelling right now given the cultural challenges we are facing today.

Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership positions at every level, from small organizations to large, multinational teams. One thing I’ve consistently observed is that as you rise higher in leadership, the pressure to constantly “transmit” information to your employees grows stronger. I can recall countless times when a line of people would be waiting outside my office door, each hoping for advice, guidance, or approval. In those moments, it’s easy to forget one of the most important lessons in leadership: sometimes, the best thing you can do is say nothing at all.

I know, it may sound counterintuitive at first. I was skeptical myself when I first heard someone suggest that “silence” could be a powerful tool for a leader. After all, as leaders, we are often driven to “lean in” to every problem, to step in and help our teams find solutions. It’s tempting to fill every moment of silence with words—offering advice, giving direction, or providing answers. But here’s the thing: by doing so, you can crowd out valuable ideation and stifle healthy, productive discussions.

Sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do as a leader is to sit back and listen. What is your team truly saying? Who might have an innovative idea that hasn’t been fully expressed yet? How has the environment changed since you last tried a particular approach? These are the questions that come to light when you step back and give space for your team to think and express themselves.

As a leader, your strength lies in your experience and wisdom. You have the insight to identify potential pitfalls and recognize patterns others might miss. But that doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers right away. Trust your team. Give them room to think, and sometimes, the best contribution you can make is to remain silent, listen actively, and empower them to find the solutions themselves.

In those moments of silence, you’ll often find that your team is capable of more than you might have expected. And by giving them the space to lead the way, you build a culture of trust, creativity, and ownership that can drive your organization to new heights. Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to “say nothing at all.”