In The Heart Aroused, British poet David Whyte combines a poet's sensibility with a down-to-earth understanding of life in many corporations. The result is an inspired, and inspiring, view of how we can draw from the archetypes found in poetry, be it by Dante or Coleridge, for a fresher vision of our role within our organization. Whyte's more recent book, Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity, is also a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

A Higher Standard of Leadership: Lessons From the Life of Gandhi. This book by Keshevan Nair offers suggestions and examples of how modern business leaders can learn from the example set by one of the world's greatest, most courageous leaders: Mohandas Gandhi.

Dialogue:Creating and Sustaining Collaborative Relationships at Work. Unlike the MBA-Guru spew contained within the covers of most management books, Linda Ellinor and Glenna Gerard have written a book on a topic that really does, when adopted and implemented mindfully, make leaders more effective and workplaces more productive. Great sections on topics such as deep listening, suspending judgments and identifying our assumptions for more productive dialogue.

Lincoln. Need we say more? Well, Pulitzer Prize-winning Biographer David Herbert Donald did, and readers everywhere can rejoice. Lincoln embodied integrity, grace, mindfulness, simplicity and soul long before they became buzzwords, and inspired a nation and countless generations because of it. He reminds us that being decent and making decisions that are mindful of the people whose lives are affected, and doing so despite great pressure and personal sacrifice, make a true leader.

Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered (25 years later ... with commentaries). This updated release of the classic handbook on human-scale economics features the original text written by E.F. Schumacher, along with fresh commentary by contemporary advocates and leaders of the livable-economies, simplicity, conscious-enterprise, sustainability and other movements geared toward fostering healthier, more community friendly and sustainable business norms and cultures. The forward is written by author and entrepreneur Paul Hawken.

The Dance of Change. Though I occasionally groan at the creation of what will no doubt perpetuate new corporate vapor-speak, Peter Senge's work can always be relied upon to offer inspiration and practical ideas for creating a more positive, learning-oriented work environment. This is a new collection of essays organized for people with a lot on their to-do lists.

The Zen of Listening. Author Rebecca Z. Shafir has put together an excellent review of mindful listening practices that go well beyond the rote "how to parrot and paraphrase" lessons of most so-called "active listening" primers and workshops. Truly skillful listening is an "inside-out" endeavor, and Shafir's book provides both an accessible theoretical review as well as practical suggestions that the reader can practice for more rewarding and effective interactions.

The New Corporate Cultures: Revitalizing the Workplace After Downsizing, Mergers, and Reengineering. Authors Terrence E. Deal and Allan A. Kennedy coined the term "corporate culture" fifteen years ago. In this new book, Kennedy and Deal take an honest look at what's happened to organizational cultures ill-affected by the Religion of Shareholder Return, and offer ideas for fostering -- and in some cases, rebuilding -- a healthy corporate culture. A worthwhile read for leaders wanting to expand their understanding of what creates -- and what decimates -- organizational culture.

The Life of Elizabeth I. There's nothing like reading about someone else's incredibly difficult go at leadership to remind you that your own situation's not so bad after all! This biography shows how Elizebeth beat the rampant and treaturous politics of the court, all the while laying the groundwork for a lengthy and very successful reign. Alison Weir's non-fiction account of one of history's most renowned leaders makes for a fascinating and inspiring read.

The Tao of Sales: The Easy Way to Sell in Tough Times. I find myself going back to this book by E. Thomas Behr again and again for inspiring and implementable reminders. I find the title misleading; this is really a book about integrity-based thinking and relationship-building, so goes well beyond the sales process.

Future @ Work: An Employee Survival Guide for the 21st Century. Author Nick Synko introduces, explains and advocates 26 fundamentals that every member of a business can consider and employ in his or her role. The easy-access format lends itself to quick scanning, while the end-of-chapter exercises invite and encourage deeper, more personalized thought, reflection and customization for your group. Available through Amazon.com, or from the author's web site, Future @ Work.

For more books on conscious enterprise and socially responsible companies, visit Berrett-Koehler Publisher's online bookstore.