The Complete Management & Leadership Essentials Library

Click on individual book titles below to view their complete Table of Contents.

Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You

Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted To Know

Organizational Behavior Essentials You Always Wanted To Know (2nd Edition)

Human Resource Management Essentials You Always Wanted To Know

Dr Carrie A. Picardi, Ph.D.is an industrial/organizational psychologist with over 20 years of professional experience in human resource management, as a research analyst and consultant, and in academia as a tenured professor of management. She has led initiatives in the areas of leadership development, assessment center design and deployment, job analysis, talent acquisition and retention, compensation and total rewards, learning and development, performance management, and employee engagement.

Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and Emory University lecturer who helps leaders sharpen their mindset, branding, and performance. Featured on CNN and HLN and profiled in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNBC, he’s been named a Top 10 Speaker (CareerAddict/Socialnomics). He founded UnspokenRules.Live, has taught at the University of Texas, and has delivered keynote presentations for Coca-Cola, Verizon, and Microsoft.

Jaquina Gilbert has over 20 years of Human Resources experience in multiple disciplines and holds both SHRM and PHR certifications. She has authored several booksand has written HR-related content for business owners, authors, and professionals in various industries. Jaquina received a BBA in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of North Texas in Denton, and an MS in Human Resource Training and Development from Amberton University.

Vic Clesceri has dedicated his career to developing and leading people for more than thirty years. He is the Founder and Chief Sherpa of The Management Sherpa, a visiting Assistant Professor with Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, and an adjunct faculty member for Mount St. Joseph University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program, where he teaches courses in Talent Management & Development, Organizational Behavior, and Change Management.

Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.

Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

The Self-Learning Management Series is designed to help students, new managers, career switchers, and entrepreneurs learn essential management lessons and covers every aspect of business, from HR to Finance to Marketing to Operations across any and every industry. Each book includes basic fundamentals, important concepts, and standard and well-known principles as well as practical ways of application of the subject matter.

Dr. Picardi has produced a helpful handbook for those who aspire to leadership positions in their organizations. It is a careful blend of theory, practice, and examples. Leadership concepts are concisely presented and the book is easy to read. The chapters on situational and contingency leadership and leading a thriving organization by themselves make this book a worthwhile read.
-- Dr. Mark Koscinski Assistant Professor of Accounting Practice

The capacity of Leadership is the most important ingredient to organizational well-being and success. Leadership is a philosophy of use of power, a set of learnable, observable competencies, skills and behaviors. Anyone can develop themselves as a leader. You become a leader when people choose to follow you. There is no topic that has been written about as extensively. The newly authored, Leadership Essentials, offers the reader a wonderful smorgasbord of all things leadership. It is a perfect way to begin your leadership studies.
-- Leslie Yerkes, President, Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc. 

While the world is combatting Covid-19 and, as a consequence, facing one of its worst health and financial crises, strong leadership is now required more than ever before at all levels and in all countries. Dr. Picardi’s work has arrived during a perfect storm exposing learners and practitioners of leadership to the essential aspects of leadership. There is much confusion in both the academic literature and popular press as to what constitutes ‘good and effective’ leadership. Dr. Picardi’s book takes the reader back to the basics and unpacks the many mysteries of this popular topic. This book covers the key concepts of leadership and makes a strong and timely contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary leadership.
Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted To Know
-- Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi, Georgetown University

This book is an important source of information on a topic which is ever more important in today's rapidly changing world where leadership is not an option for organizations to be able to navigate successfully and remain competitive.

This book represents an important guide for anyone who wishes to understand what are the key principles of leadership and to also better understand how they can improve their own leadership skills.
-- Dr David Forgaty, Enterprise Marketing Analytics Leader at Evernorth Corporation

A book that really does what it says on the tin. The Essentials of Leadership are truely covered as the author takes the reader on a journey through the recognised theoretical concepts and ideas in a way that makes then both interesting and relevant. It is good to see that the influence of power is not forgotten and that ethical leadership is considered at a time when many leaders are being faced with demonstrating their ability to create value for society as much as value for their shareholders. An essential title for any leader's bookshelf and one that adds true value to the associted discourse on Leadership Practice and its role in organisational success.
-- Dr. Gary Ramsden, Lincoln International Business School

For professionals interested in a better understanding of types of leadership and ways to become a more effective leader in normal times and times of change, this is an excellent book.

I can easily see Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted to Know by Dr. Carrie A. Picardi being used in corporate department meetings, retreats, noncredit classes, and seminars very effectively as it focuses on the important leadership models which can make us more effective leaders. A concise and well-explained book!
-- Reviewed By Randy B. Lichtman for Readers’ Favorite

An exceptional work on the foundation and practice of leadership within today's society. The author does a wonderful job in moving skillfully from the overall purpose of leadership, to the attributes & behaviors of those who are effective at it, onto the various situations that can arise within this area of management, with emphasis on the attributes needed to successfully handle them. What's most impressive to me is that all of this is covered in a concise, readable 200-page format, making it a 'go-to' resource for any college professor teaching a course on this subject. I highly recommend this dynamic, user-friendly text and plan on using it myself in the future.
-- Prof. Anthony Rondinelli
Department of Business Administration School of Liberal & Professional Studies Springfield Technical Community College

Dr. Picardi has created a remarkable text. She accomplishes the most difficult task of translating her mastery of the subject matter into a form suitable for undergraduate students (or anyone else, for that matter) interested understanding leadership. Her text is straightforward, accurate, and oriented toward a practical application of the material. This book is designed for those who value their time and wish to gain an understanding of leadership principles that can be effectively put into practice. Well done!
-- Wade M. Chumney, J.D., M.Sc.
Associate Professor of Business Ethics and Law
Department of Business Law
David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
California State University, Northridge

This is the best Leadership book I have ever read! It compiles all the practical Leadership information, ideas, and guides that anyone would ever need. It includes the advice you need to be an excellent Leader. There are charts, summaries, and quizzes to organize your thinking. All the Chapters you would expect in a Leadership book are there. It even has a reference to an old friend on mine, Ken Blanchard,The One Minute Manager, who is an expert in Leadership and Training!!

This book is a highly practical book on Leadership which I want to expose to all my own students. It is germane to any industry.
-- Frank E. Cuzzi
Professor of Marketing and Sports Management
Monroe College and Berkeley College

A well-rounded book on leadership, Dr. Picardi has done an excellent job of introducing the complexities of leadership, walking readers through various characteristics of leadership, and culminating in leadership development, ethical leadership, and leading a thriving organization. Written in a style that is welcoming and easy to follow along, Dr. Picardi's presentation of concepts models for students how to support concepts by referencing seminal works throughout the text. I highly recommend Leadership Essentials for use as undergraduate or graduate level introductory classes on leadership!
-- Dr. Joseph H. Schuessler
Associate Dean College of Business
Tarleton State University

Carrie captualates decades of experience in this interesting and compelling read. It's not just a text book, but a story. It pulls together the essence of the key research on this topic.

The key learning objectives and chapter summary makes internalizing the material an easy task.
-- Reo Oravec Host and Executive Producer of the SME showcase Show, Author, Speaker, Adjunct Professor of Discission Sciences

Dr. Picardi creates a monolithic learning path that enhances the student’s potential for success by building a model that is inclusive in all facets of both the leader and leadership within it’s role. Her focus on building the mindset, character and traits of a leader as foundations of a leader’s styles and role of impact; creates a platform for the student’s journey of understanding how a leader influences teams and an
organization’s performance. Her sequitur of the leader and leadership model is comprehensive to the point of filling the lacuna of leadership pedagogy and learning. As a recognized leader in business and entrepreneurship higher education, I recommend this book to anyone teaching a leadership course. It is one of the few leadership books I have read that has such a impactful journey of discovery and learning for the
benefit of the student.
-- Bob Milner
CEO TerBo Enterprises & MRH Automotive

"Leadership Essentials" is an exceptional book that offers a comprehensive and refreshing understanding of leadership for 21st-century readers. With its well-structured chapters and relevant examples, the book provides valuable insights into the complex nature of leadership and its interconnecting elements. Written in an engaging and easy-to-read style, the book emphasizes the importance of leaders in various contexts and highlights the symbiotic relationship between leaders and followers. From discussing the relevance of leader traits to exploring the dynamics of power and influence, each chapter provides thought-provoking insights and practical strategies for effective leadership. Whether you're a new leader or
seeking to enhance your skills, ""Leadership Essentials"" is a must-read resource that offers guidance, inspiration, and actionable steps for success in today's dynamic world."
-- Dr.Ramana Koppula Asst. Professor
Dept. of MBA Maris Stella College Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

This book is as the title implies a book about leadership skills. It outlines many good skills and backs them up with fact and references. It gives charts and other references you and look at to enhance what the book says.
-- polarmath Librarything User

I received this book at just the right time. I design and develop training programs and am currently researching data for a leadership program. I found the topics in this book to be very useful and will be able to apply much of the info into my program. While I wouldn’t utilize it for advanced leaders (i.e. C-Suites) I think it’s practical for entry-level leaders, or to keep as reference guide for mid-level managers. Chapters 2, 3, 7-9 will be used to shape quite a bit of my training.
-- msliz_31
Librarything User

The layout of the book is basic as it describes what leadership is, the attributes of leaders, The book cover the development of leadership behavior theory as well as a few other theories on leadership. Within each section you are provided with action steps to grow and develop ones leadership style. The chapters end with a summary of the important points and a quiz to test ones knowledge. I received a PDF of the book. Since this is a learning manual a hard copy would have been nice.
-- Mzlg4
Librarything User

As the title suggests, this is an overview of leadership, including its aspects and variants. This is well written, concise, and includes quizzes and references so students and teachers can dig further.
-- 06nwingert
Librarything User

I've taken a very quick look at Leadership Essentials. For me, it's a good reference book or a textbook for Master’s studies. The author uses expert management theories to give overviews of necessary leadership attributes that include not only traits and competencies but also situations and behaviors. This book with its extensive bibliography is a good overview and addition to any management library.
-- MarilynD
Librarything User

An informative book to help anyone looking to improve their leadership skills. Well written and concise.
-- Jennifer Hall
Librarything User

This is a great book to read if you're looking into expanding your leadership skills. It is concise and informative. The summary and quiz at the end of each chapter really help enforce what you read through out the chapter. I recommend this book for people wanting to improve and expand but don't like to read 500/600+ page books. This is also a great book to share with your co-workers or to use in training management on all levels.
-- AlejandraIvanez
Librarything User

Leadership Essentials offers the reader a wonderful smorgasbord of all things leadership. It is a perfect way to begin your leadership studies.
-- Leslie Yerkes
President
Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc.

This book covers the key concepts of leadership and makes a strong and timely contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary leadership.
-- Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi
Professor, Georgetown University, Washigton DC, USA

An essential title for any leader's bookshelf, and one that adds true value to the associated discourse on the practice of leadership and its role in organisational success.
-- Dr. Gary Ramsden
Associate Professor, Logistics and Operations Management, Lincoln International Business School

An insightful, down-to-earth guide that reinforces the idea that becoming better doesn’t require perfection – instead, it simply requires intention, consistency and the courage to start.
-- Pat Belinski, McDonald's Business Unit Director, Restaurant Technologies Inc.

Better provides a practical blueprint every executive needs to navigate the high-stakes intersection of technology and the human heart.
-- Karna Crawford, Former Head of US Marketing, The Ford Motor Company

This is not just a book. It’s a reckoning. Rooted in real pain, backed by research, and guided by soul, this book is a roadmap to the kind of success that doesn’t leave our loved ones behind.
-- Jacques Meir, Chief Knowledge Officer, Grupo Padrao, Sao Paulo, Brazil

A powerful blueprint for building the life you truly want, one intentional step at a time.
-- Dr. Katherine McRae, Director of People & Culture, Zion Solutions Group

A clear, approachable guide to living intentionally — full of quirky questions, practical ideas and the science behind them.
-- Nicola Barrett, Chief Corporate Learning Officer, Emory Executive Education | Goizueta Business School

I have always been skeptical of ‘mindset’ talk in business. But Jamie has actionable techniques with proven formulas to help just about anyone perform at their peak.
-- Ayman Itani, Entrepreneur and CEO, Dubai

A practical guide on how to get the best from yourself and from your relationships – both at home and at work.
-- Shannon Houde, Executive Leadership Coach, Walk of Life Consulting, LLC

Jamie’s insightful new book has predominantly science-based strategies for personal transformation, pairing deep self-understanding with engaging, relatable anecdotes.
-- John H. Murphy, Professor, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin

Rich in clear guidance and motivating ideas for success at home and at work
-- Eduardo E. Fakhoury, Founder and Vice-Chairman, CFI Financial, Dubai

A smart, actionable guide that turns self-improvement into a daily practice, blending clarity, discipline, and real-world wisdom.
-- Pancho Gonzalez, CCO, Inbrax, Santiago, Chile

In a world dominated by 'silicon,' Jamie Turner reminds us that the 'soul' is the ultimate multiplier for success—this is the compass every leader needs to find their true north.
-- Dr. Reshma Shah, Professor of Marketing, Emory University

Better is a real page-turner that invites you into meaningful introspection while offering practical lessons in empathy, clarity, and authentic leadership.
-- Xavier Ponce, CEO and Board Member, Consumer Goods Industry, Quito, Ecuador

This book cuts through the noise of self-help and offers a refreshingly actionable path to becoming better—one decision at a time.
-- Erik Qualman, 5x #1 Bestselling Author

This book provides an exploration of how managers and employees work in groups for the completion of organizational objectives. Emphasis is placed on the growing dependency on understanding the behavior and personality of communities of practice (teams) in the workplace. The textbook equips students with insights regarding the ability to manage work teams, operate and navigate teams successfully, and obtain successful results via team dynamics. Researchers tell us that opportunities to succeed need to be more abundant in today’s workplaces; the author of this book is the proverbial knock and invitation for students to open that door.
-- Fernán R. Cepero
Organizational & Global Leader

(1) The study of Organizational Behavior is complex. Yet, this well-written textbook titled “Organizational Behavior Essentials” makes it easy for a student to master the subject matter in a textbook using the self-study method; (2) Students take a quiz at the end of each chapter. This ensures students' success in mastering organizational behavior; (3) Answers are provided for each quiz making it easy for a student to self-evaluate after its completion; (4) the textbook is in a focused style and written examples are provided for each concept for the student. As the textbook is illustrated with examples, a student is expected to learn the concepts easily. Overall, excellent writing and format of the textbook, and the price is right.
-- Dr. Benito Garza
South Texas College

This book will be an industry standard on how you provide a blueprint for creating a more sustainable and equitable work environment. The four major areas that are important for readers to understand are: A) Culture and Communication; B) Diversity and Inclusion; C) High Performance Work Teams, and D) Talent Development. Organizational Behavior Essential Matters! It will provide a strategic developmental framework for re-invigorating your employees to high-level success.
-- Denean Robinson
Instructor of Workforce Continuing Education

If you are going to buy one Organizational Behaviors book this year, this book, in my opinion, is it. And I’ve read a lot of books covering leadership, organizational behavior, and learning and development. In fact, this book covers all three of those topics and so much more. There are quizzes at the end of each chapter to check your knowledge. This book should be on the bookshelf of Business students, business teachers, leaders, L&D specialist, Human Resource Specialist, and those seeking to move up in a company. If you seek to optimize your team’s results, success, and dynamics, get this second edition of “Organizational Behavior Essentials You Always Wanted To Know.”
-- Shelly HarlanderNet Galley Reviewer"I'm recommending this book to colleagues who teach business. If you are a business student, an entrepreneur, or business owner, you'll want to pick up a copy, too.

I am none of the above and found myself interested in the chapters on finance, general management, HR, and marketing. Especially helpful are the quizzes and chapter summaries.

There is so much information that, whether you're starting out or plugging holes in your current knowledge, you'll learn something from this valuable text. It's an overview of business systems and essential components. (Which even I, not interested in business in the least, found fascinating and instructional.)"
-- Rosa SmithNet Galley ReviewerOh my goodness. So sorry for not responding. I have had unexpected injury and it's left me flat on my. back. Not how I like to operate. I'm leaning towards the Organizational Behavior online text by MacGraw Hill because in comparison to your text, I think my students will be more attracted to the pages as they appear online. Customer service wise, you topped them all. I did consider Pearson's book as well, but thought it was too sophisticated for my students. I think your text also was a tad above their heads. These are not the brightest and most motivated students.

Thank you for your professionalism. Now, if after teaching a semester with the MacGraw Hill book and it doesn't work out, I'll reach out to you again. You've been fantastic to work with!
-- Nancy DenneyFisher College

A compelling integration of theoretical and conceptual content, relevant process models, and real-world practices and resources.
-- Dr. Carrie A. Picardi, University of Bridgeport

This book will be a desk reference both for the HRM major as well as for the business major with a different concentration, long after they graduate and embark upon their careers.
-- Fernán R. Cepero, YMCA OF GREATER ROCHESTER - ASSOCIATION OFFICE

A complete perspective of the entire gamut in Human Resources
-- Rhea Doshi, Learning & Development, BASF India Ltd

Jaquina Gilbert has years of experience and knowledge that she has incorporated into the text, “Human Resource Management Essentials You Always Wanted to Know.” Ms. Gilbert brings a wealth of expertise as she articulates general themes that stem from Human Resource Management (HRM). Throughout this book, the author has brought forth her knowledge to bestow on others.
-- Audra Sherwood, Ph.D. Professor at Grand Canyon University

A great resource for small businesses and anyone who is currently in a non-HR role, but wants to understand the essentials of the field
-- Felicia D. Harris-Foster, MBA, MS-HRM, CFE, Adjunct Professor, Brandman University-Chapman University System, Golden Gate University

A thoughtful introduction on the foundations to becoming a great HR leader
-- Anthony W. Caputo, Seton Hall University

Highly recommend Jaquina Gilbert’s book as an essential copy for emerging business leaders
-- Dr. Yogita Abichandani, Co-Chairperson- Academy of HRD USA, INDIA SIG.

Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted To Know
Instructor Resources
Online Resources

Better: A Guidebook to a New and Improved You
Instructor Resources
Online Resources

Organizational Behavior Essentials You Always Wanted To Know (2nd Edition)
Online Resources
Instructor Resources

Human Resource Management Essentials You Always Wanted To Know
Online Resources
Instructor Resources