Book and Learning Circles

Employee and Organization Development hosts book and learning circles throughout the year which are open to all Cal Poly employees. Book and learning circles are great opportunities to engage with colleagues in thoughtful discussion around common themes of interest.

Book Circles involve discussing a book over three to four sessions. Participants receive a complimentary copy of the selected book with the expectation that they will engage in two or more discussion sessions. Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article, and participating in a discussion during a single session. Please join us for one, or more, of these enriching conversations!


How Great Leaders Inspire Action [Learning Circle]

By Simon Sinek
Sinek argues that truly inspiring leaders and organizations start with the question "Why?" before addressing "How?" and "What?" He introduces the concept of the Golden Circle, which consists of three layers: Why (core belief), How (values and principles), and What (products or services). Sinek uses examples from successful companies like Apple to illustrate how starting with "Why" creates a sense of purpose. He references inspiring leaders such as Martin Luther King to emphasize the importance of rousing action by connecting with people emotionally and appealing to their beliefs and values. Sinek encourages leaders to articulate their purpose and beliefs first. Start with "Why?" to be inspired and to inspire those around you!

  • Facilitators: Dani Gaeta
  • Time and Date: July 18 | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection [Book Circle]

By Charles Duhigg
Drawing on a rich tapestry of stories, studies, and practical advice, "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection" is a fascinating exploration into the essence of effective communication. Authored by Charles Duhigg, the New York Times bestselling author known for "The Power of Habit," this book dives deep into what makes conversations work and how anyone can enhance their communication skills to become a supercommunicator, both in professional settings and personal life.

Please select Register to see all session dates.

  • Facilitators: Jeffrey Williams
  • Time and Date: August 08 - August 22 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

How to Lead with Radical Candor [Learning Circle]

By Kim Scott
"How can you say what you mean without being mean?" asks CEO coach and author Kim Scott. Delving into the delicate balance between caring and challenging when leading in the workplace, she introduces "radical candor" as the way to give constructive criticism compassionately.

  • Facilitators: Jeff Williams
  • Time and Date: August 29 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: Zoom

Blindspot [Book Circle]

By Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Our mental processes can affect what we think and do, even without our conscious awareness. This book guides us into revealing these "Blindspot" in order to better understand how they influence our thoughts and actions. Written by distinguished psychologists and co-creators of the Implicit Association Test, Banaji and Greenwald, this book uses stimulating exercises and illustrative examples to explore unconscious bias and strategies for reducing it in the workplace, classroom, and beyond. If you would like a glimpse into your unconscious mind and have an interest in better aligning your behaviors with your intentions, please join us for this enlightening read and discussion.

Please select Register to see all session dates.

  • Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee & Organization Development
  • Time and Date: October 02 - October 16 | 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
  • Location: Zoom

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) also hosts book circles each quarter and you can learn more about their offerings by selecting “Book Circles” on their Programs and Services webpage at: https://ctlt.calpoly.edu/programs-services.