When you’re in the company of the very best, there’s simply nothing like it in the world. That’s how I felt when I learned that Values, Inc. had been named to the Top 10 Business Books from 2015 in Forbes.

Sharing my goal to live and lead with a proven Code of Values with a big audience was my dream when Values, Inc. was published last year. But to have it listed with the very best business books in the industry was an unexpected honor. It serves as another beautiful validation that the message of Values, Inc. is resonating with people in ways I could have never imagined.

My gratitude goes to Shep Hyken, who compiled this list in his Leadership column for Forbes. Shep is a highly recognized international speaker and New York Times bestselling author. So his list and my presence on this particular “bookshelf of greatness” have very special meaning for me. (By the way, while we’re on the subject of great business books, Amaze Every Customer Every Time by Shep Hyken is on my personal list of favorites!)

When it comes to values: walk the talk

The Forbes article mentioned something that really stuck with me. Shep said, “When it comes to values, she truly walks the talk.” I certainly want this to be true not only for me as the author, but also for the countless readers of Values, Inc. who are looking to incorporate values into their businesses and their lives. We’re all human. We’re not perfect. But we can set the bar high and do our very best.

As I like to say, living your values makes the difference between individuals and companies who succeed in this journey and the others who attempt to define a set of values that don’t take root in the culture around them.

In the book I state that some 95% of companies that have a code of values don’t even use it. Thousands of companies spend countless hours and tons of money with experts to help define their mission, vision and values. They write them down, hang them on the wall…and then walk away.

You have to walk the talk to make your values the very fabric of your life. And it can be done. I shine a spotlight on countless examples in Values, Inc. – sharing stories from within my organization at Dwyer Group as well as from incredible businesses and leaders from around the world!

Shep said, “This may be one of the most important books you ever read.” If readers are able to use this book as a roadmap to define their own code of values that they can put into real action, I have to agree!

Leadership delivers many mentors. Great books can lead you to them.

The Top Ten Business Books From 2015 puts Values, Inc. in the company of many other fine authors and leaders. Think Big Act Bigger: The Rewards of Being Relentless by Jeffrey Hayzlett, On Fire at Work: How Great Companies Ignite Passion in Their People Without Burning Them Out by Eric Chester, and Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don’t by Verne Harnish are all on the list.

I know each of these authors and consider these books recommended reading for all. If you’re looking for mentors who can energize what you do and how you do it, this list is a great place to start.

These books can fuel the mind and feed the soul. They are proof that there is always room to learn and grow. You can get better. Your team can get better. And, as I like to say, we can all work towards being our best authentic selves in business and in life.

Happy reading!

To order a copy of Values, Inc. CLICK HERE.