- By Erin Dixon -

Throughout history, women writers have endured censorship and human rights battles.  They published their works in secrecy and used male pen names to make their voices heard.  But today’s diverse written world is made better with the words of women.  Their stories teach valuable lessons and provide inspiration for our daily lives.

Celebrating the headway made by history’s women writers, we’ve collected a few of our favorite page-turners written (and co-written) by influential women for how to succeed and prosper in local government.

 1.  Leading from the Front: No Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch

Writing from experience with evolving gender roles and leadership, these two former marines offer ten best practices for women on the path to leadership.

2.  Lean In: Work, Women, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

The Chief Operating Officer of Facebook shares her personal stories and research as to why female progression in leadership and government is not yet equal to that of male counterparts. Sandberg also offers real-world solutions for women to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

3.  Mistakes I Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong edited by Jessica Bacal

Highly successful women including editors, authors, businesswomen, musicians, educators and others share their advice and anecdotes for women looking to push past their personal barriers to a successful career and maintain longevity.

4.  Democracy at the Doorstep, Too! By Mike Conduff and Melissa Byrne Vossmer, Foreword by Bonnie Svrcek

These authors cast a light on female professionals and their roles within public administration. Bonnie Svrcek, who penned the foreword, is the very first woman Assistant City Manager to be President of the International City County Management Association (ICMA.) Svrcek is an NRC partner and current City Manager for the City of Lynchburg, Virginia.

5.  Citizen Surveys for Local Government: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Them Matter by Tom Miller, Michelle Miller Kobayashi and Shannon Elissa Hayden

NRC’s President, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer highlight the importance of citizen surveys as on-going tools in local government. These experts also include a step-by-step guide to conducting citizen surveys, helping to guide communities toward better futures.

Related Articles

• 10 Local Government Blogs You Should Follow
• Bumping the Glass Ceiling
• Ah, But Women Do Know!

National Research Center, Inc. ( NRC ) is a leading research and evaluation firm focusing on the information requirements of the public sector, including non-profit agencies, health care providers, foundations and local governments.  Visit our home on the Web at www.n-r-c.com.  Check out our blog for more news, tips and human-interest stories from NRC.