Understood: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement is a powerful and insightful read that completely shifted my perspective on leadership and workplace dynamics. Maria highlights how the simple yet profound act of making people feel genuinely understood can transform relationships, boost engagement, and create healthier, more productive teams.
What I truly appreciated about this book is how practical and actionable it is. The nine principles Maria presents are clear and relatable, making it easy to see how they can be applied in real-life leadership (or employee) settings. Her emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and consistency resonated deeply with me. I have a sticky note on my computer with the words "emotional sunshine" as a reminder and this book aims to help you embody that phrase.
I really liked how the book highlights practical skills with mindset shifts, offering a balanced approach to fostering meaningful connections in the workplace. Whether you're a leader aiming to strengthen team dynamics or simply someone seeking to build better relationships, Understood is a must-read. It’s one of those rare books that not only makes you reflect but also equips you with the tools to create positive, lasting change. Highly recommend with 5 enthusiastic stars!