• The Little Book Series

Tiny Shifts. Big Impact.

The Little Book Series explores the essential elements of human-centered learning and leadership—translated into practical, actionable insights you can use tomorrow.

Each book offers a series of small, intentional shifts that compound over time to transform how we learn, lead, and work together.

The Little Book of Agency

Tiny Shifts That Transform How We Learn, Lead, and Grow

We say we want agency—students who own their learning, teams who take initiative, leaders who empower others. But too often, people are asked to "own" work they had no voice in shaping.

The Little Book of Agency offers a different approach: fifteen small, practical shifts that transform how we design learning and work. For educators, coaches, leaders, and teams who believe that learning and work are not things we deliver—but conditions we create together.

Available now! Choose where to buy:

Amazon  |  Bookshop.org (US)  |  Blackwell's (International)

  • "This book about agency is the book I didn't know I needed. Agency is not a 'nice to have,' it is central to well-being."

    —Ruth Poulsen, Organizational Leader

  • "An absolutely amazing book. It makes me wish I hadn't retired! ... Every leader and teacher should read it. Even if you are not in education, it is almost like a bible for efficiency and effective management ... No words are enough ... just read it!"

    —Val Hart, Retired Educator

  • "What makes the book especially powerful is how it bridges theory and practice. The ideas do not remain abstract. They translate into daily moves such as how we ask questions, how we structure routines, how we measure progress, and how we create psychological safety. These are not grand, unrealistic overhauls. They are small, intentional shifts that accumulate into meaningful change. In that sense, the book does not just inform. It equips."

    —Varsha Agarwal Rodewald, Academic Director

Bring This Work to Your Organization

The ideas in this book don't have to stay on the page. If you're thinking about what it might look like to bring this work to your team, your staff, or your organization, here are a few ways we can work together:

Keynote

A high-energy, research-grounded talk on agency, leadership, and the tiny shifts that change everything. Designed to open a conversation, not close one.

Workshop or Retreat

A working session built around your specific context and goals. Participants leave with something they can actually use—not just inspiration, but a plan.

Coaching and Consulting

Sustained support for learning leaders who want to go deeper: thinking partnerships, team facilitation, and customized professional learning design.

Bulk Orders

Bringing a copy of the book to every participant is one of the most powerful things you can do to extend the learning beyond a single session. Visit this page or email books@tonyagilchrist.com to discuss.

More Titles Coming

The Little Book of Agency is the first in a series of practical, research-grounded guides for educators and leaders who want real change without more noise.

Coming next:

The Little Book of Inquiry (2027) — on the questions that open thinking, deepen learning, and transform how we work together.

The Little Book of Feedback (2028) — on the conversations that actually change practice, and how to make them a daily habit rather than an annual event.

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