Summer 2023 is finally coming upon us, and with that comes the desire for hobbies and pastimes. Books can provide an outlet for creative inspiration and give us motivation through educational lessons. Whether inside to escape the heat or lounging on the beach under the sun, reading is a great and accessible way to discover new perspectives on our career journeys. If you are feeling a little lost or stuck in your career, check out these 5 books to help you find some new inspiration and ways of thinking:
By Brené Brown
This book, written by four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown, is about daring leadership and what it takes to be a leader. A leader is an individual who recognizes potential in others and possesses the courage to empower and develop that potential, no matter what titles or status that individual might have. This book discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership and leaning into difficult conversations and situations rather than avoiding them. Brené Brown uses research, stories, and examples to provide guidance to the reader on how to cultivate daring leaders that choose courage, even when it is difficult.
With an overall Amazon review of 4.7/5, readers are raving about the exceptional guidance that this author has provided through her words. Reviewers say it is a great read for those who wish to be authentic leaders who foster a courageous and inclusive work environment. Dare to Lead is an excellent book to show leaders that it is important to embrace vulnerability and discomfort in order to be a more effective leader.
By Daniel H. Pink
While monetary rewards can be motivating in their own right, author Daniel H. Pink has written about a different perspective regarding our human need to direct our own lives. After reading this book, one might change the way that they think and transform how they live each day. Pink draws on four decades of research on human motivation to examine the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He provides insightful techniques on how to best put these into action in this persuasive read.
This book has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon, and reviewers agree that it is a great read when it comes to understanding human motivations. Readers love the factual references that the author uses and believe that it truly impacts lives in a positive way while helping to sharpen one’s emotional intelligence. The words of author Daniel H. Pink brings to light the importance of genuine satisfaction that cannot always be achieved by money alone, but rather “something bigger than what’s immediately in front of us,” according to an Amazon reviewer.
By Daniel Kahneman
World-famous psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics Daniel Kahneman brings his wise perspective to the two systems in our mind that drive the way we think. The first system is quick-thinking, when we act on instinct and emotion. The second system is slower and more deliberate, as we take the time to think more logically in the given situation. In this book, the author describes when we can and cannot trust intuitive thinking and the benefits to taking the time to think more slowly. He provides techniques to use in both our business and personal lives to help make the best decisions.
Thinking, Fast and Slow currently has a rating of 4.6/5 on Amazon. Readers describe it as a thoughtful and insightful guide to everyday thinking containing many wise words on decision making. The psychological studies referenced in this book help readers to understand the conclusions made by the author. This is a great option for those looking for a more challenging read that is well worth your time.
By Julie Zhuo
In this book, author Julie Zhuo provides a guide containing examples and informative insights on being a great manager. As someone who became a rookie manager at age 25, Zhuo faced many challenges and uncertainties in the time where she had to learn the best techniques and lessons in managing. The most important lesson she learned, though, was that great managers are made, not born. This book is for those who wish to be a better manager, are new to the position, or wish to build their skills enough to be promoted to the next level.
Rated a 4.6/5 on Amazon, this book provides meaningful advice to readers in the aspects of managing. Reviewers state that this is a great read for new and experienced managers that is easy to understand and full of insights on being a great leader. According to an Amazon reviewer, after reading this book, you will “end up with a greater understanding of how to lead a group of people, earn their trust, build a cohesive team, connect with and support others, and foster a healthy culture for feedback.”
By Alexandra Cavoulacos and Kathryn Minshew
Authors Kathryn Minshew and Alexandra Cavoulacos, founders of the popular career website TheMuse, provide their insightful advice in this guide to the modern workplace. While previous generations of individuals were more likely to stick with one professional path, that is not the case anymore. Switching companies and even careers every few years has become more of a norm than before. This book gives structured tips on how to sift through the many career options available today, building your personal brand, and the soft skills that will help advance your career.
The New Rules of Work has a rating of 4.4/5 on Amazon, praised for its plethora of information on job interviews, networking, and landing job offers. It is a great career guidebook for individuals in any stage of their career journey with highly important tips all in one place.
Looking for more book recommendations to help boost your career? Visit one of our previous blogs for additional reads. We hope these books provide valuable insights that will assist you in furthering your professional career.