There are so many great books in the world to read that sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. And when it comes to professional books that impact and shape us, there are so many options to choose from, and not all of them are really useful. As the year winds down, you may have some windows of time. now is a good time to open a new book and do some professional development.
the 10 best books for your professional development
While everyone has different opinions about what makes a good book for them, I’ve focused on the books that have propelled me forward in life and work. I only put books on this list that I’ve read because I want to be able to vouch for them.
You are reading: Best books for professionals
1. the happiness advantage
so, this book is the only one on the list that I listed in order of my favorite…it is hands down, the one book that has changed my perspective on life more than any other on this list. Written by Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage looks at the idea of success and how we think we get there. here is an excerpt from the book cover, “most people want to be successful in life. and of course, everyone wants to be happy. When it comes to the pursuit of success and happiness, most people assume the same formula: if you work hard, you will be successful, and once you are successful, you will be happy. the only problem is that a decade of cutting-edge research in the field of positive psychology has shown that this formula is backwards. success does not breed happiness.” this is an absolute must read for everyone.
2. start with why: how great leaders inspire everyone to take action
simon sinek is by far my favorite public speaker of all time. simon’s ted talks take up the majority of the top 10 ted talks for a reason, he’s brilliant… and not boring. His book, Begin Why, addresses why so many of the world’s greatest leaders made him successful. If he is a leader or he aspires to be a leader in the workplace, whether civilian, military, or elected…this is a book he must read. If he wants to inspire others to take action, and is in a position to do so (or wants to be), then read this book!
3. the missing piece
At first glance, this book looks like a children’s book. Shel Silverstein, however, is one of the greatest authors and poets of our time, and he did a great job of teaching life lessons through simple means. so no, this is not a children’s book. the missing piece is a story about a circle with a missing piece, like a missing slice of pizza. the circle rolls down the road in search of the missing piece, while singing:
oh, I’m looking for my missing piece
I’m looking for the missing piece
See Also: AudioBook Rentals: Guide to Rent Audio Books Online [2022] – AudioforBooks.com
hi, here I come
looking for my missing piece
Finally, the circle finds the missing piece that fits perfectly, but something is wrong…the circle can’t sing or do the things it likes to do. How often are we like the circle? Are you looking for something to make us happy when it’s actually right in front of you? read this book, then sit back and think about it.
4. who moved my cheese
what a great book! who moved my cheese is about change in the workplace and how you adapt to it. When you’re used to the “cheese” being in the same place day after day, how do you react when it’s not where you’re used to? Change in the workplace and in life, and how you react to it, can define who you are and how successful you can be. this is a timely book in light of so many changes this year in the way we work.
5. the 7 habits of highly effective people
This book is an all time classic! Steven R. Covey’s book on creating not just habits, but the right habits, has been read around the world. Covey passed away in 2012, but his legacy lives on. Translated into 40 languages and with more than 25 million copies sold, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People continues to change lives every day.
6. emotional intelligence
everyone knows about IQ tests, but what about emotional intelligence? are you emotionally intelligent? According to current psychology, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Can you manage your emotions in the workplace? better yet, can you handle the emotions of others? Daniel Goleman wrote Emotional Intelligence with the idea that you can conquer your emotions and use them for good. Equally important, can you learn to manage the emotions of your employees and co-workers?
7. the power of habit
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Habit is a powerful force in life. throughout your life, you will learn bad habits and good habits. overcoming bad habits is a powerful thing; however, learning to develop good habits is even more powerful. The Power of Habit explores why and how we build habits and how to use good habits to your advantage in the workplace and outside of the workplace.
8. make your bed: little things that can change your life… and maybe the world
On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven delivered the commencement address at the University of Texas at Austin. this speech was so inspiring that the admiral turned it into a book called make your bed: little things that can change your life… and maybe the world. by making his bed the first thing he gets up, he has already accomplished something in the first 10 minutes of his day, and will set the stage for the rest of his day. just as an introduction to admiral mcraven, here is a little biography:
admiral william h. McRaven (retired from the US Navy) is the New York Times #1 bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestseller Sea Stories: My Life in Special Ops. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a four-star admiral, his final assignment was as commander of all of the United States. special operations forces.
I’d say he qualifies as someone who can get things done!
9. the book of joy: lasting happiness in a changing world
This book is a pleasure to read… no pun intended. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu collaborated on this book to discuss the idea of joy and how it can be achieved in life. One of the most interesting stories in the book is from the Dalai Lama about how focusing on someone else’s struggles and pain can help you forget about your pain. if you step outside of yourself, you can experience more joy in helping others and being present.
10. think and get rich
for 25 years, the author, napoleon hill, devoted his time to studying the most successful men in the world. One of his main subjects of study was John D. rockefeller, which in today’s money would be worth $318 billion dollars! The result of Hill’s study is what he called “the laws of success.” I won’t give it away, but this truly is an amazing book that will change the way you think about success and how you can achieve it.
See Also: James Lee Burke – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com