world philosophy day education concept with tree of knowledge planted by opening big old book
wow, we’re living in some pretty scary and uncertain times, aren’t we? At this point, unless you’re working an essential role (and if you are, you have my sincerest thanks), chances are you’re stuck at home all day, every day. Suddenly, there seems to be a lot of time stretching out ahead of us.
You are reading: Books on career development
And trust me, if you’re a parent like me, I fully understand that all these extra hours at home aren’t yours to do whatever you want. but chances are there’s some extra room on your agenda, and you’ll have to fill it with more than just updating the news headlines over and over again.
like reading an amazing book. Whether you’re facing a layoff or career transition, trying to lead a team through uncertainty, or just looking for a new perspective during this challenging time, these 11 powerful reads can help you navigate through our new normal gracefully. , determination and greatness.
1. The Hard of Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by ben horowitz
horowitz, one of silicon valley’s most revered entrepreneurs, reveals how companies can tackle some of the most challenging problems. While this book is pretty focused on startups, it packs a lot of great business learnings that he can apply to any job. And considering that his previous education and experience probably didn’t teach you how to manage his career during a pandemic, this might be a good time to read it.
2. grit: the power of passion and perseverance by angela duckworth
Getting through this moment will require leadership from all of us, but you don’t have to be born with overwhelming talent to achieve great things. what you do need, says duckworth, is determination, the perfect combination of passion and persistence. Sharing his stories and those of leaders like Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carrol and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, Duckworth discovers how he can develop the courage he needs to do great things during this pandemic. and beyond.
3. More Than Enough: Reclaiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by elaine welteroth
Throughout her career, author Elaine Welteroth has often been the only black woman in the room. She learns how she broke barriers, at several different intersections, to succeed in the fashion and media industries and become one of the changemakers of her generation.
And if you’re among the many, many people who have been laid off or laid off during this time, welteroth’s words may be just what you need to regain your confidence and get on the path to a new job.
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4. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by amy cuddy
No matter how successful you are or what stage of life you are in, there will always be situations that cause us anxiety and stress. in fact, i would venture to say that most of us living with covid-19 are anxious and stressed, in some way, at this very moment. To navigate these scenarios more easily, Cuddy teaches you how to harness your own personal power, to care more about what you think of yourself than what others do. because when you can learn to do that, you will have a powerful presence.
cuddy’s book will be especially useful for furloughed workers who may be delving into networking and subsequently job interviews in a post-pandemic world.
5. how we do things now: turning ideas into products that build successful businesses by jules pieri
It’s one thing to have an idea. it’s a completely separate thing for it to come to fruition. So if you’re good at planting the seed but not so good at turning it into a plant, this book is for you. Leveraging the stories of several successful startups, it will help you turn your genius idea into a product and bring it to market.
If you have a few extra hours when you’re not trying to work, take care of the kids, and stay sane, why not take some time to revisit your previously abandoned seeds? Pieri’s book will surely help them sprout. 6. The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by gary kelly and jay papasan
Over the last few years, productivity has become the buzzword. And for good reason: most people want more, but struggle to get it. (and this can be especially challenging while you’re stuck at home and treading water to stay motivated). well, kelly and papasan think they’ve figured out the secret. By the end of this book, you’ll not only be able to get more done, but you’ll also feel less stressed and overwhelmed. And who doesn’t want that?
7. The Third Gate: The Wild Quest to Discover How the World’s Most Successful People Started Their Careers by alex banayan
When it comes to success, there are three ways in: the front door, the VIP entrance, and the third door. When Banayan interviewed high achievers like Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Jessica Alba, and Tim Ferriss, he learned that they all used the little-known third gate to get to where they are in their careers. he finds out how they did it and how you can do it too.
Even if you’re happy with your current career, it never hurts to have a plan for your next steps. maybe you will change your mind or have discovered a new passion once the world resurfaces. Banyan’s book can help you identify the “third”, and it can even lead you to a whole new career! 8. Barking up the wrong tree: The surprising science behind why everything you know about success is (mostly) wrong by eric barker
according to barker, the traditional “success formula” you’ve been taught probably won’t work. Barker explores turning weaknesses into strengths, Buddhist philosophy, lessons you can learn from gang members, pirates, serial killers, and more.
This is a good time to open up Barker’s book and take a hard look at his personal “formula for success.” if it’s time to make a change, you have the manual at hand.
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9. changers: how smart professionals change careers and harness success by dr. alba graham
This is your only life (that we know of, anyway) and suddenly it’s more precious and powerful than ever. don’t settle for the wrong career. These practical strategies—like getting into the minds of hiring managers, crafting a top-notch resume, and highlighting your transferable skills—are exactly what you need to land a job you truly love.
10. Put your strengths to work: 6 powerful steps to outstanding performance by marcus buckingham
Identifying your strengths is a crucial step in your professional development. but you also need to know how to use them to perform at your best at work, or in new networking or job-seeking situations you may find yourself in. At the end of this six-week experience, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
(Are you looking to get a better understanding of when you’re productive and full of energy at work? Check out my cool habit performance tracker here.)
11. the dip: a little book that teaches you when to quit (and when to stay) by seth godin
godin disagrees with the saying “those who give up never win”. in fact, he believes the opposite, that most successful people can tell the difference between when they’re suffering from a momentary setback and when it really is time to throw in the towel. and, when it comes time to quit, they are not afraid to do so. this book will teach you how to become one of those people (a quitter and a winner).
especially at this time, when it may seem easier to recognize the impact of covid, godin’s book is a goldmine for resetting your mindset and laying the groundwork for moving forward.
bonus: the genius habit: how one habit can radically change your work and your life by laura garnett
The key to discovering the perfect career for you is understanding your unique genius and identifying your purpose at work. once you do this, you open the doors to a happy and fulfilling career. It’s time to finally unleash your potential.
And if the pandemic has turned you into a job seeker, my book will help you gain the clarity on your worth that will help you determine — and land — your next move.
If you read one of these books, let me know what you think. and of course please also send me any other book recommendations you may have.
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