Summer is a time for fun and sun with days filled with beach trips and relaxation. However, while lounging on the beach is nice, many workers can take advantage of this time by getting a jump start on their career advancement by adding a few books on self-development to their beach bag. So, what books should every worker be reading this summer to boost their career?
David & Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
By Malcolm Gladwell
Reader Rating 4.3/5
Pages: 332
Author Malcolm Gladwell uses the story of David and Goliath to examine how we think about obstacles and disadvantages in our lives. Through this examination, readers are able to view ideas of discrimination, disability, and setbacks in a new light. A significant focus of the book is to show how positive things can happen out of adversity.
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges
By Amy Cuddy
Reader Rating 4.4/5
Pages: 306
This compelling book, written by Harvard professor Amy Cuddy, is listed on many bestseller lists (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and People) and examines how people approach stressful and challenging situations. The book explains the concept of “accessing our personal power,” so that a state of “presence” can be achieved. It also describes how changing body language, behavior, and mindset in one’s daily life can make considerable differences in professional success.
Scaling Up Excellence: Getting More Without Settling for Less
By Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao
Reader Rating 4.4/5
Pages: 370
A Wall Street Journal bestseller, this book is based on research conducted by Sutton and Rao, spanning a decade, it looks at the way organizations identify and tackle challenges. The book goes into detail on how leaders need to instill positive mindsets into the people around them. Sutton and Rao also demonstrate how destructive behaviors can hold both people and organizations back from achieving excellence.
Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams
By Barbara Sher
Reader Rating 4.7/5
Pages: 290
New York Times best-selling author Barbara Sher explores the challenges that many experiences on what to do with their lives. The book examines the well-established concept that one needs to pick a single path to success. Sher explains that this idea may not be the best for many people whom she calls “scanners” since they are “wired” to pursue different interests.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
By Daniel Goleman
Reader Rating 4.3/5
Pages: 384
Goleman examines the idea of emotional intelligence and how it influences personal and professional relationships. In the book, the author describes the five necessary skills of emotional intelligence. The concept of being “smart” is evaluated, and a new line of thinking comes to light on what makes a person truly “smart.”
Boost Your Career with New Era HR Solutions
While summer brings sun and fun, workers who want to excel should use some of their time to enhance their professional development. There are several excellent books on the market that will provide self-reflection for career advancement. These books can improve a professional’s ideas, approaches, and perspectives around work and their career.
If, after reading, you feel you need to make some changes in your career, turn to the experts at New Era HR Solutions. At New Era HR Solutions, we help our candidates find the right position to move their careers forward. Contact our staffing specialists today to learn more!
