To be an effective leader, you have to keep learning. However, that doesn’t mean you should gather information from just anywhere, especially if you only have a limited amount of time.
The books on this list are ideal if you want to improve as a manager and create a more productive work environment. If you only have time for a few books this year, here are five you should add to your must-read list.
1. The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate – Fran Hauser
Chocked full or personal insights drawn from her career, Fran Hauser discusses how to be strong and successful while remaining kind and decent. The tone mimics that of a mentor imparting valuable wisdom, making it highly engaging and incredibly relatable. If you are worried that working as a leader may encourage you to sacrifice who you are in the hopes of getting ahead, this book is for you.
2. When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing – Daniel Pink
Most people have heard the saying, “Timing is everything.” Not only has this adage been around a long time, but it is also very true. In his book, Pink includes research that showcases how timing matters. You’ll learn the best times to handle different kinds of tasks, the power of well-timed breaks, and how to gauge your natural rhythms to enhance productivity. In all, you’ll review numerous tips that can make you more effective on the job and in life, all through the use of better timing.
3. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups – Daniel Coyle
Managers understand that having a strong culture is critical to a company’s success. In The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups, Coyle shares inspirational and entertaining stories that can help you understand the nuances of behavior and how they can impact a team. Ultimately, it gives you powerful tools and insights that are practical to use in today’s workplace, ensuring you can apply what you learn to improve your team’s culture.
4. Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility – Patty McCord
Another book that focuses on crafting a strong company culture, Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility discusses how challenging old theories on management can be beneficial, allowing you to identify new ways for working together effectively in the workplace. The writing style is incredibly engaging and filled with brutal honesty, making it a great addition to any manager’s bookshelf.
5. Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done – Laura Vanderkam
If you ever feel overwhelmed or overtasked, Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done might be your ideal read. Vanderkam provides guidance on how managers and others can live a productive life without sacrificing enjoyment, giving you powerful insights on time management and the experience of time itself. Plus, the book itself is a quick read, making it easy to squeeze into the busiest of schedules. If you ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day, add this one to your must-read list.
If you are interested in learning more about how you and other managers can make 2019 the best year ever, the team at TempStaff want to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your professional and company goals today and see how our unique expertise can benefit you.
