One of my favorite pastimes is reading. And, whenever I am looking for new motivation and inspiration in my daily work, nothing helps more than reading a great new book. Here is a list of some of my favorite business books that I’ve read over the last year.
Powerful by Patty McCord
Admittedly, I just started this book on Audible, but it is so fantastic already, I had to share. I will update when I’ve finished it! McCord goes into detail on how Netflix implemented their infamous Culture Deck. With workplace culture and employee needs evolving at such a rapid pace, having some insight from a wildly successful company is absolute gold. So far, the book is extremely energizing and really gives the reader permission to let go of out-dated ways of managing and motivating employees.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
This book is an absolute game-changer and could easily become one of your favorite business books. If you have any stake in your company’s brand strategy, communications, or marketing, you need to read this book. Miller doesn’t just share hand-wavy, pie-in-the-sky concepts, he breaks down step-by-step how to build your brand communication strategy. A true guide book that you will surely highlight and underline and come back to for reference often.
Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
For me, I am always game for a positive, motivational book. I find that leadership in business requires self-awareness and a desire for self-improvement. Hyatt lines out practical steps on how to structure your best year ever by achieving your most desired goals. Leading a company or building a team start with your own personal habits. His newest book, Free to Focus looks equally inspiring and I look forward to reading it as well.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
If you haven’t discovered the life-changing author that is Brené Brown, you are in for a real treat. The underlying theme of this book is based on the quote from Theodore Roosevelt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again…who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
Being a leader is bravery! Do not miss this read. Inspiring book that is a favorite business book.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The stories and practical, actionable advice is this book makes for an excellent read. Often times, business leaders and managers tend to be type-A high-achievers. Ask us what our goals are and we can rattle off a list of areas we want to improve on and are clear about our big goals. This book finally got through to me that our success is found in our daily habits. Instead of having the goal: “I want to be healthy”. Clear teaches us to focus on the “atomic habit” of scheduling a 2 mile walk, for example, to reach the larger goal. Knowing the larger vision is great, but what are you scheduling each day that will add up and allow you to reach your big goal?
I hope you enjoyed this list and come away with at least one new read to add to your collection. Cheers!
