Whether you want to learn more about leadership styles, or you want to increase your success at work and at home, it’s important to read books that will move you in the direction you want to go.
We often hear that successful people read books. Employees and managers alike can benefit from reading books that offer insights and advice on how to be more effective both in the workplace and other spheres of influence.
The following four books are each worth reading, not only for anyone who wants to improve their performance at work, but also anyone who wants to do a little better in whatever roll they’re in. These are all books to read to build success at work and in life.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a classic book that has helped countless people to reach their potential in both their personal and professional lives. The book helps readers to understand and internalize seven key principles that are essential for success in both their personal and professional lives.
The first three habits focus on developing a sense of self-awareness, self-discipline, and purpose. The next three habits emphasize the importance of relationships, effective communication, and teamwork.
The final habit encourages readers to always continue learning and growing. While each of these habits is important, Covey argues that they must be pursued in balance in order to achieve true effectiveness. By following these seven habits, readers can learn to better manage their time, set goals, and build rewarding relationships.
This is, in fact, a classic – it was written in 1989, and many of the more recent self-help books have been influenced by his work.
Master Your Workday Now by Michael Linenberger
In his book Master Your Workday Now!, Michael Linenberger provides readers with a step-by-step guide to mastering their workdays. Linenberger starts by helping readers understand the importance of time and task management, and he provides detailed instructions on how to set goals and priorities.
The terribly useful spin that he puts on the whole idea of goal-setting and time management is that he helps you to dig out from your To Do list before you tackle goal setting. He points out, so accurately, that you can hardly expect to set bigger life goals when you can’t even cope with the multitude of daily activities you’re already drowning under.
He teaches you to master your email, and turn it into an extremely effective action list.
Throughout the book, Linenberger emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s own time and schedule. By following his advice, readers will be able to take back their workdays and get more done in less time. Master Your Workday Now! is an essential guide for anyone who wants to increase their productivity and efficiency.
The Ignorant Maestro by Itay Talgam
“The Ignorant Maestro” by Itay Talgam is a personal favorite – if you only have time to read one of these books, make it this one. Better yet, watch his Ted.com presentation here.
Talgam presents 6 different leadership styles, through the lens of how some of the world’s greatest conductors lead their orchestra. Applicable not only to all levels of management, but even to how we interact with our own peers and children. You will likely recognize yourself in more than one of the leadership styles!
Whether you are the controlling type, or give so much slack your employees don’t know what you expect of them, you’ll find humorous, pointed insights that will make you a better leader…if you take action.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Finally, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins is another book that covers leadership in a way that you can apply to your own circumstances – even as a solopreneur, or even as a parent. His book deals with how companies can make the transition from being good to being great, but it has application to any team.
Collins and his team of researchers analyzed data from over 1,400 companies and identified 11 factors that distinguished the great companies from the merely good ones. One of the key findings was that great companies have a “Level 5” leader at the helm – someone who is both highly capable and deeply humble. The book also found that great companies are passionate about their core mission, and they are able to maintain this focus even as they grow and change over time.
Perhaps the most key words in any of these books are the opening sentence: “Good is the enemy of great.”
We’d love to hear from you on your journey to success at work and at home. Let us know how we can help you build an employee benefits package that keeps your team focused!
