Five Business Books to Read in the New Year
2020 is upon us. What better way to start the new year (and the new decade!) off strong by putting on our student hats and diving into books that can help us take our lives, careers and businesses to the next level.
Here are five essential business books that are sure to get your creative and logistical juices flowing:
1. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Sure, this is a book on creativity and not technically a business book. However, I would argue that, no matter what role you play in your company, you are a creator (even if the only thing you are creating is an awesome customer service experience). In Big Magic, Liz Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) teaches that a creative life is a “a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.” To succeed in life and business, you have to start looking at things this way. Otherwise, the unknown will drive you crazy and you won’t be able to show up and shine.
2. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't
I read this book many moons ago in college. It’s always stayed with me, especially the part about getting the right people on the bus. It’s important to always be learning, especially when it comes to business. This book taught me that it’s important to study companies and what makes them successful. I try to take those best practices and incorporate them into my life and my business.
3. Principles: Life and Work
Ray Dalio is a successful (translation: net worth of 18.6 billion as of January 2019) hedge fund manager. In this 600 page book, he outlines the principles that helped get him there. Learn best practices for setting both yourself and your team up for success (and also a lot about the mindset of success). He recently launched a shorter version, Principles for Success, of the book meant for all ages (including kids).
4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials
During my MBA program at Rice University, we talked a lot about Robert Cialdini’s work and consumer psychology. It’s important to understand the mindset of your client (client meaning a person you serve and this could include your customers, your family, your manager) if you want to be successful.This book helps you understand the six key principles of influence and how to use them in your business.
5. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts
This book is on my personal reading list. I thoroughly enjoyed Brené’s book, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Leadand I’m excited to dive into this book. No one person is an island and, even if you’re a freelancer, you still are working with people. It’s important to know how to impact your company culture and how to encourage innovation and next level thinking.
Well, there you have it, folks -- my five must read business books for you to start off your new year.
I’d love to know which business books have left a lasting impression on you. Leave a comment and let’s chat it up!
Want more goodness? Click HERE to join the WacoWork Community. It’s absolutely free.