5 books you should read to advance your career

As the saying goes, 'Leaders are readers.' And indeed, reading is an excellent way to advance your career. Through books, you can learn from experts, gain new perspectives, and sharpen your skills.

This World Book Day, we suggest five books you should read, no matter if you're just starting out in your career or looking to take it to the next level.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a classic book on personal development and leadership. Covey presents seven habits that can help you become more productive, efficient, and successful. These habits include things like being proactive, setting goals, and seeking to understand before being understood. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a better leader or manager.

"Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and a leading voice in the tech industry. In "Lean In," Sandberg shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field and offers practical advice for women who want to advance their careers. She encourages women to "lean in" to their careers, take risks, and speak up for themselves. This book is an inspiring read for anyone who wants to break through barriers and achieve success.

"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss

"The 4-Hour Workweek" is a book that challenges the traditional notion of work. Ferriss argues that it's possible to achieve more by working less and that we should focus on being productive rather than busy. He offers tips on how to outsource tasks, automate your work, and create passive income streams. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve more with less effort.

"Crucial Conversations" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Effective communication is a critical skill in any career. "Crucial Conversations" is a book that teaches you how to have difficult conversations with confidence and tact. The authors offer strategies for handling emotions, listening actively, and finding common ground. This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships.

"Good to Great" by Jim Collins

In "Good to Great," Jim Collins examines what sets great companies apart from good ones. He identifies key characteristics that all great companies share, such as a focus on disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to take their career or business to the next level.

Summary

Reading is an excellent path to personal development and advancing your career. These five books offer practical advice, inspiration, and insights that can help you become a more effective leader, communicator, and problem solver. They're also widely available as audiobooks if you think you don't have enough time for 'analogue' reading.

There are no excuses in the modern era - join us in celebrating World Book Day by reading or listening, whichever you prefer!