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Here’s a fun fact…. did you know, Warren Buffet spends 80% of his day reading? Like Warren, to build a successful career, one must always be reading and learning.
To navigate the ups and downs of your career productively and effectively, it’s essential to read about how to grow through each stage successfully.
Getting the job is the easy part; the real challenge lies in maneuvering through the complexities of your work and how you present yourself in professional situations, which ultimately reflects either growth or stagnation.
It’s your choice.
For many of you on the journey of building a successful career or maybe struggling with job choices in general, just keep in mind there’s no right or wrong way to build. You just pivot, that’s all you do.
Keeping an open mind in career decision-making will help you grow in all aspects of your life.
And believe in me, keeping an open mind sometimes is difficult.
You may think you’re making wrong choices at times, however, what you are really doing is learning and growing.
To help you on your career journey, I’ve put together a list of five “must-read” books to build a successful career. Start building your career toolkit with these great reads and training materials early on. Here we go!
Emotional Intelligence 2.0″ by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
This book is a cornerstone for understanding and developing emotional intelligence (EQ). It provides practical strategies for improving EQ, which is crucial for effective leadership and career success.
The book includes a self-assessment test that helps readers identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
Key Points:
- Definition and components of emotional intelligence
- Real-world examples of how EQ impacts career success
- Strategies for improving self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek explores the principles of leadership that inspire trust and loyalty within teams. His insights on the importance of empathy and creating a sense of safety among team members are highly relevant to emotional intelligence and effective leadership.
Key Points:
- The concept of the “Circle of Safety” and its importance in leadership
- The role of empathy and trust in building strong teams
- Real-life examples and case studies of successful leaders
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
During your work tenure you will have those tough conversations, in true form and context, we need them.
Tough conversations lead us to change and growth.
Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy is groundbreaking. “Dare to Lead” focuses on how these traits are essential for effective leadership and fostering a positive workplace culture. Brown’s research-backed insights make this book a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.
Key Points:
- The importance of vulnerability in leadership
- Practical tools for building trust and fostering a culture of courage
- Insights on leading with empathy and emotional intelligence
The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
This book is a classic in the field of leadership. Kouzes and Posner outline five fundamental practices that exemplary leaders use to motivate and inspire their teams. Their evidence-based approach provides a solid framework for developing leadership skills.
Key Points:
- The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart
- Real-world examples and actionable advice for each practice
- The importance of aligning actions with values
Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee
Having had the opportunity in college to present my final paper on Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman this is a MUST Second read after his first.
Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in the field of emotional intelligence, collaborates with Boyatzis and McKee to explore how leaders can leverage EQ to achieve outstanding performance. This book delves into the connection between emotional intelligence and effective leadership.
Key Points:
- The science behind emotional intelligence and its impact on leadership
- How leaders can develop and apply emotional intelligence in their roles
- The concept of resonant leadership and its benefits
Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement
As you delve into these books, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your own experiences and consider how the insights and strategies presented can be applied in your life.
Things to remember:
Leadership is not about holding a title or position; it’s about inspiring and empowering those around you. Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, is about understanding and managing your own emotions while effectively navigating the emotions of others. Together, these skills can transform not only your career but also your personal life, fostering deeper connections and a more fulfilling experience in all your interactions.
Embrace the challenges and opportunities for growth that come your way, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. True growth often happens when we push ourselves to try new things and adopt new ways of thinking.
Continue to grow in all areas of your life. Be open minded and willing to listen only to content and context, leave the emotions out of the conversation. Be the best you can be in any situation, and it’s always ok to pivot.
We’ll chat soon,
