With everything that's happened in 2020, starting or progressing your career might seem even more intimidating than before. However, there's no better time than the present to focus on career development. Here are 10 career books to read right now for goal setting, inspired action and future development.
[Read more: 10 Free Resources Your Small Business Should Be Taking Advantage of Now]
‘Maximize Your Potential: Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks & Build an Incredible Career’
Compiled by 99U and packed with quotes from 21 of the most brilliant and creative minds in business, this compact book is filled to the brim with advice that garners potential growth for your current and future career. “Maximize Your Potential” gives you a practical and easy-to-follow guide on growing in your career, building essential relationships and creating opportunities where you may not have seen them before—perfect for 2020’s business landscape.
‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People’
In this classic self-development book, Stephen R. Covey details actionable items and stimulating ideas we can chew on during this time. “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People” looks deeply into the core of why we internally self-sabotage or don’t take our careers to the next level. Once you look within to what’s truly causing a cease in your progress, you can pave your own way.
‘Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges’
Harvard Professor Amy Cuddy teaches that you don’t need to have a huge spiritual revelation to create your true self—it only takes a few tweaks in your body language and mind-body connection to make a statement. Cuddy’s use of science and well-researched data in “Presence” brings peace to even the most anxious minds with the assurance that they can perform at their best in stressful and high-pressure situations.
‘Mistakes I Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting It Wrong’
In this tell-all book, 25 women detail exactly how their mistakes made them who they are in their business and personal life. From interviews with names like Cheryl Strayed, Anna Holmes and Ruth Ozeki, you’ll find influential and empowering stories from those who learned valuable lessons from mistakes throughout their careers. When you’re wanting a pick-me-up or in need of feel-good stories about learning from wrong turns, pick up “Mistakes I Made at Work.”
[Read more: 10 Inspiring Business Books to Read Right Now]
["The Slight Edge"] outlines the reasons why some people chase after their own dreams while others choose to support someone else.
‘Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.’
In the workplace, leading with courage, bravery and empathy is a scarcity as we rely more on fear to lead us. In “Dare to Lead,” Brene Brown dives deep into the psyche of stepping outside of our comfort zones and how we can lean into our vulnerability, ask the tough questions and share the power as a leader with others.
‘Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?’
Seth Godin writes that there’s an overlooked team in the workplace next to management and labor: the linchpins. These workers rise to every occasion when making important, innovative decisions, all the while creating a difference in the workplace. Read “Linchpin” if you’re curious to be a part of this group of workers changing the world.
‘Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success’
In “Give and Take,” Adam Grant gives credit to those who are able to selflessly give without wanting something in return. He details three different types of people and provides research on how the “giver” group rises to the top more frequently than the others. This book is full of insight on how to take your career to the next level while giving back.
‘The Slight Edge’
This book hands you the power to create the drive and motivation in making your dreams a reality. Jeff Olson outlines the reasons why some people chase after their own dreams while others choose to support someone else. Read for simple daily activities and tools that are already within your framework to give you “The Slight Edge” in your career
‘Moving the Needle: Get Clear, Get Free, and Get Going in Your Career, Business, and Life!’
If you’re looking for a new direction in life, look no further than “Moving the Needle.” Author Joe Sweeney provides the push you need to jump-start your career or take that business idea to the next level. This book helps you shake off doubt and move toward creating a workable strategy to meet your goals.
‘Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type’
If you’re wondering whether your current career is right for you or you’re already looking to make a switch, read “Do What You Are,” by Paul D. Tieger. This book is filled with research, personality tests and features to help you learn more about where you work best and your preferred working style, whether it’s thriving as an entrepreneur or working for a large corporation.
[Read more: How 5 Small Businesses Are Channeling Creativity During COVID-19]
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Follow us on Instagram for more expert tips & business owners stories.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
