Six books to read if you’re switching jobs
Stumped about your
next career move? Start by reading these books to make things work your way
How to Win Friends and Influence
People
by Dale Carnegie
Nearly a century after its original publication, this
book continues to be a hit among people looking to be better with people. In
fact, Warren Buffett says the book helped him overcome his social awkwardness
and ultimately changed his life. The late Carnegie advises readers on how to
have smoother interactions with others — perhaps most importantly, by letting
them talk about themselves. Whether you’re gearing up for job interviews or
networking events, Carnegie’s classic advice is a must-read.
Designing Your Life
by Bill
Burnett and Dave Evans
This book, by two Stanford professors of engineering,
is a bestseller for a reason: It’s at once reassuring, empowering, and
enlightening for anyone in the throes of the job-search process. The most
important takeaway is that there isn’t just one career path out there for you.
You probably have lots of passions, and you can definitely have lots of jobs.
The authors share anecdotes alongside exercises to help you figure out which
careers would suit you best — like “mind mapping” and “Odyssey planning”. It’s
a fun and very actionable read that helps you see the careers forest for the
trees.
What Color Is Your
Parachute?
by Richard Bolles
The most popular job-search guide ever has been
revised every year to reflect the realities of modern work. The late Bolles
covers the basics — résumé writing, interviewing, networking — but also helps
readers pinpoint their ideal career through the ‘Flower Exercise’. The book has
stayed relevant because Bolles focuses not only on the job search process but
the emotional and psychological side of job hunting.
Why We Work
by Barry
Schwartz
In this relatively short read, Schwartz, a
psychologist at Swarthmore College, explains how human motivation works — and
doesn’t work. Schwartz argues that people are motivated by purpose and meaning.
There’s no evidence to suggest people are motivated primarily by money. But
most companies — from education to law — incentivise workers with financial
rewards anyway. As you’re moving into the next phase of your career, you’ll
want to learn more about what makes employees excel and what makes an
organisation great. Schwartz’s insights are invaluable in that domain.
Pivot
by Jenny Blake
Blake is a former Googler who’s “pivoted” — i.e.
changed career directions — multiple times, once when she was working at the
tech giant, and again when she left to launch her consulting business. And she
knows how scary it can be.
Pivot guides readers who are confused, intimidated,
or just plain curious through the stepby-step process of figuring out what you
should do next — and then doing it. She’s nothing if not cautious, telling
readers they should run some tests to make sure, for example, their startup
idea is viable or this is really their passion.
Insight
by Tasha
Eurich
Before you head into a job interview and start
pitching yourself to a hiring manager, you’ll need to get a better handle on
who exactly you are, in terms of your strengths and weaknesses. Eurich is an
organisational psychologist who helps people overcome obstacles to professional
success — and the biggest one, she argues, is being oblivious to your flaws and
mistakes. The problem? Self-awareness is key to success at work. Insight guides
readers through the process of knowing themselves just a little bit better.
Each chapter juxtaposes an anecdote about a struggling client Eurich has
coached with relevant scientific research, and ends with some practical
exercises readers can use in their everyday lives.
businessinsider.in
ET19MAR18
No comments:
Post a Comment