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You didn't learn everything you needed in school.
pexels.comYou may have earned your degree, but your education has just begun. Whether you seek to climb the corporate ladder or start your own business, you have to continue to learn and grow if you want to realize your dreams. Much of your growth will come through experience, but you can only learn so much on your own.
Books written by business experts provide a shortcut to invaluable knowledge that can kick-start your career in whichever direction you choose. From navigating office politics to taking your first steps as an entrepreneur, a good book can provide immediate insights into lessons you otherwise might not learn for decades.
Here are some must-read books every new graduate should own in 2019:
Nine Lies About Work by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
If you went to business school, you probably heard all sorts of traditional wisdom that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny in the real world. People love to praise the value of concepts like strategy and leadership in controlled environments, but those good intentions don’t always translate when put into practice.
Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall examine nine of the most harmful and frustrating lies about modern work to help new entrants to the workforce learn hard lessons the easy way. Real-life stories and data-driven insights provide context for unexpected (but intuitively correct) advice. Use the lessons here to learn how to motivate yourself and strengthen your value, as well as become a better manager before taking on your first leadership role. Read
Unf*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop
Millennials and Gen Z-ers love their self-deprecating humor. Gary John Bishop says to hell with all that. You are a miracle of potential, and if you don’t realize how much you have to offer the world, you’ll never break free from your personal doubts. This book walks readers through seven assertions, starting with “I am willing.” By the end of the book, you will internalize the zen-like final lesson, “I expect nothing and expect everything,” which will help you navigate the ever-changing, ever-challenging environment of working life.
The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Becoming a manager is kind of like becoming a parent. You can prepare all you want, but until you step into the role, you never really know how to handle your newfound responsibility. Julie Zhuo got her first managerial gig when she was 25. Since then, she's managed dozens of teams, hired and fired countless employees, and designed strategies to help multiple departments and companies grow. Her experiences taught her that great managers get their stripes through experience, not innate talent, and her book provides all the guidance young people need to deal with their new managers and prepare for their own futures in leadership. Read
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
Did anyone in school ever tell you that you had to focus on a niche to succeed? In the age of worldwide job markets and automated jobs, many people fall prey to the specialist trap. Epstein offers a different choice: His book shows readers that general ability, not hyperspecialization, provides the surest path to success.
David Epstein backs up his claims by examining the lives of successful artists, leaders, athletes and scientists. At every turn, he points out how generalists possess the creativity and contextual thinking to outpace their specialized peers. If you feel like others want to shoehorn you into a niche, pick up Epstein’s book to reconsider your approach to success.
Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup
Preparation is overrated. When the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, you can't sit back and wait until you've mastered everything you need to move forward. Ruth Soukup takes a tough-love approach to teach readers how to dive headfirst into challenging situations, then provides the encouragement necessary to rise to every new challenge. Soukup’s work breaks down intimidating concepts into digestible, actionable strategies to overcome your biggest fears. After reading this book, you'll understand your unique Fear Archetype, embrace the Principles of Courage, and possess all the mental ammunition you need to push through adversity.
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Women face unique challenges, especially in male-dominated work environments rife with prejudices and misconceptions. Melinda Gates has worked for decades to build a world of equity and opportunity for all, and her book reveals the findings of a person who has seen everything and knows what needs to change. Using a compelling blend of stories and data to paint her narrative, Gates writes about how women can lift themselves (and their peers) to new levels of confidence and connection. Success, she argues, is not a zero-sum game. You can help others succeed without sacrificing your own future in the bargain.
New Power by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms
A few decades ago, companies like Uber and Google couldn't have achieved dominance as quickly as they did. Leaders, including America's last two presidents, needed more time to curate their qualifications and convince audiences they deserved a shot. Power dynamics have changed, and in the new arena, professionals cannot play by the old rules and expect to succeed.
Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms examine cultural movements, companies and modern leaders to reveal how power has changed in the last decade and what that means for people looking to carve their own destinies. The interconnected nature of modern life democratizes power, which means anyone with a vision, a strategy and a bit of charisma can rise quickly. Read this book to rethink the way you view power and discover new ways to build your personal brand.
