Developing the right habits to grow essential skills requires practice and discipline. One of the key habits of successful people and leaders is, to no surprise, reading.
Like Ursula K. Le Guin said,
“We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel... is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become.”
This list of selected readings will help you do exactly that! Whether you are a civil society leader, a social entrepreneur, an innovator, or an activist. The ideas and concepts are universal. We wish you a happy new year and happy reading!
The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg has written many books and this is probably his most famous one.
2021 has just started and it is just the right time to start reading this fascinating book (again). It will not only help you understand 'why we do what we do' but it also provides important ideas to implement change.
For more inspiration, visit:
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink
This book encodes what usually remains unarticulated and hidden in our perception of time.
We all know that time is relative. We all have to make decisions every day. This book includes eye-opening insights and practical advice on how to find the perfect timing for everything!
For more inspiration, visit:
Originals: How Non-conformists Change the World by Adam Grant
The good news! Originals are not necessarily people who are the smartest and most expressive in the room. They simply think, and more importantly, act differently. This is because of a number of reasons.
Originals challenge the status quo! This book includes endless wisdom on how to champion new ideas and nurture the original minds.
For more inspiration, visit: https://www.adamgrant.net/book/originals/
The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
First published in 1974, this book still remains relevant and popular amongst leaders and coaches to date!
The inner game is the game played in our minds. It's the voices in our head, our own judgment toward ourselves or an event. This book is 'the ultimate guide to the mental side of peak performance'.
For more details, visit: https://theinnergame.com/inner-game-books/the-inner-game-of-tennis/
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek's TED talk 'How great leaders inspire action' and his debut book 'Start with Why' made him a popular author and inspirational speaker. This book talks about 'leaders who embrace an infinite mindset, in stark contrast, build stronger, more innovative, more inspiring organizations.'
For more inspiration, visit: https://simonsinek.com/product/the-infinite-game/
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
If you are looking for a book on Culture, start with this one! A brilliant mix of scientific insights, case studies, and practical steps on how to build a strong culture and what makes groups highly successful. Enriched with lots of inspiring ideas and wisdom. A true must-have!
For more inspiration, visit: http://danielcoyle.com/the-culture-code/
Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelly
The key message: 'Everyone is creative!' This book inspires and provides guidance on how to unleash your creative potential!
It doesn't matter where you work and what you do, creativity is the seed from which all great things grow and flourish.
For more inspiration, visit: https://www.creativeconfidence.com/
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee
Since the pandemic, the concept of "working from home" has become more and more a norm, rather than a personal choice. Living and working in the so-called 'new normal' is often very challenging. This book will help you understand where joy comes from and how to spot joy and create extraordinary happiness.
For more inspiration, visit: https://aestheticsofjoy.com/the-book/
If you liked our recommendations, please leave a like or comment below.
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About the Author:
Trang Nguyen has a degree in Social Sciences and has worked in different development organisations, including research institutes in Germany, Vietnam, and India. She is a full-time staff at CSA and her roles include marketing communication, IT, facilitation and coaching, and team and happiness. Trang is a young, creative, and forward-thinking person who loves to learn, share, and connect with like-minded and peers. In addition, Trang is also a Life and Leadership Coach certified by Coach for Life.
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