Summer is the perfect time to catch up on all the reading you didn’t have time to do over the busy holiday season. With some offices exercising summer hours and the kids off at camp, you might have a few hours of extra time to dive into a good book. In order to help you get the most out of your reading this summer, we put together a list of some of the most relevant professional development and leadership books for this week’s DorobekINSIDER post. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sunglasses and lay out by the pool to enjoy one of these great reads.
- The Public Innovator’s Playbook: Nurturing Bold Ideas in Government, William D. Eggers: Innovation is crucial for the public sector but oftentimes govies are not really sure how to foster innovation in bureaucratic and regulatory environments. In order to counter this, Eggers offers a handbook that shows government organizations how they can become serial innovators and sustain a culture of innovation. The book puts forth five strategies government agencies can use to cultivate and excel at innovation and explains tangible ways you can lead innovation at your organization. Eggers is a must-read for government employees, so if you finish this one, check out the rest of his work here.
- Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace, Jessica Bennett: If you are a woman you have probably felt hints of subtle sexism at work, but you might not be sure how you can effectively deal with it. Bennett’s manual tells you how to navigate gender landmines in today’s working world. This book is valuable for male leaders too as it offers them a perspective that they may not have previously understood and gives them tools to help support the women on their team.
- Off the Sidelines: Speak Up, Be Fearless and Change Your World, Kristen Gillibrand: This memoir from Kristen Gillibrand, Senator of New York, provides a personal look at how one woman was able to advance her career in public service. The leadership lessons provided aren’t specific to women, but do provide context to what it’s like to be a smart, ambitious woman in government.
- 4. Government That Works: The Results Revolution in the States, John M. Bernard: As the private sector drives ahead by using data and feedback to make business improvements, the public sector is catching on and catching up. This book explores examples of how government is shifting towards a results-driven mindset that focuses on accountability and transparency to improve services.
- How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking Change Your Life, John C. Maxwell: It’s never too early or too late to start shaping your thought processes to foster success. Check out these eleven key elements to more effective thinking and learn how you can apply them in the workplace and personal life. By changing how you think you have the potential to transform your relationships and how you approach your work.
Did we miss a must-read that helped you in your career? Be sure to let us know in the comments!