Summer is the perfect time to catch up on all the reading you’ve been meaning to do. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or backcountry camping, take advantage of the the long days of summer with books that can ramp up your professional knowledge and skills.
This summer reading list features seven recommended books that are a perfect fit for government employees or anyone determined to advance their career. If you’re looking for even more summer reads, check out Govloop’s previous summer reading lists. When you find yourself inspired by one or more of these books, be sure to come back here and let us know in a comment.
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
Gretchen McCulloch
Have you wondered why some people don’t punctuate their tweets? Did you have to report to HR for texting “You’re a ?” to your boss? Then internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch’s new book is for you. Because Internet explores the evolving language we use to communicate digitally, what it all means, and how to navigate these astonishingly nuanced online conversations. (releasing July 23, 2019, pre-order available)
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Caroline Criado Perez
Invisible Women investigates how gender bias in data has infiltrated work, home, public policy, healthcare, and the products and systems designed to keep people alive. Author Caroline Criado Perez challenges readers to see the world for what it is: designed for men, and harmful or even deadly for women.
Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World
Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
If you’ve ever had the feeling that a lot of management practices are based on assumptions, myths, and outright lies, authors Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall have your back. In their book, Nine Lies About Work, they use research to tear down several false workplace beliefs that stop leaders and their teams from succeeding.
How Change Happens
Cass R. Sunstein
Inspiring people to shift their beliefs, to take action, to behave differently, or to support new policy takes more than hope. In How Change Happens, law professor Cass Sunstein uses behavioral science to explore what can catalyze large-scale change—from small, gradual nudges to bold challenges to social norms.
No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work
Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
No Hard Feelings by organizational consultants Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy is an ideal professional development summer read. It offers practical yet humorous advice about which emotions to bring to work, and which ones to leave at home. The illustrations of scenarios that require emotional strength charmingly enhance the book’s advice.
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Anand Giridharadas
Is it possible to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people when most power and influence is held by a small group of the extremely wealthy? In Winners Take All, author Anand Giridharadas examines how the elite who claim to be changing the world are instead shaping public policy in ways that perpetuates society’s inequalities.
Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream
Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson
Two MIT professors have a plan for public investment to drive shared economic growth in the United States in order to give more Americans a greater chance at success. The Jump-Starting America plan calls for a resurgence of public investment in research and development, a focus on lifting up smaller cities, and a dose of good ol’ American ingenuity.
Lauren Girardin is a marketing and communications consultant, freelance writer, and trainer based in San Francisco. She helps organizations engage their communities and tell their stories. Her website is laurengirardin.com and you can connect with her on Twitter at @girardinl.
Great list, Lauren! Adding a few of these to my library wishlist now 🙂