books for work recap: 2022
I have always been a major reader, really since I was little I have always had at least one book going, but these days usually more than one.
I always think of my books in categories, and usually have one in each category on my nightstand at all times - one for work, one that’s bingeable, and a third that will make me smarter or open my mind in some way.
Usually, my favorite books end up being the bingeable ones, for obvious reasons. If you can’t put it down - you can’t put it down! There’s just no comparison. But, the books that change the course of my year (or career altogether!) are usually the books I read for work.
So, I want to share my favorite books from last year with you, and it feels correct to start off with the best books I read for work in 2022.
Since I never was formally trained in any kind of way to lead a team, or run a business (hi, I was an English major!), I do my best to pick up little tips, tricks, and new ways of thinking as I possibly can.
These three were the most helpful that I read this year.
You Are the Brand by Mike Kim.
in 2022 I was in the research and ‘thinking’ mode that was the precursor to this blog, and to my newsletter. This book was honestly a little advanced for where I was at then, or even where I am now, but it really did open my mind to a new way of thinking about my personal brand, and how my own brand can support and impact the companies that I help to run.
Mike’s book is really geared towards people who are promoting themselves as public speakers, but I feel like there are real nuggets that apply to anyone who is interested in thinking about personal branding and the way they are putting themselves out into the world.
I spend a lot of time trying to figure out the best way to be productive when I’m at work, so that I can really do my very best to not be working when I’m not at work. If you’ve been along for my newsletter ride for a while, you know I’m a fan of block scheduling, and the premise of the 12 week year is kind of like the bigger picture of block scheduling.
The thing this book has helped me to do is to think about bigger goals getting done in a shorter period of time. It works for me because I love a deadline. I absolutely will not get anything done until it’s due. Never have, never will. Nothing like a deadline to get me to produce work. Sometimes a whole year is a LONG deadline that leads me to some major long term procrastination.
After reading this book, I’ve started programming all the goals I might normally have prescribed to a year to a quarter instead - even if everything isn’t totally accomplished, I think I’ll be a lot further along than I would have been!
By the same team that brought us the 12 week year, this book kind of takes you deeper into being the kind of person who can reach big goals in 12 weeks instead of a year. Reading these two books hand in hand really helped me with some psycological tricks to stay on track (see above re: procrastination!!).
The other thing this book did for me was helped me to start thinking about holding my team accountable for their own goals - or as the authors say: holding them ‘capable’.
Understanding the boundaries and balance between leading a team and being bossy is something I’m working on. I think I tend to shy away from leading in order to not sound bossy, but then I’m disappointed when my expectations aren’t met. This is a huge fail, I think! What I’m learning is that being a leader of a team is a lot like being a parent (and not in a negative way at all). Groups of people thrive when expectations are known, and boundaries are in place. It’s human nature! This book helps me with that whole framework. Recommend!!
What did you read this year that helped you the most? Leave your rec in the comments so we all can see them!