I read a lot of books, like a lot, a lot. (I may have read 165 books in 2023) Do I remember the plot of every one? Absolutely not. But I do have non-fiction books that I remember and have helped me change my life for the better.
Here are three books I think of often and why you might want to put them on your TBR (to be read) list.
1. 10% Happier by Dan Harris
I think this book came to me at the right time, I read it in 2018 and I still think of phrases from this book today.
"Respond don't react" was written on a sticky note at my desk for over a year, I would even doodle it on my weekly to-do list. It was a constant reminder to myself to not jump to conclusions or react to bad news or an upset customer. I need to take a beat, breathe, and then respond.
Overall, I loved the idea of not making myself 100% better. That's completely unrealistic. Instead, focus on being just 10% happier than you were before. It's the same idea as getting 1% better at something - those exponential gains are real!
Dan went on to expand 10% Happier to a podcast and meditation app. I've listened to both and have enjoyed his guests and challenges.
2. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
As a project manager, I am often juggling multiple projects with multiple deadlines. Figuring out how not to stretch myself too thin is key to being a happier and more productive employee. I mean who doesn't want that?! But this has also applied to my personal life.
Essentialism focuses on figuring out what is most essential and focusing on that instead of ALL. THE. THINGS. at once. Reframing to focus on the right things has made a huge difference in how I approach my to-do lists.
I can do a lot, but I can't do everything at once... nor should I.
Greg's wisdom carried through to his follow-up book, Effortless. Once you figure out what is essential, how do you make those things effortless to accomplish? His social media accounts are one of my favorites to follow, check him out on LinkedIn for daily inspiration and reminders.
3. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Two years ago I was asked if I wanted to be a manager of people. Um excuse me, I manage projects not people. But with the encouragement of my team members, I decided to take on the challenge. The first thing I wanted to do was figure out "how do I do this and not screw it up!?". Finding a book written by a female manager who had been in my position was first up on my list. Enter Julie Zhuo.
Julie was a Facebook designer turned manager of the entire design team. I found her story extremely relatable. But not only that, she shared all her tips and tricks for new managers. I keep her book handy at my desk and often open it up to see what she recommends for certain situations, like hiring, 1:1s and asking for feedback.
Her focus on feedback is one I took to heart. How am I going to know if I'm doing a good job if I don't ask for feedback? I've implemented these three questions as part of my regular feedback routine:
- What should I be doing more of?
- What should I stop doing?
- Is there anything you need from me to feel successful and supported in your role?
Shop for The Making of a Manager
There are plenty more books I could recommend, but these three stand out the most to me. Maybe you've already read them and loved them too. If that's the case, shoot me an email and I'll recommend something else.
Here are some other books JH team members recommend:
