Personal Development Reading List
The following authors provide a robust toolset of principles for personal success, organization, healthy relationships and strategically negotiating life’s challenges. The more organized and confident you are as an individual, the more time and energy you have to exert towards the objectives you chose to accomplish in life. I review this list annually but try to keep it limited to works that cover what I believe to be core, key disciplines and that stand the test of time.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen Covey
Steven outlines productive habits that become automatic behaviors and positioning you This is your short list of the things people who are highly effective do to accomplish that.
Author: Zig Ziglar
A time-tested book on character and personal development to help one refine yourself to be the kind of person leaders cherish as a direct report and team members trust and are excited to follow.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Author: David Allen
Refined time and task management methodologies that will allow you to spend your focus and energy on the most important task at a given time while freeing your mind from other tasks without losing track or priority. (I use Things to manage my tasks.)
Author: Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Boundaries outlines how to establish appropriate boundaries and how to have healthy communication around them. Mastering this will empower you to be in control of your life and avoid being constantly pushed and pulled by your circumstances and other people.
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Author: Dale Carnegie
A canonical book on the art of connecting with your fellow humans and winning them over to your team. Great for channeling the energies of an extrovert or mitigating the stress of an introvert faced with needing to interact with other people.
Author: Herb Cohen
Negotiation is a component of every part of your life. Even at times negotiating with yourself. This is one of my absolute favorite books and shows you how to successfully negotiate for the best outcomes and do so in a productive, positive manner.