The World's Best Book Summaries
Should you bring your “whole self” to work? Why has this become a heated debate? Many workplaces are encouraging employees to bring their “whole (authentic) self” to work. However, not everyone can agree on what exactly this means or what the risks and benefits are to your career. Keep reading to learn more about bringing your whole self to work and why it’s debated.
Why is it increasingly harder to find career security? Which jobs offer the most career security? In Linchpin, Seth Godin argues that becoming a “linchpin” employee—a person with uniquely indispensable skills in an organization—is necessary for career security in today’s tumultuous job market. He further claims that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to earn a living with a non-linchpin job. Read on to learn more about linchpin jobs and why they offer career security, according to Godin.
Are you feeling unhappy at work? What are the warning signs of a toxic job? What’s a “bullshit” job? In Bullshit Jobs, author David Graeber found that many jobs in contemporary societies are, in fact, pointless. He claims that pointless jobs proliferate because Western cultures traditionally understand work as something that’s supposed to be unpleasant, if not downright miserable. If you’re feeling unhappy at work, read on to learn the four warning signs of working a bullshit job, according to Graeber.
What does a life coach do, exactly? What’s their role in helping clients to improve their personal and professional lives? Marcia Reynolds is a leadership and executive coach who has worked with a range of clients—including corporations like AT&T and American Express, universities, and government agencies. Through her work, she discovered exactly what a life coach does to create lasting change in a client’s life. Read on to learn what exactly a life coach does, based on Reynolds’s coaching experience.
What are some unexpected problems with remote work? What are the biggest problems, according to research? Remote work has many proven benefits—like reducing commuting headaches or allowing employees to work wherever they want—but it has created some drawbacks, too. If you’re considering working remotely, it’s important to know about some of the emerging problems with remote work. Read on to discover the four unexpected problems with remote work faced by remote employees.
What are the core life coaching skills? How can you do your job more effectively by learning these skills? In Coach the Person, Not the Problem, Marcia Reynolds describes the most important life coaching skills that separate the great from the good. According to her, there are two core skills every life coach should learn to be successful in their field. Read on to learn the two life coaching skills you should master as a coach, according to Reynolds.
How can you find a career passion? Why is it important to find a career you’re passionate about? In her book Reboot, Jodie Fox describes following her career passion, which led her to create Shoes of Prey, a global shoe business. Even though the process was complicated and stressful, she still believes in finding and following your career passion. Read on to learn how to choose a career you’re passionate about, according to Fox’s advice.
Do you want to establish a daily writing routine but don’t know how to start? How strict should you be? Does it matter what time of day you write? Are you naturally a bad writer? Trick question: There’s no such thing. In Everybody Writes, bestselling author, speaker, and digital marketer Ann Handley explains that writing is a practice—not a talent—and that anyone can improve their writing through consistent work and practice. Keep reading to learn how a daily writing routine will make you a better writer.
What’s the secret to giving a good speech? How should you prepare for a speech? Public speaking is frightening to many people, but being prepared will help calm your nerves. Once you feel confident enough to get up on stage, you’ll be able to deliver a powerful speech that will inspire others. Below, we’ll look at how to give a good speech that’s authentic and unforgettable.
Are you happy at your job? What are some things you can do to improve your job satisfaction? Your job satisfaction inevitably affects the rest of your life. Being happy at work is linked to better physical and mental health—the lack of which may drain the energy you need both to enjoy your personal life and succeed at work. Time management expert Laura Vanderkam explains why loving your job is so important and how you can increase your job satisfaction by creating your perfect position.