The summer is a time to switch off and reconnect with yourself. As well as a time to rest and play, a holiday is an excellent opportunity to spend some time on something that your daily agenda does not usually allow for: reflection, inspiration and (why not?) personal and professional development. So, if you are packing your suitcase for the beach, the countryside or the mountains, make space for one (or more) of these books. Each one provides clues on working (and living) better: from taking decisions calmly, being a humble leader, managing uncertainty or discovering the power of silence. They will help you to return home with new ideas and a renewed desire to take on daily challenges.

 

The power of words: How to change your brain (and your life) by having conversations

The old saying goes “we understand each other through dialogue”. Speaking, listening to each other, understanding the other person. It sounds easy, but that is not always the case. In this book, the neuroscientist Mariano Sigman reminds us that conversations are much more than words; they are tools to think better, resolve conflicts and to get to know ourselves better. Learning to converse can also mean learning to lead, to cooperate, and to transform environments. This is revealing for people who know that language is also a way to construct realities.

Published by: Debate

 

The humble leader. What is leadership for in this new era?

In an age in which leading no longer means imposing oneself, but inspiring people, this book proposes a new way of understanding leadership through a person’s efforts to become a humble, humanist, inspiring and transformative leader who is able to detect talent in oneself and others and develop the skills required for a shared project. Unlike someone who thinks in terms of a hierarchy, the humble leader is someone who learns constantly, listens to others, trusts people and builds on a collective basis. Luis Gutiérrez Pérez urges us to take a long, deep look at ourselves and discover how an entire organisation can be transformed by being authentic.

Published by: Caligrama

Emotional intelligence

This is a classic that does not go out of fashion because, beyond technical skills, what really marks out the difference in the world of work and life in general is emotional intelligence: knowing and regulating yourself, understanding others and building healthy and productive relationships. Re-reading Daniel Goleman is to remind us that an inner balance is the basis for well-being and efficiency. His words continue to be an essential guide for those who wish to lead with empathy, cooperate with authenticity and grow personally and professionally without losing their bearings. It is an ideal help for returning to work with one’s objectives and priorities well marked out.

Published by: Kairós


Think fast, think slow

Do we always take decisions rationally? Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize in Economics, shows us that this is not the case. Most of our choices are influenced by mental short-cuts, emotions and unconscious biases. This book combines science and experience to create an excellent guide to approaching decision-making from a more critical and strategic perspective, essential for any professional who wants to think and act better. Through clear and surprising examples, he helps us to distinguish between intuitive and analytical thought, to understand when to trust your instinct and when it is better to stop and think. A book that will surely transform the way in which we deal with the daily dilemmas posed by work and life.

Published by: Debate

 

The magic of order

Yes, order also has to do with productivity. And no, we are not just talking about wardrobes or drawers, but about learning to prioritise, letting go of things that do not contribute, and simplifying our ideas to focus on what is important. The well-known author Marie Kondo invites us to make a literal and mental clear-out to create environments (and routines) that favour efficiency, calmness and well-being. An ideal book for those who feel that a bit of organisation can transform their way of working. Indeed, ‘ordering’ is not just putting everything in the right place, it is about taking conscious decisions about our time, energy and space. In the world of work, this can mean the difference between exhaustion and motivation.

Published by: Debolsillo

 

The power of introverts in a world that cannot keep quiet

In a work environment that often rewards extroverts, Susan Cain makes a claim for the great value of more reserved people. Showing sensitivity and putting forward solid arguments, she demonstrates that introspection, active listening and depth of thought are fundamental qualifies for creativity, innovation and quiet leadership. The book gives a voice to those who do not always raise theirs but have a lot to contribute.

Published by: RBA

 

The art of uncertainty: how to manage randomness, ignorance, risk and luck

Pandemics, energy crises, artificial intelligence… We live in a world in which change is the only constant. How can we take decisions in contexts we do not fully control? This book is an excellent compass to navigate uncertain waters. With a clear and non-alarmist approach, David Spiegelhalter provides us with tools to understand risk, manage ignorance and accept – with serenity – that not everything is within our control.

Published by: Pelican

 

The future is happening faster than you think: How technological convergence is transforming companies and our lives

What awaits us in the future? This is the big question all professionals ask themselves nowadays. In this book, Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler provide a comprehensive and optimistic vision on the impact of emerging technologies (AI, biotechnology, blockchain…) in society and the world of work. Using a rigorous but accessible approach, the authors show how technological convergence is speeding up changes in all sectors and is opening the door to a new paradigm that is full of opportunities for those who are able to get ahead of the game, innovate and learn continuously. It is ideal for people who understand that leadership in times of change not only requires technical knowledge, but also vision, attitude and purpose.

Published by: Deusto

The 7 habits of highly effective people

One of the most influential authors in the field of personal development, Stephen R. Covey proposes seven universal principles to achieve a fuller and more efficient life at work. Being proactive, establishing priorities or understanding before being understood are a few of the keys that, well applied, can mark a ‘before and after’ in one’s way of working. Each habit is an invitation to reflect on our everyday behaviour and to replace knee-jerk reactions with a more aware and cooperative attitude aimed at sustainable results. A must-read for people who do not only want to be more efficient, but also more consistent in terms of their values and purpose. It is a practical and transforming guide.

Published by: Paidós

As well as being a time to take a break, the summer is an opportunity to look at what we do, how we do it, and why, from a different perspective. It is also possible to learn new things, be inspired and grow personally and professionally in the shadow of a tree or enjoying a sea view. Choose one (or more) of these books and let your holiday be a time to make some personal progress too. When you return home, do so with more tools, a better focus… and, perhaps, new ideas for your team, your project, or your career goals.