Chloe Thompson
3 min read
Beyond vapid beach reads, or the stack of books your boss is leaving on your desk chair, putting together a summer reading list can be a great idea to help your professional development. If your company offers any kind of reimbursement for classes or workshops to sharpen up on skills, now’s the time to put them on your schedule. But if you can’t, consider reading this picks from the Reward Gateway staff:
"Beyond Measure: The Big Impact of Small Changes"
Our CEO & Founder Glenn Elliott highly recommends everyone on staff read this snapshot into how small gestures can make a big impact in the workplace. If you’ve been struggling to bring culture to the forefront of your organization, or noticing a lack of engagement among your colleagues, this read is full of ideas on how to bring your workforce back to life.
"A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke"
It's likely not your typical professional development book, but this story about an international footballer (soccer player, stateside) who took his own life teaches real-life powerful lessons. Says Rob Hicks, our head of HR: “This book made me realise about empathy for employees who are struggling and how being human as an employer is vital. A very sad book, and really impactful on me personally.”
"HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources."
The title is fairly self-explanatory, and HR professionals of all levels can benefit from this read. Hicks says, “This is a good history lesson for all HR. Where it’s going, and what we can expect next.” Certainly one for the bookshelf.
"F**k It Therapy: The Profane Way to Profound Happiness"
Despite the slightly provocative name (or because of it), "F**k It Therapy"offers a refreshing take on letting the small stuff go. In the grand scheme of things, sometimes you have just to say “F**k it.” Says Australia MD and Group People Director Tracy Mellor, “It’s very good!”
"Work Rules: Insights from Inside Google that will Transform How You Live and Lead"
Trying to be more like Google? The company ranks high for employee engagement, and many can learn from its example. Debra Corey, Group Reward Director, says, “I bought this book as I'm interested in learning from Laszlo, who is SVP of People Operations at Google, on their 'game changing insights' on how to keep employees happy and engaged. So far it's a great and easy read.”
"Stop Saying You're Fine"
We’re all guilty of this every once in awhile, right? This is “no-BS guide” to getting what you want. Says Corey, “I'm looking forward to learning more about her unique set of tools for helping you get where you want to be in life, which will work both at work and at home . .. I had better warn my husband!”
"Effective HR Communication: A Framework for Communicating HR Programmes with Impact"
Written by our own Debra Corey, this book has made it to the bookshelves of most of the Reward Gateway staff. Inside, you’ll find a six-step model for communicating HR programs, with several takeaways you can start implementing today. If you’ve followed along with any of our communications posts, you’ll be sure to learn from this installment.
"To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Motivating Others"
When you’re selling a product, or even just an idea, do you know what really moves the needle for your audience? Daniel Pink’s look at the art and science of selling is a new way to look at sales - and admit, as our PR Manager Charlie Lofthouse did, “Everyone is a sales person. I wanted to learn how to be better at it!”
What’s on your summer reading list for professional development? Tell us in the comments, or @RewardGateway on Twitter.