Summer is finally here! We know you’re ready to be sitting poolside and laying out on the beach. We’ve rounded up some of the most recommended professional development books to add to your summer reading list. Now you’ll always have something to thumb through while soaking up the sun.
Leadership, management, teamwork and more – these books will leave you with a wealth of ideas and insight. You’ll come back from your summer Fridays ready to make positive changes in your workplace and invest in yourself. Empowering your career is as easy as turning a page!
1. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Published in 2002, Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is regarded as a foundational book on leadership and team dynamics. The book outlines the five key dysfunctions that often prevent teams from reaching their full potential. Here you’ll find actionable insights and a framework to build trust and cohesion within your team.
2. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
You probably know Simon Sinek from his wildly popular TED Talk, but reading his book will deliver even more insights on leadership. In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek unpacks what makes great leaders thrive and why others fall apart. Creating an environment of safety and trust is paramount in Sinek’s strategy. Learn why true leadership means putting others first with this NYT bestseller.
3. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
A Google and Apple alum, Kim Scott draws on her experience to provide a powerful framework for being a better boss. Care personally, challenge directly – Kim’s advice is to give honest and direct feedback and to deliver it with empathy. Radical Candor is a go-to guide with real-world examples for anyone interested in leading with compassion.
4. Grit: The Power and Passion in Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
If you want to know what really drives success, then Grit is the summer read for you. In her book, Angela Duckworth argues that talent alone isn’t enough to get you to the top. A combination of passion and sustained effort is what leads to long-term success. Grit can be cultivated, and Duckworth says it outperforms natural ability. This book is a must-read for anyone striving towards lofty long-term goals.
5. Turn the Ship Around!: a True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders by L. David Marquet
Do you think leadership is about control? Then this book is for you. Former U.S. Navy submarine captain L. David Marquet recounts the trials and tribulations of transforming one of the worst-performing crews in his fleet into one of the best. How’d he do it? By giving up control. This book will compel you to try decentralizing authority in your teams to make everyone stronger and more accountable.
6. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick
Generative AI is the topic at the center of Wharton professor Ethan Mollick’s book. He offers a practical guide to understanding using generative AI in everyday work and life. If you want a better understanding of the ways AI can help shape your business and your career, look no further. Co-Intelligence is a great starting point to level up your AI skillset.
7. The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
Not all career paths are linear; change is the only constant in our world. The Squiggly Career is a guide to career growth that foregoes the cliché of climbing the corporate ladder and focuses on creating a path that is flexible and uniquely yours. Tupper and Ellis offer you practical tools to help identify your strengths, your values, and your possibilities. If you’re looking to embrace life’s uncertainty and take control of your career development, keep this book in your beach bag!
8. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Daniel Carnegie’s 1936 book on human connection is a timeless classic and a frequently recommended resource in business circles. How to Win Friends and Influence People offers the reader simple and effective tips for improving relationships in business and personal life. Carnegie’s advice on empathy, communication, and persuasion is as relevant as ever. This foundational guide is the perfect read for you relaxing weekend getaway.
9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Looking to boost your productivity? Stephen Covey’s book is a cornerstone of personal and professional development. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey breaks down the seven habits that today’s achievers need to build character, foster strong relationships, and drive productivity. With timeless wisdom and practical strategies, this book empowers individuals to lead with integrity, purpose, and effectiveness in every area of life.
10. Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) by Amy Gallo
In this practical and research-backed guide, workplace expert Amy Gallo tackles one of the toughest parts of any job – dealing with difficult colleagues. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world examples, she outlines strategies for navigating eight challenging personality types, from passive-aggressive peers to know-it-alls. Getting Along is more than a conflict management manual, it’s a toolkit for building healthier, more productive professional relationships, even in the most frustrating situations.
Pick a book and read up!
Now that you’ve got a list of career-elevating books to read, it’s time to kick back, relax, and get to work on your career. With a drink in hand, of course.
Have you read any of these books? Drop a comment below and let us know what you thought. If you’re planning on picking one up, keep us posted and share it with us on our socials.
