It’s that time of year to relax and reflect on the successes of 2016, and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead in 2017. There are many good books to help recharge your battery and get clarity on the coming challenges. Below is our reading list to assist with sharpening the saw on leadership and gaining additional insight into technology’s accelerated impact on society. Hopefully you find value.
Happy reading!
The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces that Will Shape Our Future by Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly is a preeminent technology thought leader. He shares a thoughtful perspective on the key technologies that help shape how we work and live. The book does a great job communicating our relationship with technology and where business and industry is headed. The Inevitable is a must read!
Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations by Thomas Friedman
Thank You for Being Late describes the accelerating forces – technology, globalization, and climate change – and how they are impacting society. Thomas Friedman urges us to pause and understand the possibilities and dangers as we reimagine work, politics and community.
Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab
The author, Klaus Schwab, highlights the impact of technology automation on jobs and the workforce. This is an issue that will impact all of us, either directly or indirectly, in some form. If you don’t have time to read the book, a blog post on the topic is available on the World Economic Forum’s website. I’ve also provided insight into this topic in a recent post: Technology Automation and the Middle-Class.
The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds by Michael Lewis
The field of behavioral economics was shaped by two psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Michael Lewis provides insight to how they concluded that algorithms trump human intuition when people are confronted with uncertain situations. This book may refine how you think about decision-making.
Originals by Adam Grant
Business and society is propelled forward when good ideas are recognized and rewarded. The Originals provides insight into unconventional ways to advance ideas. This book helps us develop the comfort level to express our ideas and move away from group think. Leadership must promote originality for us to succeed in this period of accelerated change.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Psychologist Angela Duckworth makes a compelling case for the role grit plays in achieving success. The book highlights the experience of many high achievers to reinforce findings.
Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness by Chade-Meng Tan
Search Inside Yourself provides insight into enhancing mindfulness and emotional intelligence. The book shares life and work lessons taught in a popular course offered to Googlers. The book is written by a pioneering Google Engineer.
Pre-Suasion A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini
Pre-suasion explains how to use the time before a message is delivered to the audience. This window sets the stage for the audience to be receptive to the communication. This book will help to enhance your power of persuasion.
Thoughtful Technology 