Contributors to the July 2018 issue of TD magazine offer their book recommendations.
Beverly Kaye
Rules of Thumb: 52 Truths for Winning at Business Without Losing Yourself by Alan M. Webber
You can tell Webber, the co-founder of Fast Company, keenly observes leaders everywhere because his list hits the mark. His rules are simple and straightforward, and they made me smile. Many are familiar, but I don't think we've ever seen them described with such right-on examples.
Unstoppable You: Adopt the New Learning 4.0 Mindset and Change Your Life by Patricia A. McLagan
I loved this book, and not only because McLagan has been a longtime friend and colleague. The effort she put in and the information she provides impress me over and over. I’ve recommended Unstoppable You to many in the learning industry, and I believe it has something for everyone.
The Purpose Revolution: How Leaders Create Engagement and Competitive Advantage in an Age of Social Good by John Izzo and Jeff Vanderwielen
A timely and recent book. Its authors have a great how-to approach and plenty of examples to make their case. John has written several books, but I thought this was one of his best. I loved the specific exercises, all easy to do and potentially even more effective if done over a specific time span. They build on each other beautifully and get members of an organization to talk in ways they probably haven’t done before.
Karl Kapp
Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers by Geoffrey A. Moore
This provides an insightful analysis of why some ideas and not others make it as far as they should or could go. From an L&D perspective, the information related to product adoption can be applied to the dissemination of training ideas and technologies.
Clark Quinn
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
Not only a classic, this book is essential reading for anyone who designs for others. What else need I say about a book that will literally change the way you look at the world?
Badass: Making Users Awesome by Kathy Sierra
This is an inspired book about product and service design that just happens to also be about learning.
A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Ralph Koster
My favorite quote from this book? “In other words, with games, learning is the drug."
Daniel Wittenborn
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
My father was a high school physics teacher, and the world of science and the universe has always fascinated me. This book does a great job at breaking down a very complex topic, mixing in humor and embodying the author’s enthusiasm for the science and mysteries of the universe.
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Even 10 years after first reading this book, I still refer to it as I interact with others. It’s great not only for those looking to advance their careers, but also for those simply looking to be more cognizant of how their own actions and behaviors impact others.
