5 Professional Development Books For The Changing World of Work

The pandemic has left a lasting legacy when it comes to the world of work. Every conversation with friends and family has a ‘what next’ theme. These are big life-changing debates, about where and how to live and what work to do.

During the pandemic we learned to work in a new way. Organisations had to give workers access to work from home. They had to learn to trust us to get the work done, despite all the home-schooling and caring duties.

At the time, I remember wondering if work would ever be the same again.

The answer for many employees is no. Because they don’t want to go back to a 9am to 6pm office-based existence with a long commute at both ends.

We’ve had a collective lightbulb moment. We’ve experienced a way of fitting work into our lives, rather than fitting our lives into our work.

Meanwhile, companies want us back in the office. And they’re laying off employees in the thousands.

The contrast between the wants of the employee and the needs of the employer is stark.

Perhaps you’re one of the many professionals wondering if there’s another way. Is it possible to have a career that satisfies our ambitions and our desire to have autonomy over our working patterns?

This is one of the many subjects I talk about in coaching sessions with clients.

If a career change is on your mind, here are my book recommendations to help you make a start.

The Squiggly Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis

This book is equally useful if you’re employed and focused on one job, or self-employed with multiple income streams. It’s full of exercises and advice to help you identify your core skills and natural talents. It takes you through your past career to work out what is important to you, what you have most enjoyed, and what you’d run a mile from ever doing again.

There are some mental exercises in there too, such as turning any weaknesses you think you have, into positive statements. For example, my weakness: ‘lack of big picture thinking’ turns into a strength: ‘attention to detail’. It also addresses blockages such as imposter syndrome.

At the end of this process, you will have a clearer idea of your core values and your career ‘must-haves’. This will help you to see the possibilities, whether that’s going for a big promotion, moving to another company, or a wholesale career change.

The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon

Gannon endorses a portfolio lifestyle, encouraging the reader to have several income streams. The focus is on developing a strong personal brand and taking your business online — whether that’s selling a consulting service or a physical product.

The book is a collection of Gannon’s and other contributors’ experiences, without much tangible advice. She has been hailed the voice of the multi-hyphen era, which is a new name for a not-so-new concept.

Years ago,?I read Be a Free Range Human by Marianne Cantwell , which gave me the push to leave employment.?I found Cantwell’s book a practical guide to creating a portfolio career.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s book sprang from his?TED talk — How Great Leaders Inspire Action — which has been watched over 60 million times.? This personal brand/marketing bible was published in 2011, so not only am I a bit behind the curve but the book is also due for an update for the online era.

Sinek is an evangelist for finding your purpose, your WHY. He provides case study after case study of businesses that have succeeded or failed, depending on whether they built on, or deviated from their original core values.

Sinek is not endorsing any kind of manipulation — it’s about having a strong brand with a clear vision and being able to communicate that.

His research really resonated with me. As consumers, we make most buying decisions with our hearts, rather than our minds. My brain may balk at the price of the latest iPhone, but my heart says ‘I love it, I want it’. It made me think about my personal and business brand and how we appeal to clients on an emotional level.

Since reading this book I have published a?podcast about corporate purpose which you can listen to here. ?Look for Episode 9.

This led me to the next professional development book…

Find Your Why by Simon Sinek with David Mead and Peter Docker

The companion book to Start With Why has exercises to help you craft and communicate your ‘origin story’. Why you do what you do; why you started your business; or why you are drawn to your particular career. Your WHY statement is a one-sentence, personal brand strapline, which explains your (non-financial) motivation. The workbook has different chapters for individuals and teams.

It gave me clarity as well as inspiration for a potential new business idea.

How To Start A Business On Your Kitchen Table by Shann Nix Jones

Shann Nix Jones’s book came out during the pandemic. Her book is even more relevant now that the job market is so precarious.

There were a few chapters about self-care, clearing your desk as well as preparing your mind, which all fits in with her whole-hearted business approach.

Shann has taken on board the ‘start with why’ edict and created a business that is completely values-based. Their value of ‘family first’ drives every decision they make. For example, if a customer is rude to one of their employees, they will refund that customer’s money and refuse to work with them again. How brave is that?

If you’re looking for your next side-hustle, or want to start a business, she advises that you find the intersection of what you love; what you do well; what earns you money and what the world needs. The possibilities are in that sweet spot in the middle of the Venn diagram.

I loved her friendly, down to earth writing style. I could imagine a conversation about her business over a cup of tea (with goat’s milk obvs).

So that’s the theory covered. What next?

Talk to a career coach — I mean I would say that wouldn’t I? Seriously though, you can read books and do the exercises, but there is no substitute for talking through your thoughts with someone who has been in your shoes. I pivoted away from permanent employment in 2014, joined a partnership, created a side-hustle. And now that side-hustle is my full time gig. I work from home. I love what I do, I have total autonomy, and I make decent money.

You could too. If you take the first step.

If you’re not happy where you are, you can move. You are not a tree.

Please get in touch if you’d like to chat.?My website is here.

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