Five books to read between jobs

2 Mar

Taking a break between jobs or during a career transition can be an excellent opportunity to reflect, learn, and prepare for your next step. Here are five books that have significantly impacted me, providing insights and strategies to help navigate and grow during these pivotal moments (links to a favorite Seattle bookstore):

The Fearless Organization, Amy C. Edmondson

Amy Edmondson dives into the crucial idea of psychological safety in the workplace. She explains how environments where people feel safe to voice ideas, ask questions, and admit mistakes foster innovation and improve team performance. Edmondson offers practical strategies and real-world examples for leaders to build such fearless organizations.

Insight: One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing how psychological safety can boost creativity and productivity. Creating a space where team members feel secure expressing their thoughts without fear of ridicule is essential for fostering innovative thinking.

Atomic Habits, James Clear

James Clear's book provides a practical approach to forming habits, emphasizing how small, consistent actions—"atomic habits"—can lead to significant long-term results. He breaks down the science of habit-building and offers a framework for establishing positive habits while breaking bad ones. Techniques like habit stacking and environment design are particularly helpful for making sustainable changes.

Insight: The idea of "habit stacking" was a game-changer for me. By linking new habits to existing ones, I've found it much easier to stick to positive changes. This has been incredibly useful during job transitions when establishing new routines is crucial.

The First 90 Days, Michael D. Watkins

Michael Watkins provides a comprehensive guide for leaders transitioning into new roles. Whether stepping into a managerial position or a new executive role, Watkins outlines strategies for navigating the critical first three months effectively. His advice includes assessing the landscape, building key relationships, and achieving early wins to set the stage for long-term success.

Insight: While some analogies felt heavy-handed, Watkins' focus on achieving "early wins" really resonated with me. Identifying and tackling key challenges early on helped me build momentum and credibility quickly in new roles.

Measure What Matters, John Doerr

John Doerr introduces the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework, a goal-setting technique used by successful companies like Google and Intel. Doerr explains how OKRs can align teams, drive performance, and foster innovation by focusing efforts on measurable objectives. Through compelling examples and practical advice, he shows how implementing OKRs can transform organizational culture and accelerate growth.

Insight: Although not new to using OKRs, reading the history and best application of the framework was incredibly enlightening. Setting clear, measurable goals has made me more productive and ensured I'm focusing on what truly matters. For anyone working in tech, this book is a must-read.

The Set Boundaries Workbook, Nedra Glover Tawwab

Opting for the workbook format, therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab guides readers through establishing healthy boundaries in various life aspects. Tawwab provides exercises, reflection prompts, and practical tools to help readers identify, communicate, and maintain boundaries in relationships, work environments, and personal life. Her focus on boundary-setting as essential for mental health and well-being makes this workbook invaluable for personal growth and self-care.

Insight: Setting and maintaining boundaries was transformative for me. Tawwab's workbook helped me establish and commit to boundaries, which has been crucial for maintaining my mental health and preventing burnout.

Each of these books offers unique insights and practical strategies to enrich your personal and professional life during transitions. Whether you're looking to enhance team dynamics, develop productive habits, navigate a new role, set clear objectives, or establish healthy boundaries, these reads are worth considering as you embark on your next chapter.

Helene Sears