We all know Rezzers are voracious readers, dedicated to lifelong learning. Here are some of Resultant’s favorite reads of 2021. May we suggest using bookshop.org to seek out your favorite independent bookseller for purchasing? You’ll find Indy Reads, Turn the Page, and Wild Geese Bookshop among others there.
Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling – Matthew Dicks
Matthew Dicks shows how to tap into the storyteller within all of us. This book was the subject of Resultant’s book club discussions and many office conversations this fall. Told with charm and humor, this “self-help” book is everything but boring.
Senior Consultant Max Brundige originally pitched this book to the Resultant book club. When asked what stood out the most to him from it, he said: “This is actually from an ancient proverb but stated in the book it struck me as something so simple, yet powerful: ‘Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.’”
Boundaries for Leaders: Results, Relationships, and Being Ridiculously in Charge – Dr. Henry Cloud
Focusing on key points for leaders such as helping people do what’s important, creating the right workplace environment, building a connected team, and striving for high performance, Boundaries is well-written, incredibly useful, and comes highly recommended by many Resultant employees.
Senior Consultant Curt Merlau named this book during a weekly Computer-side Chat when asked if anything he was reading was impacting him in leadership and in life.
“Boundaries can make or break a team. The boundaries a leader sets up create the environment for collaboration and productivity. This book gets into the conditions that make for a successful team and healthy relationships. It’s a mix of leadership and psychology expertise to help leaders know how to set up a team to accomplish a vision uninhibited.”
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The times, they are a-changin’. Wonderin’ how to keep up? Antifragile provides a blueprint for how to behave—and thrive—in a world that evolves constantly. The book covers innovation, health, politics, finance, and economic systems. and will likely make you re-evaluate the way you believe the world works.
Extreme Ownership: How US Navy Seals Lead and Win – Leif Babin and Jocko Willink
Curious as to how the Navy Seal mentality can be applied to your own day-to-day work? Wonder no longer. This book breaks down the tenets of Seal training: Cover and Move, Decentralized Command, and Leading Up the Chain and explains what they are, why they’re important, and how to implement them in any leadership environment.
Another Curt Merlau recommendation, he cited this book as a useful tool for any leaders looking for development advice.
“Extreme Ownership provided a great example of what decisive action looks like in high pressure situations. The examples were very practical and the concept of ownership and attitude are central to the lessons. This is a great read for any team lead or those interested in developing teams.”
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity – David Allen
The title of this one may speak for itself. In a time of work-from-home, some of us may have lost our ability to work efficiently or work in the way we once did. This can cause an endless cycle of stressing about not being productive, and then not being able to get work done because the stress is overwhelming. David Allen’s book is tried and true and continues to be a go-to year after year for many professionals.
Why Fish Don’t Exist – Lulu Miller
Everyone who has read this book says one thing: it’s changed their life. In fact, Communications Manager Allison Potteiger had similar rave reviews to give. What starts as a biography of one man turns into a memoir of the author herself. The story is a mixture of vivid characters and shocking life events tied together with beautiful storytelling. Like we said, it’ll change your life.
“I really enjoyed the deep complexities of unpacking one’s actions, words, and life work from a unique perspective,” said Allison.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know – Adam Grant
Psychology writer Adam Grant’s latest explores ego and a person’s desire to always be right. Chock-full of interesting and useful social psychology research well- summarized, this book will remind you to welcome the other side, and never be afraid to re–think something!
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life – Ali Wong
Comedienne Ali Wong’s latest book is touching and humorous. The book is comprised of Wong’s letters full of cautionary and candid tales of her life experiences up until becoming a mother—all told with Wong’s signature frank and humorous flair.
The Hidden Reality – Brian Greene
Looking to nerd out on the fabric(s) of the universe? Greene takes readers on an exploration of parallel universes in his clear, funny style. String theory, relativity and more are discussed casually… so take that as a warning. Or an invitation?
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience – Brené Brown
No year-end book review is complete without a heartwarming how-to. Even though it’s a brand-new release, we can bet some of our Rezzers have already cracked the spine of Brené Brown’s latest how-to guide on navigating the tougher parts of life. Ring in 2022 with some new life philosophies under your belt. It’s a win-win!
If you enjoyed this list of books that helped our team grow and learn in 2021, check out our lists from 2020 and 2017.
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