National Book Lovers Day

By Andrea Feinberg

During August we celebrate National Book Lovers Day, a wonderful celebration of fiction, speculation, fantasy, history, romance, science, art, philosophy and all that comes from anyone’s brain and the experiences they’ve stored there. Using this holiday for your small business success and that of your employees can be a creative and engaging way to foster a positive work environment and enhance your team’s skills. Here are some examples:

1. Employee Engagement and Morale:
   • Encourage employees to share their reading recommendations with each other. This can spark conversations and foster connections on a personal level, boosting morale and camaraderie.
2. Learning and Development:
   • Highlight the importance of continuous learning, personal development, expansion of knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity. You can organize a book club where employees read and discuss business-related or motivational books.
3. Skill Enhancement:
   • Connect the idea of reading to business strategies, leadership, communication, or other relevant skills that can benefit your employees and your business.
4. Creativity and Innovation:
   • Encourage employees to explore books outside their usual genres to expand their perspectives and generate fresh ideas for your business.
5. Customer Interaction:
   • If your business has a physical location, consider creating a reading corner or setting up a display of recommended books for customers. This can enhance the customer experience and their appreciation for the corporate culture you encourage within.
6. Employee Well-being:
   • Talk about the benefits of reading for stress reduction and well-being. Consider daily designated reading breaks where employees can unwind.
7. Leadership and Management:
   • Share stories from influential business leaders who attribute their success to reading. Encourage your employees to emulate these habits and offer a list of recommended leadership books.

The key is to make the connection between National Book Lovers Day and your small business’s success relevant to your employees’ growth and well-being. By incorporating reading-related activities and discussions, you can create a positive and productive workplace culture. Here are some sample titles to get you started:

For you, the business leader:

1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: 

This book introduces the concept of lean methodology, helping you build and grow your business by continuously testing and adapting your ideas. It’s particularly helpful for startups and small businesses looking to innovate and minimize waste.

2. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins: 

This classic business book explores why some companies transition from good to great and sustain that greatness over the long term. It provides actionable insights into building a successful and enduring business.

3. “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz: 

This book offers a unique approach to managing business finances by focusing on allocating profit first, rather than treating it as an afterthought. It’s a practical guide to achieving financial stability and profitability.

4. “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber: 

Gerber discusses common misconceptions about entrepreneurship and provides guidance on how to build a business that can work without you, allowing you to scale and grow effectively. (a classic and one of my favorites)

5. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: 

Sinek explores the importance of defining and communicating the “why” behind your business, which can inspire loyalty from both customers and employees.

6. “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown: 

This renowned social scientist takes her studies on emotion into the workplace to foster healthy discussion and growth.

For your employees:

1. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: This book explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets and how having a growth mindset can lead to greater success and personal development.
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Clear’s book delves into the power of small habits and how they can lead to significant changes over time. It’s a practical guide to personal and professional improvement.
3. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: This classic book offers timeless advice on effective communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
4. “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink: Pink examines the science of motivation and provides insights into what drives people to perform at their best.
5. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: This book equips employees with strategies for handling challenging conversations and resolving conflicts effectively.
6. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth: Duckworth explores the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving long-term goals, which can inspire your employees to stay dedicated and committed.

The specific books you choose may depend on your industry, company culture, and the areas where you and your employees would like to develop. For more recommendations, just get in touch with us.