Professional development is immeasurably important to your success. If you want to move your career forward, continual learning gives you an edge over those who choose to let their skills go stale. Whether you work in accounting, finance, or any other field, if you want to keep your skills sharp and learn something new, consider these books:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Written by the late leadership guru Stephen Covey and published in 1989, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People continues to be one of the most influential business books of all time. And with over 25 million copies sold, it is also one of the most widely-read books in the last 25 years. In the book, Covey identifies the personal changes you need to make first, then takes you through the 7 Habits you should practice to truly be effective in your personal and professional lives.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This powerful self-help book is as important today as it was when it was published in 1936. The book is consistently cited by influential leaders as one of the best guides for business success. Carnegie believed that 85 percent of success is due to a person’s “ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people.” He then takes you through strategies and techniques you can use to influence people and become better leaders.
The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
The Innovators tells the inspiring story of the people who created the computer and the Internet. From Ada Lovelace in the 1840s to Steve Jobs and Apple, Isaacson explores the origins and ongoing saga of the digital revolution. He identifies what made these pioneers so creative, how teamwork can improve creativity, and how innovation happens — all while telling the story of the digital age.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg uses relevant, real-world examples to showcase how transforming habits can remake a person or organization. The book aims to explain why habits exist and how we can change them to realize our goals. He talks about how the right habits helped Proctor & Gamble, Target, Michael Phelps, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and many more achieve immense success. And he lays out how you can transform your habits for similar results.
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
According to Creativity, Inc. author Ed Catmull, everyone is inherently creative. The problem is, your creativity has been muted by social forces and personal hang-ups. Catmull knows a thing or two about creativity — he is the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Award-winning studio responsible for Toy Story and Inside Out. He shows you how to build a creative culture while taking you through the journey of founding Pixar, breaking ground with the first-ever computer-animated film, and transforming Pixar into one of the most successful film studios of all time.
Find the Next Step in Your Career
If you are ready to move your accounting or finance career to the next level, contact Burchard & Associates. We help connect accounting and finance professionals with career opportunities in the St. Louis area. Check out our available opportunities or contact us today.