In the new year, are you looking for a new way to connect with colleagues and IABC chapter members while enhancing your professional development? Consider organizing a book club with monthly selections of communication-focused books that will spark conversation, encourage innovation and foster engagement and collaboration among your staff or chapter members.

Inspired by a lively member discussion on The Hub, here are eight communication-related book recommendations to add to your 2021 reading list.

Confronting COVID-19: A Strategic Playbook for Leaders and Decision Makers

By Devadas Krishnadas, Recommended by IABC Member Eleanor Tan

COVID-19 is the most challenging crisis the world has faced in almost a century. This book presents evidence-based analyses, case studies, scenario plans and actionable recommendations that leaders and decision-makers in all business sectors can use to navigate the world during and after the pandemic. Learn more.

Reinventing the Organization: How Companies Can Deliver Radically Greater Value in Fast-Changing Markets

By Arthur Teung and Dave Ulrich, Recommended by IABC Member Eleanor Tan

Are you looking to build a stronger, more responsive organization? This book provides a roadmap for reinvention to guide you in building a unit that responds to changing market opportunities. Learn more.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It

By Chris Voss and Tahl Raz, Recommended by IABC Member Eleanor Tan

Former FBI international hostage negotiator Chris Voss shares strategies for high-stakes negotiations. With these nine effective principles, you can become more persuasive in both your personal and professional life. Learn more.

Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential

By Dr. Carol Dweck, Recommended by IABC Member Eleanor Tan

Achieving success is more than leveraging your abilities and talents — your mindset matters. Instead of praising intelligence, Dweck explains how framing the right mindset can create a love of learning and a resilience to accomplish personal and professional goals. Learn more.

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

By James Clear, Recommended by IABC Member Jennifer Cox

IABC Manitoba is reading “Atomic Habits” for a book night, and Cox says it’s “a quick read with lots of good advice.” If you’re looking to make time for new habits, find motivation, create an environment that makes success easier or get back on track with your goals, this read can help you reframe the way you think about progress and achievements. Learn more.

The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success

By Rich Karlgaard, Recommended by IABC Member Jim Shaffer, IABC Fellow

Although high performance has always required “shrewd strategy and superb execution,” finding lasting success also depends on the “soft edge.” Made up of trust, smarts, teamwork, taste and story, this book shows how to leverage your people skills and values while executing strategy. Learn more.

Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance

By Michael E. Porter, Recommended by IABC Member Jim Shaffer, IABC Fellow

If you’re seeking a solid grounding on business strategy, look no further than “Competitive Advantage,” Shaffer suggests. This book takes strategy from a broad vision to a consistent configuration of activities. Want more on this topic? Check out another recommendation from Shaffer, “Competitive Strategy,” a complement to “Competitive Advantage.” Learn more.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

By Daniel H. Pink, Recommended by IABC Member Jim Shaffer, IABC Fellow

Money isn’t the only motivator in the business world. In this book, Pink says that the secret to high performance and satisfaction in and out of the professional world is the deeply human need to direct your own life, learn, create and do better in the world. Learn more.

Looking for another way to share book recommendations with communication colleagues? IABC Member Andrea Greenhous created this Goodreads community to keep the conversation going.

Find more recommendations and add your own by following the full discussion on The Hub.

Thank you to Eleanor Tan, Jim Shaffer, Andrea Greenhous and Jennifer Cox for sharing their recommendations, and a special thank you to Amber Nelson for starting the conversation.  

Interested in providing your own list of recommended resources to feature on Catalyst? Reach out to catalyst@iabc.com.

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