What we are reading… in August.

What we're reading

1 Aug

As a team we absolutely love to read. Whether it be a latest release, an undiscovered treasure that has only just come across our radar, or dusting off an old favourite from the bookshelf.

As a team of Business Psychology practitioners, we also know how important it is to keep up-to-date on the latest research, thinking and industry trends. So for a bit of fun, but also in the spirit of ‘caring is sharing’ we thought it might be useful to share what we’re currently reading each month.

Here’s a snapshot of what the Psychology Work’s team have on their reading list for this month…

Square Pegs: A book of Self-discovery for women with ADHD, Kim Raine.

Square Pegs is a guide for women navigating the complexities of a late ADHD diagnosis and exploring its impact on their self-confidence and self-belief. The book delves into how ADHD uniquely affects women and addresses the long-lasting effects of undiagnosed ADHD, including judgment and self-criticism.

It tackles common experiences such as feeling pressured to "try harder" as a child, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, and the cycle of hyper-focus and burnout. The book also addresses the fear of rejection and criticism, emotional regulation challenges, and the labels often applied to those with ADHD. Square Pegs offers strategies to embrace and harness the strengths of a creative and fast-thinking mind, aiming to help readers achieve self-acceptance and peace.

HBR's 10 Must Reads on Performance Management, Harvard Business Review.

Performance Management is evolving, and adapting to these changes is crucial for improving effectiveness at all organisational levels. Traditionally viewed as an annual task, performance management now demands a more dynamic and impactful approach.

This collection of ten selected Harvard Business Review articles offers insights into modernising performance management practices. It highlights where current methods fall short, the importance of fair evaluations free from organizational bias, and the benefits of aligning employee roles with their skills and interests. The book also covers strategies for enhancing collaboration, using people analytics ethically, and helping employees leverage their strengths. Featuring contributions from experts such as Peter Cappelli, Marcus Buckingham, and Heidi K. Gardner, this resource provides practical advice for adapting performance management to meet contemporary needs and foster growth.

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, Charles Duhigg.

In his latest book, Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit, explores the secrets of "supercommunicators" - individuals who excel at guiding conversations to successful outcomes. These skilled communicators manage to address difficult topics tactfully, make others feel at ease, and facilitate effective decision-making.

Duhigg delves into the science and art of successful communication, analyzing why some conversations flow smoothly while others falter. He uncovers conversational techniques that build connections and turn challenging interactions around. Through compelling case studies, such as a CIA operative convincing a reluctant spy and a juror swaying his peers, Duhigg illustrates how anyone can apply these techniques to improve their communication skills. This book offers practical insights and strategies to enhance how conversations are navigated and managed, transforming the way one thinks about and engages in dialogue.