What we are reading… in July.

What we're reading

1 Jul

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…

Always Time for Coffee: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Frontline Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors, Kate Minchin.

Always Time for Coffee offers practical advice for frontline managers, team leaders, and supervisors who grapple with significant responsibilities despite having limited budgets, autonomy, or training. Designed for both newcomers and experienced managers, the book provides solutions to common management challenges in a format that can be quickly absorbed, akin to the time it takes to enjoy a few cups of coffee.

The book is enriched with case studies from managers worldwide and examples from Kate Minchin’s own extensive career, including leadership roles at London’s Natural History Museum and Hampton Court Palace. It covers strategies for getting the best out of a team, addressing daily management issues with confidence, fostering positive relationships with colleagues, and expanding personal skills. Minchin’s insights and experiences offer valuable guidance for becoming an effective and successful manager.

The Coming Wave: AI, Power and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma, Mustafa Suleyman.

Winner of Book of the Year by The Sunday Times, Economist, Prospect, and Financial Times, and shortlisted for the FT Business Book of the Year 2023, The Coming Wave provides a profound exploration of how emerging technologies such as AI, synthetic biology, and quantum computing will reshape every aspect of life. Suleyman, a key figure in the AI revolution, examines the imminent transformation of daily routines, business operations, and government functions through these powerful technologies.

The book addresses the dual impact of these advancements: while they promise significant prosperity, they also pose substantial risks to national security and global stability. Suleyman introduces the concept of "the containment problem," highlighting the urgent need to manage and control these innovations to prevent catastrophic outcomes and avoid a dystopian future. The Coming Wave offers a critical framework for understanding and navigating the complex challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology.

HBR's 10 Must Reads on Mental Toughness, Harvard Business Review.

Come Back Stronger is a valuable compilation of ten essential articles on mental toughness, selected from the Harvard Business Review archive. Curated from hundreds of pieces, this collection focuses on building emotional strength and resilience to achieve high performance and effective leadership.

The book provides strategies to thrive under pressure, manage and overcome negative emotions, and set short-term goals to achieve long-term aspirations. It emphasises surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, using challenges for growth, and harnessing creativity to overcome trauma. Featuring insights from experts such as Graham Jones, Warren G. Bennis, Martin Seligman, and Jim Loehr, the articles cover topics including resilience, cognitive fitness, and recovery from setbacks, offering practical advice and inspiration for becoming a stronger, better leader in the face of adversity.