I’m working on a round-up of some of my favorite, or at least most thought-provoking, business and productivity books of 2015. This is somewhat challenging, as a number of books I liked came out in 2014, or are coming out in early 2016 (I just have the galleys for them now…)
So I’d love some more suggestions to nudge my memory. What were your favorite business or productivity books that came out in 2015? Comments are great or feel free to email me, lvanderkam at yahoo dot com. Thanks!
My favourite non-fiction (so far) of 2015 is Overwhelmed – Brigid Schulte. It’s the time management book I wish I’d written 🙂
@Marcia – it came out in 2014!
The Effective Engineer – I am not even an engineer and though he rehashes some material i am familiar with. The value was great.
Other than yours of course!!
The Fringe Hours? (I didn’t love it, but had some interesting ideas)
Better Than Before (I’m sure you already thought of that one 🙂 )
I’m interested in what’s coming in 2016!
It’s not exactly business but I’d like to put in a plug for zen pencils
http://zenpencils.com/book/
Over the last few months I’ve been cultivating the habit of starting the work day by making my cup of tea, reading a zen pencils cartoon and thinking about the meaning. A great way to get centered and focus on what matters before diving into work, instead of starting with news headlines and twitter and the generally distracting online cacophony. The website is lovely but the book is even better so I can start the day offline.
What a great idea – thanks for sharing! I’m finally getting into a pretty good morning routine so this sounds like a great thing to add to it. The Shonda Rhimes cartoon is one of my all time favorites.
Work Rules by laslo block, a curious mind by Brian Grazer, Better Than Before by Gretchin Rubin and Do Over by Jon Acuff
There was also a new edition of Getting Things Done by David Allen that is revised and updated & I read it and liked it.
Better than before by Gretchen Rubin is on top of my list.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert
Not business-oriented (unless you have a creative job) but helps to dream big and act upon it.
I liked The Fringe Hours (but didn’t LOVE it).
I also really, really liked “The Better Life” by Claire Diaz-Ortiz. Have only read it through once but I think it needs a second read to absorb it.
Hey Laura,
Do less, get more by Shaa Wasmund was a great guide to working smart and focusing on what helps you live a fulfilling life…and letting go of the other stuff!
Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration — Lessons from Second City, by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton.
I loved your book, Better Than Before and Julia Pimsleur’s Million Dollar Women!
Laura, my favorites this year were Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before and Todd Henry’s Louder Than Words. I walked away from both with new ideas to improve how I can create greater, more positive impact in my every day life both personally and professionally.
I really enjoyed How To Fly a Horse. It’s not a “business” book per se, but it is about invention and creativity.
I have to say I really liked Shonda Rhimes’ The Year of Yes. It’s also not a “business book” per se but wow, she is a powerhouse in her industry, and a single mom of 3 with a lot of important things to say about that side of life.
Hi laura,
The book I recommend is “It’s not about the shark”, by David Niven. it’s about solving problems by focusing on what you want to achieve (the ‘solution’) rather than focusing on how to deal with your current problem.