10 books The Roll recommends

Here at The Roll, we all love a good self-help or career development book. For that reason we decided to survey a range of colleagues to find out what their favorite page turners are. From our CEO, to software developers, to the coaches themselves, the range of roles represents the range of answers we also received. So next time you are wondering what to read, look no further! Enjoy!

Holly Thompson – Editorial content creator

The Passion Paradox by Steve Magness and Brad Stulberg

The passion paradox is all about how to pursue your dreams, without letting them control you. Essentially, how to reach great heights whilst avoiding equally great falls. Science based, it explores how passion can be a double edged sword, as whilst it can lead to a fulfilled and meaningful life it can also lead to burnout and a sense of nothing ever being enough. It delivers real world and practical advice on how to ensure your life remains healthily balanced whilst you are in pursuit of your goals.

How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers by Tim Hartford

How to Make the World Add Up is an fascinating and analytical read which provides an insight into the facts and figures which surround us everyday. It delves into the misconceptions which can arise through misreporting and suggests ways which we can all learn to see through to the truth. It is a must read for anyone who wishes to truly understand the world around us.

Marcel Rossi – Front end developer

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman.

In short, it tries to argue that people are better than we attribute them to be, and we can see improvements in society by believing more in people. For example the author studies the effects of punishing vs rehabilitating criminals, comparing the castaway island story Lord of the Flies with a real life story in which the shipwrecked children didn’t descend into chaos, and debunks some widely cited psychological studies and experiments about evil and collective behavior. It really leaves you feeling uplifted and optimistic.

Grant Calder – CEO and co-founder

Your Brain At Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long by David Rock.

Based on neuroscience research, this book helps you to understand how your brain works and how best to leverage your mind, attention, reactions, time and focus to get the results you want.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni

This book focuses on the 5 key interdependent elements of making a highly functional team: Trust, Productive Conflict, Commitment, Accountability & Collective Results. Without those a team can be highly dysfunctional. The book explains what to watch out for and how to create those elements. It is an excellent book for people looking to be great team members, lead teams or for teams to work on and with together.

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being by author Martin Seligman

Based on the scientific research of Martin Seligman who is one of the world’s leading researchers on psychology, happiness, resilience, optimism and performance. He has discovered that humans need 5 key interdependent elements to flourish and if we focus time and energy on building these we will perform at higher levels and be happier. The five elements are: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning & Achievement. The book explains what those things are and how to build them up. It is an excellent book for people looking to enhance their resilience and support their team or organization to be happier and more resilient.

Hanna Bladin – Executive assistant and project coordinator

Hanna says, “I love to read books, and my favorite category is Personal Development. Over the last two years, I have been working hard on myself to grow, reach my goals, and gain more self-confidence. My top 4 favorite books are:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long by David Rock” (You will notice that Grant also recommended this book!)

For those who are interested in learning about creating good habits, reaching their goals, being more focused, and gaining more confidence, these books are great recommendations.

Youssef Chardi – Front end developer

The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba.

Offering a non-violent path to victory in the face of conflict, but also a great many lessons on how the principles of aikido (a modern Japanese martial art) can be applied in real everyday life.

Johanna Gartz – Executive coach

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers.

An easy to read little book with exercises that make sense and can help you to move forward even though things might seem too much out of your comfort zone.

Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan,

All about the reasons for change, and how to overcome change in a way that would make both you and the organization stronger moving forward. An interesting read with case studies and exercises.

None of these book recommendations will be the key to your career success. You can read all of the self help books in the world and still not achieve real happiness. Realizing your potential, and taking the action required to reach it, must come from within. However, as sources of inspiration these books are a great place to start. Each one challenged, motivated or in some way influenced us at The Roll tremendously, and so we hope they can do the same for you. Happy reading!

This article is written by:

Holly Thompson

Holly is a Chartered Accountant (CA) from Scotland with a background in external audit and prospects in forensic accounting. She also has experience in editorial and creative writing which she is putting to use during her time in Sweden. Look out for new blog posts, perfect for open and curiously minded individuals.

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