Accel5’s Top Ten Business Book Summaries of the Year: 2021

It’s that time again where we look at the most-read Accel5^® Business Book Summaries for the year. Keep reading to learn about the skills that business professionals focused on in 2021.

The lingering effects of COVID-19 provided unique challenges in the workplace as working from home and hybrid settings continue to be the norm. The skillsets that accompany a remote environment have left many working professionals needing a refresher. Keep scrolling to find insights into 2021’s most-read Business Book Summaries from Accel5^®.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey

Summary: Stephen R. Covey believes that committing to a principle-centered life will dramatically improve personal and professional relationships. To achieve unity and maximize success, a person should follow these seven habits.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Continuous Learning
• Managing Self
• Personal Growth

The Art of Being Indispensable at Work
Bruce Tulgan

Summary: Collaboration is a critical part of virtually every workplace today. To succeed, individuals must have a service mindset. Becoming the “go-to” person, however, brings a risk of overcommitment and burnout. In The Art of Being Indispensable at Work, Bruce Tulgan shares best practices for successfully navigating demanding work environments and working smarter.

 For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Credibility
• Expertise
• Managing Self

Boss It
Carl Reader

Summary: In Boss It, Carl Reader offers a step-by-step process to start, grow and scale a business. He examines the four stages of a business cycle — dream, plan, do, review — as well as strategies for fundraising, preparing a business plan, and executing a marketing plan. You’ll also learn the pros and cons of different growth strategies if you decide to scale your business and the systems and processes needed to make it successful.

For those looking to improve upon this competency:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset

How to Communicate Effectively with Anyone, Anywhere
Raúl Sánchez, Dan Bullock

Summary: While some experts address bridging international differences on a country-by-country basis, Sánchez and Dan Bullock take an action-based approach to help you hone the cognitive flexibility and international perspective you need to access the opportunities of today’s global economy.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Networking & Relationship Building
• Managing Others

Inspired
Marty Cagan

Summary: How do the most successful tech companies develop products that are sought after by people around the world? They do things differently. In Inspired, technology product management expert Marty Cagan reveals how to deliver tech products customers love. You’ll learn how to assemble the right people, discover the right product, determine the best processes, create a strong culture and take your business to the next level.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Innovation
• Product Development

Master Presenter
David Zielinski

Summary: Master Presenter provides tips, tools and information for making effective and captivating presentations. With insight and wisdom from real-world professionals, the book is teeming with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directives to improve and accentuate any public speaking or electronic presentation. In a series of short and concise sections, readers get a full perspective on the ins and outs of making presentations.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Managing Self
• Presentation skills

The Nonverbal Advantage
Carol Kinsey Gorman

Summary: Humans read and analyze facial expressions and gestures instantly and unconsciously, which is why first impressions matter tremendously yet may also mislead. In her book, Gorman shows how to register and filter those impressions to read any situation correctly. Moreover, she explains how to shape one’s own behavior and attitude to make a favorable first impression.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Body Language
• Communication

The Power of Choice
Michael C. Hyter

Summary: In The Power of Choice, leadership consultant Michael C. Hyter explains how efficacy — making deliberate choices that lead to desired outcomes — can help you overcome any challenges you face. Further, he defines a clear path for engineering your career success by making the right choices for you.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Continuous Learning
• Diversity
• Managing Self

Strengths Finder 2.0
Tom Rath

Summary: Strengths Finder 2.0 is a simple guide to the 34 Strength Themes developed by the Gallup organization as a result of a 2001 study. The 34 themes represent a breakthrough in the search for useful terminology in the area of talent development. When coupled with the online Strengths Finder test, the book is a powerful way to find work that aligns with one’s core values, or to find increased satisfaction in one’s current work life.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Continuous Learning
• Managing Self

We Can’t Talk About That at Work!
Mary-Frances Winters

Summary: Taboo topics, such as race, religion, and politics, may sometimes arise in the workplace. When these conversations are effectively managed, they can create environments of inclusion and mutual understanding instead of polarization and divisiveness.

For those looking to improve upon these competencies:

• Communication
• Diversity