I give the remoteness of 2020 credit for helping me rediscover my love for reading. Reading can be a great way to grow your voice, expand your knowledge, and walk a little bit taller. There are a lot of great books out there, but deciding which book to read can be challenging. I’m sharing books I’ve read, and am reading, to offer guidance should you want to pick up a book. Reading 1-book a year is still reading.
The focus at Exceptional Admins is to support the learner on their learning journey. You will see, the books suggested below are unconventional.
Currently Reading
Why I grabbed the book: The title seemed appropriate for the work I do and how I wish to help others, and it looks like a light read.
What I got from reading the book: Forthcoming
Have Read
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Why I grabbed the book: The was given to me as a gift from an exceptional admin.
What I got from reading the book: I’m so glad she gave it to me! Quick and powerful read. The storytelling vs. education telling made it an exciting read. Leadership teams should read this book. Grab it today.
Why I grabbed the book: I was looking for confirmation of an already growing assessment, do rebels play a different role in talent acquisitions?
What I got from reading the book: Wonderful insight into the power of being a rebel, and the importance of taking risks and owning your (rebel) gifts.
Why I grabbed the book: A lot of admins desire to move up in their careers and that may include moving into a managerial role. I wish to grow my impact when I’m a resource to this evolution.
What I got from reading the book: HANDS DOWN, great book it could have been titled, be a strategic business partner. It is a must read and all assistants should have this on their shelf for quick access. So many nuggets of wisdom! While it’s focused on being a manager, assistants are managers of many things and people, without the solid or dotted line on the org chart.
Why I grabbed the book: While walking the airport, due to a delayed take-off, I found myself in a book store. Another book the author wrote directed me to this one.
What I got from reading the book: HANDS DOWN, amazing read. All admins should read this book. I have so many tabs and highlights, I want that for you too.
Why I grabbed the book: Let’s face it, some days we need an outside resource to help us get through our day.
What I got from reading the book: So many amazing nuggets and quotes that do Get (me) Happy! I can be found posting to my Instagram page for others to take in as they too may need a little extra support to put a pep in their step.
Why I grabbed the book: The title grabbed my attention when looking for my next book. It has a ton of great reviews. Building confidence can be done through the art of crafting your small talk toolbox.
What I got from reading the book: The book was a challenge at times. Hunch, I don’t think the author had an editor. The page layouts were not consistent, and several typos. He could have lumped a few chapters into condensed chapter, but overall, great read, grab it today.
Why I grabbed the book: I am always on a mission to grow my wisdom. This way, when I interact or coach admins or executives they gain access to new information based on my efforts. Leading and authority come up often during discussions.
What I got from reading the book: Hands down awesome book! All admins should read this! Period. Many scenarios are shared through great storytelling with feedback on how the relationship used co-elevation to produce results.
Why I grabbed the book: Gratitude is a big part of my life.
What I got from reading the book: The author walks you through many stories outlining gratitude. It was a quick read. In reading this book, confirmation surfaced that gratitude is very much needed in society.
Why I grabbed the book: I’m a fan of Myers-Briggs.
What I got from reading the book: I loved learning how early in our history 16 personalities took shape! I was transported back in time to the early days, and wow, what a wonderful story. It was great to learn how it all started and its influence today. I’m an ENFJ-A.
Why I grabbed the book: The title grabbed my attention. So far, it’s a fantastic read, so anyone working in a start-up grab it.
What I got from reading the book: Amazing book. If you are in a start-up or want to work inside a start-up, you should highly consider this book! If you are supporting an entrepreneur, you should also consider this book.
Why I grabbed the book: I love building new habits that help me save time and be more strategic with my movement.
What I got from reading the book: The book offered an array of wisdom. My copy has so many highlighted sections and page markers. I loved it so much. I made a PS podcast episode about several elements.
Bonus: Listen to it here (#28).
Why I grabbed the book: I’m curious about the way our body works in our favor and against us. I was looking to learn about metabolism and food impact.
What I got from reading the book: Great insight into options. (I am not a doctor, please consult with your doctor if you plan to adopt ideas from the book).
Bonus: You can hear wisdom from an expert on the topic here. (#47)
Why I grabbed the book: The book title was attractive and being an entrepreneur and retired executive assistant, I don’t know how to Do Nothing.
What I got from reading the book: For where I’m at with running my business and being involved in how people work (and overwork), this book was a fantastic read. It ran through the history of why we, Americans, work so hard versus other countries. If you have influence with culture at work, read this book!
Why I grabbed the book: A sweet exceptional admin raved about it, and the title is enticing, so I decided to read it.
What I got from reading the book: Amazing book. I recommend you buy/gift it to a leader that wants to get ahead. Share a note that inspires them to think about where they put their energy. I also think, Admins should read it (alongside their executive(s)). Highly Recommend.
Why I grabbed the book: I was listening to a podcast episode where the author was being interviewed. I was hooked on the concept.
What I got from reading the book: Truth be told, the book was depressing. Around 80% of the book talks about all the hurdles women face with falling into the likeability trap. The remaining 20% talked about ways to confirm you are trapped and break-free. Due to the catch phrase stating, “How to Break Free and Succeed as You”, I developed expectations that the book would give more wisdom on how to break-free.
Why I grabbed the book: I heard a lot about this book and how it ties together a Visionary and Integrator partnership for a small business team.
What I got from reading the book: If you are supporting an entrepreneur and/or are in a small business, this book is for you. There is a ton of wisdom that will help people come together and work more seamlessly. It will also offer the reader a new perspective that helps them work better with a visionary person.
Why I grabbed the book: As mentioned with, The Fasting Fix, I enjoy learning how our body works in and against our favor. The Bulletproof brand is strong and I enjoy their protein bars.
What I got from reading the book: The book was a great story about the founder of the Bulletproof brand. He was 300lbs during a time when he was running a tech company in Silicon Valley. He really leaned in on learning about his body. He wanted to be his best version and looked inward to fix on going problems. It was a great, motivational book. (I am not a doctor, please consult with your doctor if you plan to adopt ideas from the book).
Why I grabbed the book: Much like Rebel Talent, I am interested in learning how working differently helps professionals feel accomplished and helps them develop a space to share their gifts/talents.
What I got from reading the book: The book was full of a lot of data. The data revolved around statistics. While I’m not a statistics geek, I am a lover of data. Data drives decisions and helps the world go around. The book offered great stories on how and why some people are built a certain way. It offered a new perspective about embracing someone’s uniqueness.
Why I grabbed the book: Using emotions to make decisions doesn’t always produce a desirable outcome.
What I got from reading the book: Struggle bus…this was a tough read to get through. It had some great insight, and while I appreciate data, it was far too technical for me. My recommendation is mixed, good read (we can never stop learning about how our brain works), but it read like a research paper or thesis. Proceed with caution.
Why I grabbed the book: Adversity can be many things, not going to college, your background, ethnicity, and so on. I wanted to learn about these areas through stories.
What I got from reading the book: The author offers a different approach to how one should look at adversity. She argues that success is rarely just about the quality of our ideas, credentials, and skills, or your effort. For me, I didn’t go to college and I’m at peace about it. An unexpected gain from reading this book was, it’s okay I didn’t.
Why I grabbed the book: A regular recommendation from my Pastor.
What I got from reading the book: The book was an easy read with a ton of relatable and easy to deploy tips on how to win the war in your mind.
Why I grabbed the book: Daily devotional work helps keep me grounded.
What I got from reading the book: Whether you are fully enveloped in a faith, sometimes you can’t argue with scripture. Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit drys up your bones. You don’t have to be a believer to see the truth in this Proverb.
Why I grabbed this book: The title grabbed my attention after someone suggested it to me.
What I got from reading the book: The first ~100 pages were a bit challenging to follow. It really picked up after that and had some great nuggets of wisdom to use, like the Anchor Phrase. It’s worth reading.
Why I grabbed the book: I mean, look at the title - #wink. My conversations cover this issue every now and then. I hope to gain new wisdom to help others.
What I got from reading the book: Amazing 108 page read! It has so much great information and tips to help you ‘Manage Annoying People’ that everyone, including your leader should read it. Read Article.
Why I grabbed the book: Well, I’m honored to say I know this wonderful woman!
What I got from reading the book: There are many ways you can address building up confidence in life and at work. She gives away great advice that is easy to adopt. (Way to go Sister!)
BONUS: Take in her Podcast episode #17.
Why I grabbed the book: Having back up help to the what, how, and why are important.
What I got from reading the book: The words ‘That’ and ‘Which’ can be used interchangeably, or can they…? The book is a great quick grab to confirm writing.
Why I grabbed the book: An ea University Alumni member suggested it.
What I got from reading the book: I couldn’t finish it. The book referenced super important professionals in the restaurant industry and a ton of restaurant industry lingo making it hard to follow. I stopped with 100 or so pages to go. IMO, the author could have cut out 30% of the industry references. But it was likely a nod to those in the industry (I can respect that!).
Why I grabbed the book: No matter your role, owner or assistant, you need influence decisions.
What I got from reading the book: All assistants could heightened their impact after reading this book. Great resource, especially if you support the marketing team or a sales executive.