It’s the peak of summer – the perfect time to take a few days off, pour a glass of lemonade and stretch out in the hammock that’s been calling your name. The only thing missing is a good read—and I’ve got some thought-provoking business books for you.
The following recommendations are compiled from our AlignOrg leadership team and inspired by a series of business book recommendations I’ve been cultivating in partnership with Inc.com. There are some personal favorites, a book we’re reading in our AlignOrg book club and an organization design classic. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
The Power of Moments, by Chip and Dan Heath
“We can be the designers of moments that deliver elevation and insight and pride and connection. These extraordinary minutes and hours and days—they are what make life meaningful. And they are ours to create.”
Core memories don’t just happen by chance. Every influential moment shares common elements that transform the mundane into “life peaks.” In The Power of Moments, you’ll learn the science behind creating experiences that will resonate with customers, make your brand unforgettable and help enrich the lives of your friends and loved ones. Get ready to turn your summer bucket list into memories that will linger long after the season has ended.
Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz
“Write—then go back and kill at least half the words. It winds up sharper every time.”
Our latest AOS team book club read, Smart Brevity, has sparked some great conversations about how we communicate—both internally and with clients. The book challenges us to say more with less, focusing on clarity, intention, and respect for the reader’s time. It’s already influencing how we write emails, reports, and marketing content. We’re leading with the “why it matters,” structuring for skimmability and cutting anything that doesn’t add value.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
“I am rather like a mosquito in a nudist camp; I know what I want to do but I don’t know where to begin.”
Since it was first published 25 years ago, Getting Things Done has become a go-to framework to maximize productivity. It’s filled with practical tips for those who want to make the most of their time—whether that means achieving new career goals or getting the garage cleaned out before Labor Day. I recently included this book in a list of essential reads for employees starting a new role, but it’s a must-have for anyone who wants to accomplish more with less.
Mastering the Cube by AlignOrg Solutions
“Organizations are like Rubik’s Cubes. You can’t change one face without affecting all the others, and there’s no going back once you make a move.”
We can’t share a list of our essential summer reads without including Mastering the Cube. This book serves as the cornerstone of the principles we share with clients. Mastering the Cube explores how all of the systems within your organization must work together to successfully implement your strategy. Having just one aspect of your organization out of alignment can “scramble” the entire cube. You’ll learn eight common stumbling blocks leaders face when aligning their organizations, and discover how to replace them with eight strategic building blocks to create an organization that is purpose-driven and positioned for success.
Discover more insights and download a free chapter here.
Craft Your Summer, One Book at a Time
Summer is a season of relaxation and renewal. I hope that these books inspire you to sharpen your skills, reflect on what truly matters and prepare for challenges ahead. Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what books you’re picking up this summer. I’m excited to add your favorites to my own poolside reading list.
