This book had been recommended for a few years now and I do not know why I waited so long to read it. It is a quick read because it is delivered through a ‘comic book’ like format that allows Daniel Pink to drive home 6 major points that people need to keep in mind as they search for that great job.
Because I love “happenstance” so much, i love #1 There is no plan. Through simple dialogue and pictures, he shows that we have to be open to new opportunities.
#4 Persistence trumps talent is a great message to people who feel they “do not have all the skills to apply to that job”.
#5 Make excellent mistakes, is simply great advice for people to try things that may be outside their comfort zone because you never know where it will lead to.
Book Reviews
I Could Do Anything. If I Only Knew What It Was. Barbara Sher
My friend Barry Davis recommended this one to me because it speaks “discovering” occupations which is one of my favorite theories (Happenstance Learning Theory).
Barbara’s basic premise to take ACTION and good things will happen. Action helps you think, helps raise your self esteem, creates good luck, and much more.
As a career counselor, I really enjoyed her practical and thoughtful approach to helping people make decisions on their career pathway.
Getting Things Done. The Art of Stress Free Productivity. David Allen
This was recommended to me from a LinkedIn group as a different way to get organized. I have implemented a number of his tips and find them to be very helpful.
One simple tip is to stop writing LISTS of things to do and to make each item a separate note that I put into a folder. I can then prioritized them each week (or day) and not have to re-write a whole new list. This is a very different way of getting organized that I had not thought of and there are many other great tips in this as well.
I also like some of his “folder” ideas like a “Next Action” folder and a “Waiting for a Response” folder. If you are looking for new ways to get organized, check it out.
A Whole New Mind:Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. Daniel Pink
I loved this book. Daniel Pink’s ability to show how things have changed in our society over the years and where they are going is wonderful.
The idea that “right brain” people skills will be required in this new economy is spot on. We have built our nation on many “left brain” people skills and now that technology and the global economy have stepped into the picture, we will need people who can solve problems by connecting the dots, be creative, recognize patterns, and find new ways to do old work.
I need MORE of Pink!
Read all my Pink books I’ve reviewed here https://peak-careers.com/tag/daniel-pink/
Drive. The Surprising Truth About What Motivates us. by Daniel Pink
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The author does a nice job describing what really motivates people and how we have progressed from a “I don’t want to be eaten by that tiger” to the “carrot and the stick” mentality of motivation. But this “carrot and the stick” mentality simply does not work anymore.
He describes Motivation 3.0 which has to do with giving people autonomy to do their job, the ability to be creative, and to nurture their drive to ‘master’ a subject.
A great read that I highly recommend to people working in the career field, those who supervise others, and anyone who wants to try and understand motivation better.
Live Smart After 50!
BOOK REVIEW![LiveSmart-image](https://peak-careers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/LiveSmart-image.jpg)
Live Smart After 50!
The Experts’ Guide to Life Planning for Uncertain Times
If you are looking for a book that provides tools & resources, thought provoking ideas for what to do with your time and energy after 50, and a wealth of knowledge for working with people transitioning to “life after full time employment” …. then this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book for any coach, advisor, counselor, or practitioner who works with this population.
Chapters include how to help people look at their passions, interests, and how they determine where they want to spend their time and energy, and also covers financial considerations, legal matters, housing / community, up to and including possible barriers for people.
[Read more…] about Live Smart After 50!