Last week, we discussed the benefits of building a shared reading space in the workplace. And, with the expansion of our libraries well underway, we’re taking a dive into our coworkers’ top business book choices — all of which we’ll be adding to our shelves.

We asked our coworkers to suggest books that have helped them to get to where they are today, whether that’s in terms of work approach, cooperation techniques, or style of communication.

So, let’s take a look at the works that have shaped and inspired the minds of Currency Solutions.

Benedict, Head of Product. Thinking, fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman. Within this book, psychologist Kahneman explores the dual systems of the human brain, and the way in which we interact with those around us. Of the book, Benedict says:

“By far the most informative book I’ve ever read on human psychology and just how we go about making our decisions. Great analogies, excellent summing up at the end of each chapter, and extremely applicable in my role. It will completely change how you believe you think, and the impact this has on all your decision making. This is a must-read for any Product Manager or User Experience Expert”.

Encapsulating quote: “Intelligence is not only the ability to reason; it is also the ability to find relevant material in memory and to deploy attention when needed.”

Kenan, Currency Specialist. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

A classic in the personal finance genre, Rich Dad Poor Dad advocates for the importance of developing financial literacy. First published in 1997, the book is still one of the bestselling personal finance books of all time. With tips on building wealth through assets, businesses, and real estate, its messages are enduring, and it provides a great jumping off point those beginning their journey to becoming financially literate. But importantly, the book champions the human brain as our greatest key to financial success.

Encapsulating quote: “The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth in what seems to be an instant.”

Maria, Compliance Analyst The Spirit of Kaizen: Creating Lasting Excellence One Small Step at a Time by Robert Maurer

In this radical step-by-step guide, Maurer uses understanding of human psychology to encourage creative thinking and improve the way in which we tackle challenges — especially within business and economics. The book explores how we can strive for continual improvement by removing fear and taking each challenge ‘one small step at a time’. For Maria, the book was instrumental in the application of problem-solving methods, efficiency and consistency, and collaborative working techniques.

Encapsulating quote: “Instead of aggressively forcing yourself into a boot-camp mentality about change, give your mind permission to make the leaps on its own schedule, in its own time.”

Vitalii, Software Engineer. 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know: Collective Wisdom from the Experts by Kevlin Henney

Although aimed primarily at programmers, the book (which Vitalii suggests is 60% business and 40% tech) offers wisdom which will come in useful for any professional looking to enhance subject knowledge, as well as anyone working within close contact with a programmer. Avoiding jargon, the book is comprised of short essays which are accessible and interesting. Each chapter offers succinct and simple tips to enhance business skills, approach things in innovative ways, and hone technical abilities.

Encapsulating quote: “Reading other people's code is particularly hard. Not necessarily because other people's code is bad, but because they probably think and solve problems in a different way to you.”

James & Patrick, Currency Specialists How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

First published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People is a longstanding heavyweight in the self-help genre. With 30 million copies sold worldwide, it is by no means an unsung hero, but that’s because its many lessons resonate today and remain relevant in our new age of technology. With an aim to get you out of your mental rut, the book will develop your conversational skills and teach you lessons that will improve your earning and networking potential.

Encapsulating quote: “Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

The great variety of books suggested by our colleagues speaks to the many personalities and interests of people working throughout Currency Solutions. We value and appreciate every approach to business and are continually striving to enhance workplace communication. Through the implementation of our libraries, we will be sharing and discussing literature to further develop empathy, knowledge, and understanding within our company.

Which life changing business book would you suggest we add to our library?