Feeling stuck at work? 5 books can change the way you work

Discover 5 powerful books that offer practical advice, inspiration, and strategies to help you overcome challenges and thrive at work.

Apr 13, 2025 - 07:54

Feeling stuck at work? 5 books can change the way you work

Workplaces aren’t always smooth sailing. Whether it's toxic managers, impossible deadlines, burnout, or a crisis of confidence, challenges at work can feel like a storm you never saw coming. For many professionals, these hurdles don't just stay at the office—they bleed into our personal lives, affecting our confidence, energy, and even our sense of purpose.

But here's the thing: you're not alone—and you're not without tools.

Books can be powerful allies. The right one can help you shift your mindset, equip you with new strategies, and reignite the spark that might feel like it’s fading. They don’t just offer advice—they offer perspective, from those who’ve faced their own battles and come out stronger.

So, whether you're navigating a toxic team, feeling stuck in your career, or simply trying to find your voice in meetings, these 5 books have something valuable to offer. Let's dive in.

1. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Brené Brown digs deep into what it truly means to lead with courage. This book isn’t just for CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to build trust, lead with empathy, and create real connections in professional environments. Brown uses years of research and relatable stories to show that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Why it helps:

Teaches how to handle tough conversations with grace
Builds emotional resilience and connection at work
Offers actionable tools for creating a positive team culture

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

This classic remains relevant decades after publication. Covey’s framework helps you break out of reactivity and take charge of your work life through core principles like prioritisation, synergy, and proactive thinking.

Why it helps:

Helps identify and focus on what truly matters
Encourages personal growth and self-discipline
Offers timeless strategies to stay productive and balanced

3. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to give or receive feedback at work, this book is for you. Kim Scott, a former Google and Apple exec, introduces the concept of "Radical Candor"—caring personally while challenging directly. It’s a blueprint for honest communication without drama.

Why it helps:

Promotes a culture of clear, respectful feedback
Helps resolve workplace tension before it escalates
Offers real-world examples and scripts to use at work

4. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

Dr. Dweck’s research on fixed vs. growth mindsets has transformed how people approach challenges. In the workplace, having a growth mindset means seeing failure as an opportunity to learn—not a dead end. This mindset shift can transform your career trajectory.

Why it helps:

Builds resilience in the face of failure or setbacks
Encourages continuous learning and adaptability
Helps break through impostor syndrome

5. Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen

If you've ever felt exhausted before the day even begins, Can’t Even will make you feel seen. Petersen examines how hustle culture, unrealistic expectations, and blurred work-life boundaries are wearing us down—and what we can do about it.

Why it helps:

Validates the emotional and mental toll of modern work
Provides insight into systemic workplace issues
Encourages setting boundaries and redefining success

Final thoughts: Read, reflect, rise

Workplace challenges aren’t going away. But neither is your ability to meet them head-on—with clarity, courage, and the right mindset. Each of these books offers more than advice—they offer a path forward. Whether you're leading a team, navigating office politics, or just trying to stay sane during back-to-back Zoom calls, remember: one book can change the way you work—and live.