5 INFLUENTIAL BOOKS TO READ ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK

Since its release in 1989, Covey’s seven habits have changed the lives of presidents, CEOs, and millions of readers around the world. This book is on every “must read” list from Amazon to Forbes. In an unforgettable book, Covey sets out powerful lessons with examples relevant to today as they were three decades ago. Covey also released The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness on “how to find our voice and inspire others to find theirs.”

The most inspiring leaders and organisations start with Why, How, and What in that exact order. Simon Sinek explains that people do not buy what we do but why we do it. The question “why” tugs at the fundamental core of our purpose, call, and belief as either a person or an organisation. These questions include: Why do we exist as a company? Or why do we get out of bed in the morning? The problems of “how” and “what” are often answered by facts and figures, but the “why” taps into the part of our brains that controls human behaviour. For more insights, click here to hear the author’s inspiring speech.

In Business Adventures, the author writes about the fascinating exploits of corporate life. From big company failures to Wall Street complexities, John Brooks narrates the perfect plot filled with drama, conflict, and resolution. When the WSJ asked Bill Gates what his all-time favourite book was, he responded, “…more than four decades after it was first published — ‘Business Adventures’ remains the best business book I’ve ever read.”

This timeless bestseller was published in 1936 by Dale Carnegie, a farmer from southeast Missouri in the United States. Carnegie quickly learned that the way he spoke to others, in gesture, tone, and speech, could earn him respect despite his humble beginnings. The realisation led to a career-long journey to pursue the art of confidence, communication, and winning people over. With over 30 million copies sold in 40 languages, Carnegie has helped build communication strategies for countless corporations and offer meaningful insights for us to overcome fear and master the art of influence.

Only 94 pages long, this reader-friendly book introduces four characters wandering through a maze, each searching for cheese to make them happy. The cheese is a metaphor for what we seek in life, whether it’s a perfect job, life partner, love, money, or physical and mental health. The four characters – embodying humanity- face unpredictability and obstacles in their search for cheese. A light and entertaining story, Johnson motivates us not to fear change, but embrace it.