What’s on your bookshelf or nightstand for reading? Do you enjoy curling up with a good book at the end of the day to unwind or over your lunch break to catch a few minutes of escape from the craziness of the office? Many of us enjoy the chance to escape into a fiction book that give us the chance to explore new worlds and meet new characters.

But have you considered the power of reading some non-fiction books to advance your career? We know that we are shaped by what we learn, and reading is a vital tool in the learning of any new skill.  Many successful leaders were avid readers and have created reading lists. In fact, did you know that Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, has a reading list for his organization? Their list is to help develop a common understanding for employees and executives alike. Bill Gates maintains a recommended reading list on his site Gatesnotes. Many academic institutions also publish reading lists for their incoming freshman and other student body members.

The SDA National Education Committee has been busy creating our own Recommended Reading List to help advance your professional career.  We’ve listed books that have been recommended to us by our members that they have found useful in their office and/or job. The list continues to be updated and we are beginning to add summaries to some of the books that our members have found useful. All books have a link to Amazon in case you would like to purchase them for your library and/or reading pleasure. Reading truly is a key element in our professional development, so check out the list and let us know what you think.

Have you read a good book that helped advanced your career? Share the title, author and why it made an impact for you in the comment box below. We would love to add new titles to our recommended reading list that you all have enjoyed.

Please join us in welcoming our newest SDA members:

Be sure to connect with our newest members on SocialLink and encourage them to join in our many discussions!

I am waiting for my turn to speak. I take a peek and find most of the audience is blurred.  Intentionally fogged and shadowed in a haze, by my brain. Only one defined space is focused and waiting for me to enter.  The words I’ve gathered try to jumble in my mind, but I’ve rehearsed this speech.  The rhythm of practice corrals these thoughts and brings them into queue. Ready to be shared with the collection of people, waiting to hear my story.

Some time ago, I participated in a lunch presentation about communication. Our speaker was well versed in public speaking and presented part of a series titled, ‘Storytelling Made Simple, Techniques for Becoming a Better Storyteller’, (Steelcase 2017).   While most of us may recall the key elements of a story, our speaker articulately defined the skills and structure of turning a great story into a means to make a sincere exchange with the speaker and audience. By using the components of a great story: beginning (setting), middle (conflict) and end (resolution), we create the framework to share our message and connect with the audience. How you make this connection is a result of preparing, practicing, and presenting. 

In preparation, first, gather information. What do you wish to share, who is your audience, and what matters to them?  Then, create a written outline and focus on concise and relevant information. During your practice, make it a real experience with a friendly group test run. Practice and practice again while noting your posture, tone, and expressions.  Your presentation will launch on a solid foundation as you slow down, take a breath, smile, and stand tall with confidence. 

It is my turn to speak and I step forward. A couple of familiar faces greet me with smiles, and I smile back.  I share a story about my Dad. He recently passed away but is a daily thought in our lives.  With my words, stance, and tone; I convey a lesson my Dad drilled into my sister and me: “It’s broke. Fix it.”  A simple direction barked out with confidence that we were smart and driven enough to find a solution. Despite the harsh delivery, Dad never faltered with enforcing our will and confidence to thrive.  At the end of my Dad’s life, his hospice nurse said, “Vietnam veterans are hard to love.”  This is true.  However, they are also hard not to love.

I end my speech with strained and pinched emotion in my voice. I am not embarrassed, as I hope my narrative breaks the distance between the audience and me.  And that we gained a connection, with my story.

What tools do you use when preparing to tell your story? Share them in the comment box below.

Nikki Pierce, CDFA, LEED AP BD+C is the Administrative Manager for Clark Nexsen in Charlotte, NC

She currently serves as the SDA National Vice-President for the 2018-2019 term.