2020 was the year of Audible for me
Since I was an operations officer in the IDF somewhere in 2004 doing late-night shifts in the squadron, I haven’t consumed so much content. And frankly, I have no complaints!
My favorite books are those I can learn from, whether professionally or personally.
Here are some of my favorites from this year in no particular order :
Even though I said that there is no order to this list, this one is definitely my favorite audiobook of the year!
New Sales: Simplified demonstrates how to prospect, develop, and close deals with dozens of examples and case studies.
It will teach you how to identify a strategic list of genuine prospects; how to craft compelling, customer-focused stories; how to make a proactive telephone call to get face to face with more prospects; the use of email, voicemail, and social media; creating rapport; preparing for and structuring a successful sales call; stopping presenting and starting dialoguing with buyers; and scheduling business development activities in your calendar.
2. What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
If you are like me, then you also believe that whatever Oprah says must be true.
2020 was a year I needed some good advice and Oprah didn’t disappoint. Definitely my best “feel good” book of the year.
Organized by theme — joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power — These essays offer a rare look at the mind of one of history’s most extraordinary women.
Oprah’s words in What I Know For Sure are honest, moving, exhilarating, uplifting, and dynamic, with the kind of wisdom and truth that made me return to this audiobook again and again.
3. Know Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You’re Worth by Mika Brzezinski
How can women ask for — and receive — the money, the job, the recognition they deserve?
Mika Brzezinski, who cohosted the Morning Joe show, asked successful women to share the critical lessons they learned while making a career move in their respective fields.
They candidly discussed why women are paid less than men and the pitfalls they face — and play into. The book includes Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Harvard’s Victoria Budson, comedian Susie Essman, and many others.
I was especially intrigued by the latest research on why women often fail to negotiate their compensation, why doing it aggressively usually backfires, and what can be done about it.
4. The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael Watkins
Like many others, during COVID-19, my life was changed, and I was beginning anew. This book certainly helped me to start to put some order in my thoughts while I was on the verge of the next step in my career.
Why is this book a must-read for leaders in transition?
A manager’s transition into a new role has been rated as one of the most challenging he or she will face by most.
As transitions in an organization offer an opportunity to make necessary changes, they can also lead to acute vulnerability for those in leadership positions. Making mistakes during the crucial first three months in a new role can compromise or even ruin your success.
In The First 90 Days, Michael D. Watkins offers a systematic approach to overcoming the challenges of transition — no matter where you are in your career.
5. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury
“Getting to Yes” is a straightforward, universally relevant way to negotiate personal and professional disputes without getting taken — and without getting angry.
Whether it’s between neighbors, bosses, and employees, customers or corporations, tenants or diplomats, this book offers a practical, step-by-step process for reaching mutually acceptable agreements that work in any kind of conflict.
This book, based on the Harvard Negotiation Project’s research, teaches you how to:
Separate the people from the problem, Not to focus on positions, but on interests, build on each other’s opinions to meet both parties’ needs, negotiate successfully with people who refuse to follow the rules, use dirty tricks, superior to you and more.
What were your favorite audiobooks of the year?
