Working in HR, I continuously see evidence of the importance of continuous professional development for our employees and the company alike. Ongoing professional learning improves performance, builds confidence, raises employee satisfaction with their job and establishes credibility with co-workers. But finding the time and resources to invest in skill building is where things can become a bit more difficult. However, reading is a relatively efficient, free and affordable method for accomplishing this.

I believe we are each personally accountable for advancing our skill set. In his bestselling book, Monday Morning Leadership, David Cottrell quotes his mentor as saying “You learn more by reading more. I’m living proof that the more you learn, the more you earn.”

I recommend starting with the goal of reading at least one business or self-improvement related book per quarter. I have found several good lists online with recommended readings (see links below). Many of these books are included in the cost of an Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription. And let me fill you in on a little secret, this subscription service includes abridged versions, think “Cliff Notes” length, that generally capture all the important points of many popular books, minus some filler.

Personally, I was very interested in Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, but was a little leery of allocating time for all 512 pages. The abridged version gave me a quick summary of the text and helped me determine if the concept covered in the book was worth investing the time in the unabridged version.

Another good resource are your friends and co-workers. Ask them what they are reading and if they have any books they could lend you. In the book Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It… and Why the Rest Don’t, the author, Verne Harnish, emphasizes the value of teams reading and discussing the same books. They highlighted a company that “strongly encourages employees to set aside time for professional reading and has organized a vetting committee to find intriguing books for its leadership team to discuss.” This activity not only educated their workforce, but also generated valuable discussions and created team comradery.

Reading is a lifelong activity that will have lasting benefits for you and your career. I hope to even receive a recommendation from you on what my next read might be.

A great article of "Books that Will Change My Life"

A list of the 33 business books to read before 30 (but really, go a head and read anytime!)

Here are 12 Books Your Should Read to Impress Your Boss - but really, improve yourself in the process.

Baldwin, Juli; David Cottrell (2002-11-12). Monday Morning Leadership: 8 Mentoring Sessions You Can't Afford to Miss. Cornerstone Leadership

Harnish, Verne (2014-10-21). Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (Rockefeller Habits 2.0) (p. 79). Gazelles, Inc. Kindle Edition.