At ID8 Architecture we value education, so much so that it's listed as one of our core values. Our team is full of life long learners who pursue growth and constantly seek opportunities to learn new skills. We encourage one another and push each other towards becoming the best possible versions of ourselves. One way we do this is by reading books. Our team has compiled a list of our favorite professional development books. Keep reading and maybe you'll find some new reading materials for the weekend or even learn something new!
THE IDEAL TEAM PLAYER
by Patrick Lencioni
Our list starts off with a book that is important to ID8 staff, The Ideal Team Player, by Patrick Lencioni. This book guided Angie as she was creating the "We Hire For" section of our employee manual. When hired, we’re encouraged to read this book as part of our “initiation” to join the team.
The Ideal Team Player focuses on individual members of a team and discusses the concept that an ideal team player has the combination of being hungry, humble, and smart.
THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOUR
by Kassia St. Clair
The second book on our list is one of Kelly’s favorites! Kelly has always been fascinated with color and the different shades and names they’re given. The Secret Lives of Colour, by Kassia St. Clair dives into the unusual stories of colors, how they’ve been used and perceived throughout history, and how they impact our culture. (Now, remember we’re design nerds)
DEEP WORK
by Cal Newport
Jamie chose book three, Deep Work, by Cal Newport. In this book, he discusses how to focus on demanding tasks to really create your best work. This is extremely relevant and needed in our over-stimulated, over-distracted world.
PERMISSION TO SCREW UP
by Kristen Hadeed
I chose the fourth book on our list, Permission to Screw Up, by Kristen Hadeed. This book encourages readers to embrace their mistakes, lead by acting, and stop overthinking. I am the queen of overthinking, it’s my bad habit, so this book really spoke to me. I also enjoyed how she shared her personal screw-up’s and what those mistakes helped her learn. Her writing alone is filled with humor and entertaining!
BIG MAGIC
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Fifth on our list, Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert, was chosen by Jamie. Jaimie enjoyed this book so much that discussing it for our blog sparked the urge for her to read it again! This book talks about searching for and accessing your creativity.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ILLUSTRATED
by Frances D.K. Ching
The technical books are always needed and necessary to improve your knowledge. Jamie chose book six, Building Construction Illustrated, by Frances D.K. This book shares all the basic concepts underlying building construction.
The 7 habits of highly effective people
by Stephen Covey
Angie chose book number 7 for our list, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. This is the kind of book that you need to re-read every year. In this self improvement book, Stephen Covey, focuses on principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. It's a book about change - changing yourself to become more effective in every area of your life.
THE POWER OF HABIT
by Charles Duhigg
Book number eight on our list is The Power of Habit, also chosen by Angie. This book is all about habits. Throughout this book the author teachers reader how habits are formed, how to kick bad habits, and how to hang on to the good ones.
JUDGEMENT DETOX
by Gabrielle Bernstein
Judgement Detox, by Gabrielle Bernstein is book number nine. Throughout the book, Bernstein shares a six-step process that helps release the beliefs that hold you back from living a better life.
MINDSET
by Carol Dweck
We round out our list with book ten, Mindset, by Carol Dweck. In this book, Dweck shares how success is influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. With the right mindset you can motivate, lead, teach, and love.