The best 84 Career Progress books

In Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi, a successful businessman and marketing expert, takes us through the secrets to successful networking. He focuses on building lasting relationships rather than merely exchanging business cards, which seems to be many people’s idea of networking today. He summarizes his findings in a system of tried and tested methods. 

How can you find a job that you are good at and enjoy? This book advocates the "craftsman mind-set" of patiently developing skills instead of the typical "follow-your-passion" advice, and offers practical solutions to acquiring and maintaining job satisfaction.

The Success Principles offers practical and detailed principles to help anyone lead a more successful and fulfilling life. Author Jack Canfield draws upon stories and anecdotes from people who have achieved ambitious goals and experienced what it’s like to be highly successful.

Becoming the Boss presents the potential hurdles for leaders in our modern era and some useful tips on how to tackle them. Pollak explains some fundamental principles that will help anyone to, not only become a leader, but to excel in their new role. Pollak also summarizes some new best practices for managing employees and advises on professional networking and personal growth.

Do Over (2015) explains why drastic change in your career is hardly something to be afraid of – that is, as long as you’ve got the tools you need. These blinks guide you through building up your own Career Savings Account filled with tips and tricks to turn your dead-end job into an opportunity to do something totally new.

Make Change Work for You offers a searching exploration of why we resist change and why we should instead see it as an opportunity. In examining some of America’s most successful companies and entrepreneurs, the book offers several case studies on how to successfully adapt to change – as an employee, team leader, or even CEO.

The Career Playbook (2015) is based on interviews with top professionals as well as a survey of thousands of graduates and young professionals. It offers valuable advice for launching and building a strong career; by acquiring the right skills, building the right network and presenting yourself well, you’ll be on your way in no time.

The 10 Laws of Career Reinvention (2010) teaches you the career survival skills you need for the twenty-first century economy. No matter what industry you’re trying to break into, this book will help you create a successful roadmap to your goal.

Many people have talent, but few become stars in their chosen profession. In Grit to Great (2015), two women at the top of the advertising business offer their guide to developing the resilience and hard graft that will help you succeed.

Stretch (2015) is about the art of growing your career in ways that will make you an in-demand force in an increasingly unpredictable economy. There’s very little you can take for granted in these chaotic times, but there are reliable methods you can use today to help ensure work for you tomorrow. No one wants to be left behind. Be proactive and make yourself indispensable no matter what the future has in store.

Best Job Ever (2016) is a guide to making the career change you need to be happy with your professional life. These blinks walk you through the difficult process of switching jobs, changing fields and trying something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know how to start.

Smarter Faster Better (2016) combines personal stories and business research to show that being productive isn’t just about managing your to-do list, but about making the right choices and maintaining the right mindset. These blinks offer advice on how to stay motivated, keep yourself on track and work in teams effectively to maximize your creativity, productivity and success.

Stretch (2017) is your guide to discovering your true creative potential. These blinks will teach you how to identify the resources, both internal and external, that you need to unlock new possibilities, reach for the stars and excel at life.  

The Long View (2016) is a solid guide to building a lasting and meaningful career. Put yourself on the right path by assembling a useful skill set, developing a dynamite personal network and, most importantly, finding a good work-life balance. Work doesn’t have to be miserable and it’s not too late to find a career that can be both emotionally and financially rewarding.

Maximize Your Potential (2013) is about making the most of your skills, talents and ambition. It offers action-oriented tips and tools that will help you execute your ideas and create an amazing career. Discover the traits and mind-sets of the most productive people and how to unlock your maximum potential.

What Color is Your Parachute? (2017) is a practical guide to help you land the job you’re looking for and change your career. Since it was first published in 1970, this book has been a go-to guide for any job hunter, complete with tips on how to sharpen your interview skills and negotiate a solid salary. This newest edition also has invaluable suggestions for how to succeed in today’s digital world.

Pivot (2016) defines the four-step approach for navigating personal career changes and growth. In addition to demonstrating the basic elements of this method, author Jenny Blake shows how it can also be incorporated by managers into their day-to-day business practices.

Reinvent Yourself (2016) shares practical techniques on how to continually reevaluate and readjust your approach to life and to business in order to forge your own path to success. Author James Altucher illustrates how to do this using inspirational stories drawn from the religious leaders, artists and billionaire entrepreneurs from whom he learned the art of self-reinvention.

How Successful People Think (2009) argues that success is about attitude. More than just staying positive, John C. Maxwell suggests that if you want to make it, it’s time to start thinking realistically and empathetically. Full of fascinating historical examples and practical advice gleaned from today’s most successful people, this detailed roadmap will help you achieve your goals while avoiding the most common mental pitfalls.

The Execution Factor (2018) identifies five traits shared by people who know how to effectively accomplish their dreams and goals. By sharing general principles and specific tips on how to cultivate them, Kim Perell demonstrates how to transform yourself into just such a person.

The New Rules of Work (2017) is the definitive handbook for navigating the modern workplace. Authors Cavoulacos and Minshew recognize that the way we work has changed in tandem with the advancement of technology and that the way we think about career paths has evolved accordingly. Modern workers expect a job to do more than just pay the bills – work has to be fulfilling, too. Their New Rules will help you discover the career that fits you best and give you the tools to succeed in the modern job market – from application to promotion.

Catalyst (2018) is the ultimate A to Z guide to navigating one of life’s trickiest journeys: your career. Jam-packed with actionable insights rooted in author Chandramouli Venkatesan’s years of first-hand experience with today’s most successful corporate go-getters, these blinks shed light on key topics from picking the right boss to the value of taking it slow and becoming an effective leader.

At a time when many see specialization as the route to success, Range (2019) shows that having broad interests and taking your time to find your focus in life lead to excellence and innovation. Drawing on examples from business, sports, science and human psychology, Range urges us all to stay open-minded and curious.

Future Fit (2019) is a guide to remaining relevant and employable in the future. As technological change and new employment models shape the workplace in often unpredictable ways, we risk being left behind if we don’t keep up. This book provides key insights into what the employees and leaders of the future must do to stay ahead.

Mastering the Game (2018) aims to level the playing field for women and people of color in the world of business – the traditional purview of white men. This book lays bare the unwritten rules of the game and outlines strategies diverse professionals can use to get unstuck at work.

The Job-Ready Guide (2019) is a helpful roadmap for anyone seeking to get themselves on the first rung of the career ladder. In addition to offering advice on job-searching, writing a compelling resume, and performing well in interviews, it provides insight into what modern employers are really looking for.

Late Bloomers (2019) explores why modern society is obsessed with early achievement. It explains the damaging effects a super-charged education can have on young people’s mental health, as well as how our family, our peers, and the media influence the life paths we take. Drawing on his own experiences, author Rich Karlgaard suggests that blooming later in life is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated instead.

The Buddha and the Badass (2020) breaks down how to master work and life by drawing on a deep awareness of self and learning how to make an impact. These blinks provide practical steps for bringing real meaning to your work, accomplishing bold missions alongside others, and designing and living your ideal life.

The Squiggly Career (2020) covers research and tips on how to best navigate a career full of frequent transitions and modern-day challenges. If we learn to identify our own strengths, values, goals, and motivations, we can apply them more often at work – and notice when they’re being neglected. The authors reveal how to network by helping others, the merits of starting a side project, and how to make the most of the newfound control we have over our careers.

Self-Help That Works (2013, Fourth Edition) offers the valuable service of taking the top recommendations from mental health professionals in the US and compiling the results in one handy volume. You’ll find which self-help resources the experts recommend on over 40 of the most popular topics.

You’re Invited (2021) is your guide to creating connections and building communities around what personally matters most. It reveals the key things you need to know about behavioral psychology in order to design events that best fit your business and values – and shows how you can make a real difference in the world.

Choose Possibility (2021) provides a roadmap to building the smarts and courage it takes to become a master of risk. Drawn from tech leader Sukhinder Singh Cassidy’s winding path through business, it debunks the myth that risk is all about singular, life-altering choices. Instead, it shows how risk-taking is a process, a practice and a skill that can unlock your professional potential.

Betting on You (2021) is a hands-on guide to navigating the modern workplace. If you’re an employee in a big corporation, it can feel like you have no agency over your work life. But by putting yourself first and changing your mindset about work, you can make big changes right where you are. And if you need to leave your job, you can plan strategically for the next chapter.

Career Fear (and how to beat it) (2020) sounds the alarm on how jobs are rapidly changing due to technological advancements. Taking a historical perspective on the evolution of work cultures, it brings to light the necessary mindset and uniquely human skills to thrive in a future defined by artificial intelligence. 

The Purpose Myth (2020) dispels the idea that what you do to earn a living should also be your life’s driving purpose. Although many job offers are posted as fulfilling opportunities, the reality of office life remains banal. This book offers clear guidance on how to find the joy and satisfaction that’s too often lacking at work. 

The First-Time Manager (1981) is the go-to guide for new managers in any field. Spanning topics from delegation and motivation to hiring and firing, these blinks will equip you with the skills to navigate the realities of managing people so that you can avoid common pitfalls and maximize your success in your new leadership role. 

The Gap and the Gain (2021) is a guide to finding happiness and fulfillment inside yourself, instead of constantly hunting for external affirmation. By learning to define your own standards of success, and by measuring your achievement backward, you’ll appreciate how much progress you’ve actually made, and experience renewed motivation in every area of your life.

The Burnout Fix (2021) is a practical guide to thriving in the modern workplace. Today’s world of work is characterized by uncertainty, change, and a blurring of lines between home and the office. That’s why it’s essential that employees learn to set healthy boundaries, develop core skills, and make choices that prioritize their well-being. 

Be Where Your Feet Are (2021) is the distillation of the wisdom that Scott O’Neill has accumulated over the years – as one of America's most successful sports executives, as a husband, and as a father. With advice ranging from failing productively to living in the moment, it presents a few simple tips designed to help you live a richer, happier, and more successful life.

Remarkable (2021) is a playbook for professionals looking to advance their careers. It’s not about getting ahead by any means, though. Covering topics like self-promotion, mistakes, and disagreements, it makes a compelling case that the best way to move forward is by staying humble and working with – and for – your team. 

Twelve and a Half (2021) is a frank, straight-talking guide to the twelve emotional skills that will bring you success in business and in life. Combining anecdotes from the author’s experience as well as typical business scenarios, it shows how, in the grand scheme of things, “soft” skills can actually be more important than the oft-prioritized “hard” skills. With a strong foundation in emotional intelligence, executives, founders, and entrepreneurs can navigate even the most difficult of situations with poise and confidence.

Impact Players (2021) uncovers the qualities of the most indispensable players in a team or organization, and breaks down the mindset that sets these influential individuals apart from the rest. Drawing on insights from top industry leaders, it shows how to leverage the approaches used by influential professionals to multiply your own impact in the workplace.

The Lost Art of Connection (2021) is about building more authentic relationships at work and in life. It shows how professional networking doesn’t always have to be transactional, and offers the three-step Gather, Ask, Do method for building meaningful relationships and breaking down the technological barriers to deeper human connection.

The Success Trap (2020) explains why so many talented, high-achieving people feel stuck in their jobs, despite their success. It also explains how to break out of this trap and embrace the many opportunities that the modern world of work has to offer.

Flux (2021) offers a mindset to transform your relationship with change from fear to hope. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the pandemic, facing the end of a relationship, or anxious about climate change, these blinks detail eight essential practices for navigating change both personally and professionally.

Quit (2022) makes the case for an undervalued and important skill that can lead to success: knowing when to bow out. It lends nuance to the old-school advice that grit and perseverance are necessary to achieve goals – and offers a manual on how to quit, even when it’s difficult. 

Illogical (2022) is the story of how Emmanuel Acho, former pro football player turned media star, decided to take the illogical path to fulfill his potential and his dreams. Instead of following society’s rules, expectations, and constraints, he decided to break all of them –⁠ and in doing so, he became what he is today. And guess what? You can do the same.

Make No Small Plans (2022) is the inside story of how a group of young entrepreneurs created one of the world’s most exciting platforms for global events and conferences – the Summit Series. This isn’t just a chance for them to recount their company’s history, though. Packed with actionable takeaways and business wisdom, this is a book designed to inspire readers on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

The Power of Choice (2020) is a guide for professionals who are underrepresented in their fields or who are struggling to fit into their workplace cultures. Drawing on a practical set of principles, it shows how anyone can navigate setbacks at work by embracing personal responsibility. It also includes tips on how to improve self-confidence and mobilize professional relationships for long-term career growth.

Disrupting the Game (2022) tells the inspiring story of Reggie Fils-Aimé’s unlikely rise to the top of the video game industry – charting his journey from growing up as a kid in the Bronx to becoming president and COO of Nintendo of America. Along the way, it shares the lessons he learned about leadership and charting a career path.

The Lemonade Life (2019) is a hands-on guide to living life by design. It argues that most people settle for drudgery in their work, and make excuses for why things aren’t going to plan. But, in the end, the only person who can turn things around is you. If you’re willing to be authentic and bold in pursuit of your goals, you can live a life of fulfillment and adventure. The Lemonade Life demonstrates how to take practical steps to turn your dreams into reality.

The Pursuit of Excellence (2022) offers a thoughtful approach on how to become the best, most excellent version of yourself. Compiling wisdom from hundreds of interviews with world renowned experts and entrepreneurs, the author lays out the best habits and practices that anyone can use to improve their career and their lives.

The Journey Beyond Fear (2021) is a guide to overcoming fear and reaching your full potential. During his 40-year career in Silicon Valley, Hagel has identified three practical tools that anyone can benefit from. Here, he explains exactly how to use them, so you can make the most of exciting new opportunities in your professional and personal life.

Managing Oneself (1999) was originally published in Harvard Business Review. It’s a guide to identifying your strengths and weaknesses, understanding how you perform, and recognizing your values. In doing so, you can transform yourself from an ordinary worker into an outstanding performer.

Strategize to Win (2014) is a step-by-step guide for early to mid-level employees trying to plot a successful career trajectory in the modern workplace. It reimagines the professional life cycle as a marathon – where everyone takes responsibility to acquire the skills and experiences that prepare them for multiple roles, with each role treated as a natural progression toward their dream job.

You Coach You (2022) is a guide to being your own coach for maximum career success and happiness. With practical guides, questions that help you think about who you are at work, and fun exercises, the authors show you how you can be your own best cheerleader and guide. 

Start, Stay, or Leave (2023) provides practical advice for individuals at any stage of their career who are seeking guidance on how to make informed and fulfilling career decisions. Doing so relies on the importance of self-awareness, defining one's purpose and values, and creating a clear plan for achieving one's goals. 

Never Finished (2022) is your guide to transforming into the person you never imagined you could be. It shares stories of setbacks and lessons learned that you can use to power through life's unending challenges.

Next! (2023) is an inspiring guide to personal reinvention. With insights from scientific research and real-life success stories, it provides practical steps to implement meaningful change in life and work.

Fierce Conversations (2002) is a practical guide to having authentic, powerful conversations that can change the trajectory of your life. It uses anecdotes, practical techniques, and assignments to illustrate how conversations are the cornerstone of relationships.

Magic Words (2023) teaches you how to use the power of language to achieve your goals. Want to win an argument, nail a job interview, or get your child to clean up after themselves? This guide reveals the magical yet scientifically proven words that may make all the difference.

Sully (2009) chronicles the remarkable life journey of the pilot who landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York's Hudson River, ensuring the safety of all on board. The memoir sheds light on his unwavering dedication, the significance of readiness, and the profound lessons from his military and aviation careers. Through his experiences, the book emphasizes the enduring values that can guide individuals through times of adversity and uncertainty.

The Motive (2020) dives into the importance of leaders having a strong and clear drive for their work. Centered around two fundamental motives, it guides leaders to recognize their genuine intentions and adopt responsibility-driven leadership for the good of their organizations.

The Way Up (2022) is a career guidebook that provides professionals of color with empowering advice on climbing the corporate ladder. Drawing on interviews and lived experience, it tackles topics like expanding networks, overcoming impostor syndrome, and securing executive mentors. With motivating wisdom and practical strategies, it shows how to navigate workplace challenges and fulfill your leadership potential.

Hidden Genius (2023) compiles insightful and surprising lessons from some of the world’s most innovative, creative, and successful people. It goes on to unpack the mental frameworks through which these remarkable people see the world – and to show how you can use these frameworks to unlock your own potential.

Show Your Worth (2022) argues that defining success is a personal journey, one where you shape your own path. It's a guide to crafting a unique success story, understanding the value of your authenticity, and becoming a leader in your own life.

Future Skills (2022) outlines 20 core skills that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital world. From digital literacy to social media awareness, these competencies can benefit anyone regardless of career focus or life goals.

Influence and Impact (2021) offers a practical guide for professionals seeking to build their influence within organizations. Drawing on proven coaching techniques, it provides frameworks, stories, and solutions to help you evaluate your strengths, develop critical skills, and determine what roles will maximize your effectiveness.

StandOut 2.0 (2015) delves into the nuances of individual strengths and how to harness them for career success. Building on an assessment tool, the book identifies nine strength roles and offers actionable advice to help individuals find their talents and win at work. Through the identification and application of these strengths, individuals and teams alike can find their edge, achieve heightened productivity, and stand out in work and in life.

What They Teach You at Harvard Business School (2008) is a candid insider's view into one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, providing insights into its curriculum, culture, and impact on students' lives. Through case studies, math, and unsolicited advice, it follows one unlikely student’s memorable experience obtaining this coveted MBA, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of the HBS education along the way.

The Winner Effect (2012) reveals how intrinsic motivation and resilience can drive individuals to remarkable success. It explores the transformative power of grit and the nuanced influences of power, offering insights into balancing confidence and humility. Delve in and discover how your efforts and tenacity shape your destiny.

Writing for Busy Readers (2023) is a guide to writing effectively in the digital age. Based on research in behavioral science, it provides you with six principles for writing messages that are clear, concise, and engaging – even for busy readers.

I’m Not Yelling (2022) is part memoir, part tactical guide for Black women navigating corporate America. Filled with anecdotes and statistical data, it highlights the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace, and offers a range of reflections, strategies, and affirmations to empower you to step into your full potential. 

Playing to Win (2013) introduces a strategic framework that illustrates how companies can achieve success by making deliberate and well-considered choices. It delves into the "Five Choices Framework," detailing essential decisions that leaders must make to develop winning strategies. Using real-world examples, it emphasizes that a disciplined approach to strategy can create sustainable competitive advantage and turn companies into industry leaders.

Nine Lies About Work (2019) challenges common beliefs and practices in the workplace, proposing that many widely accepted truths about work are actually misconceptions. It aims to shift our understanding of work, advocating for a focus on individual strengths, the importance of the team, and the intrinsic love of work.

The Essential Drucker (2001) distills key lessons from decades of management consulting. It covers how to set ambitious yet achievable goals, hire for organizational fit, develop knowledge workers, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and craft strategies for growth. 

Elite Sales Strategies (2022) is a guide designed to catapult you from being a typical salesperson to a trusted consultant. It dives into the One-Up strategy that not only sells but also connects and provides value to clients.

$100M Leads (2023) is a proven playbook for attracting more leads than you’ll know what to do with. Through step-by-step frameworks and cutting-edge tactics, it shows you how to build self-sustaining marketing machines that convert at record rates.

Human + Machine (2018) explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, presenting a vision where human and machine collaboration enhances innovation, efficiency, and productivity. It delves into the changing landscape of various industries due to AI integration, emphasizing the new skills and roles that will become essential.

Nine-Figure Mindset (2023) explores the mindsets and philosophies for building massively successful business empires. Drawing from the real-life experiences of several entrepreneurs, it reveals the blueprint for taking your business and wealth to the next level.

Relationships at Work (2023) is an actionable guide on how to authentically build professional connections within the company. It provides practical tips on networking, from introducing yourself when you first start a job to sustaining ties when transitioning roles. 

Talent Wins (2018) advocates for a radical shift in business strategy to prioritize human capital, asserting that talent management should be at the core of organizational decision-making. It emphasizes the need for agility, collaboration, and a continuous learning culture to foster a high-performing workforce. And it provides practical strategies and recommendations to drive transformation and ensure that talent is leveraged effectively for business success.

The Upside of Uncertainty (2022) challenges you to transform your approach to the unknown. You're invited to shift from dread to discovery, learning to harness the potential within uncertainty to forge a path rich with innovation and personal growth. You'll emerge more resilient, creative, and ready to turn the unforeseen into opportunity.

The Little Book of Market Wizards (2014) distills decades of wisdom from iconic traders, sharing key insights on strategy, risk management, and mindset. Based on interviews with hedge fund managers and commodity traders who've generated huge returns, this book is packed with engaging anecdotes to teach you how persistence, flexibility, and emotional discipline will let you excel like the pros.