Here are Integral’s “must-read” favorite picks from last year for you to add to your 2023 bookshelf. An outside-of-our-work perspective inspires us to do the work we do!
Book #1 nugget
Learn from past mistakes vs. dwelling on the action.
At Integral, we believe in recognizing growth impact. We minimize the focus on blame and maximize the value of lessons learned towards growth. John Buchholz’s nugget comes from The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, by Daniel Pink. We resonate with that: Frame your thinking of “at least” vs. “if only” to recall all the good in life.
Book #2 nugget
By accepting differences and asking questions we gain insight to promote positive change.
Haley Self’s pick leans into how we, as Integralistas, prioritize compassionate curiosity. Every interaction and source of knowledge offers unique and invaluable information to your day-to-day life and work. Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self Delusion discusses the current social media landscape. Best quote? ”Social media makes communication about morality very easy but makes actual moral living very hard.” The text elaborates on how younger generations confuse expressing an opinion with actually taking action. We resonate with that: Remember to lean into being curious!
Book #3 nugget
You are at your best when you can be transparent about motivations, assume others want to make it work, and proceed thoughtfully.
Charles Chesnut‘s pick: This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is a book to read in one sitting. Adam Kay offers equal amounts of laughter and tears. This love note to the UK’s healthcare system shares all the things wrong with it, yet underpins its importance. It’s an honest yet emotional account of his utmost challenging experiences. We resonate with that: being forthright, celebrating interactions that feel meaningful, legitimate, equitable, and true.
Book #4 nugget
Prioritize curiosity in your life.
When Taylor Shawver isn’t reading law school books she digs into suspense. Her top two must-reads are: Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State by Michelle McNamara. Both are shining examples of investigative journalism. Two very unsettling stories were captivating by the stories they told and by the authors’ dedication to telling those stories. We resonate with that: Expand your interests, to expand your perspectives!
Book #5 nugget
Embrace discomfort to habituate growth and agility.
Tatum Risch’s must-read pick was: The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self. This book was a reminder of the space we get to explore between ease and effort. A delightful blend of off-the-grid adventure with advice for our daily lives. We resonate with that: Prioritize curiosity and celebrate your growth!
Book #6 nugget
Every person is the source of unique and invaluable information.
Kari McLean’s selection is inspired by her niece Eva: The Fairyland Series by Catherynne M. Valente. A series about a girl attempting to ‘right what’s wrong’, spotlighting strength of character, and captivating imaginative situations grounded in problem-solving. We resonate with that: Habituate compassionate curiosity and lean into your authentic self!
Book #7 nugget
Revisit favorite books. They tell you something new each time.
Last but not least, Ethan McCarty’s pick: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl. While not exactly a page-turner, it is a special treat for the mind and heart. Ethan finds it grounding to revisit a memorable book now and again (don’t we all? nerd alert!) The book reveals something new each time. Frankl unpacks his concept of “will to meaning” — the core principle of logotherapy, a psychological school of thought. Unlike Nietzche or Freud, Frankl locates human motivation in a search for meaning and answering the call to responsibility. We resonate with that: Aligning your public/company and personal values is central to all that you do, how you do it and the relationships you build with others.
About our must-reads
TL;DR: We cleverly shared our team’s favorite book selections from 2022 with takeaways tied to our company values. It was subtle, even sneaky. But in all honesty, we wanted to give you a little glimpse into our team. We think it’s fun to learn what makes us tick. We practice authenticity. And it’s always a treat to derive inspiration from your fellow colleagues’ sources of inspiration.
How can we help your team?
Yeah, we like to read. But we also revel in taking action! We’re a nimble, cross-functional team that knows how to help you get the outcomes you’re seeking. Blending thoughtful strategy with expert execution, we deliver on employee communications, creative campaigns, technology rollouts, digital workplace issues, and culture and change management programs. Let’s talk!