Top Summer Picks for Assistants

 What are you reading?

I love summer. For me, it’s a deliciously (slightly) slower time when I catch up on reading that opens my mind to new ideas. I am taking a breath after traveling more than I have ever done before, even when I worked with Olympia. My suitcase has never gotten such a workout!

I want to share my Top Picks for where my inspiration is coming from. I’ve included some favorite quotes, blogs, and videos too. I love to know what you are reading. Please comment in the post to share your top picks too! And yes, that’s me on my patio.

“A mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its earlier dimension.”   Oliver Wendell Holmes

Book
Lean In, Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Simply put, I am a raving fan of this genius woman who has written an outstanding book. Sheryl Sandberg has reopened the discussion about what it means to be a working woman in 2013. Every assistant and every manager needs to read this book. One quote: “The most important career decision a woman makes is the choice of a partner.”

Articles
Warren Buffett: The Three Things I Look For in a Person by Shane Parrish
This post on LinkedIn received the most feedback of anything I posted so far this year. It really hit a nerve with me. What do you think?

Five Ways to Make Your Own Happiness by Kevin Daum
Freedom is one of my favorite concepts and this Inc article focuses on what we need to free ourselves from in order to find happiness. I think it applies to work and life.

How to Stand Up to Workplace Bullying by Bonnie Low-Kramen
I wrote this article for Glassdoor.com because bullying continues to be rampant in today’s workplace. Together we can break the silence to make a difference.

“Our lives begin to end the day we stay silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Videos
I am hooked on TED.com and YouTube videos. So much great stuff.

Jeff Hoffman: The Power of Wonder  Who doesn’t want to imagine being five again?  11:30  

Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are   Powerfully intelligent lesson on body language. Amy makes me cry every time. 21:00

Sheryl Sandberg: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders   You will come away with a new perspective on what is going on between the genders in our world. Tip: If you like this video, watch Sheryl’s commencement speech from Barnard College, 2010. 15:28 

 Daily Blogs / Magazine – Excellent workplace news

Careerealism   http://www.careerealism.com/subscribe/  

Farnum Street Blog   www.farnamstreetblog.com  

Executive Secretary Magazine (and not only because I’m a contributing writer!) www.executivesecretary.com

“The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”   Mark Twain