On My Shelf with Stefanie Bialas — Implementation Consultant — Team Lead at makepositive (London)
About me
I build CRM systems for companies to thrive further in their business and challenge the good old “we have always done it this way” view. Corporate social responsibility and inclusion are a passion of mine and I participate where possible in Women in Tech activities and education for young people
On my shelf
Sapiens
A Brief History of Humankind
by Yuval Noah Harari
My opinion
Our world is full of processes and beliefs but how did these get established in the first place? Why do we believe in concepts like money or law? The book gives very good insights into those concepts and can certainly encourage us to rethink existing structures and how and if we can approach things in a different way.
464 pages, Harper Perennial 2018
Get this book (amazon.com), (amazon.de)
Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
by Simon Sinek
My opinion
I first came across Simon on LinkedIn, watching one of his talks about Millenials. He explains why we should always start our message with the why and not with how, who, or what. We can better catch our audience and communicate clearly what it is that we actually want to share. Better communication can lead to better results and makes it easier to achieve the goal we are targeting.
256 pages, Portfolio 2011
Get this book (amazon.com), (amazon.de)
Systemantics
How Systems Work and Especially How They Fail
by John Gall
My opinion
Written in 1979 and still valid! Gall starts off with “Things Aren’t Working Very Well.” He talks about systems and why they are failing us. With real-life examples, he illustrates how this is applicable to us. It is entertaining and gives food for thought on where things fail and where we can put work in to improve systems of any kind.
111 pages, Quadrangle 1978
Get this book (amazon.com), (amazon.de)
The Pyramid Principle
Logic in Writing and Thinking
by Barbara Minto
My opinion
In consulting, we are selling our know-how. Communication is key to land the gig in the first place. You know how to challenge a business issue but it needs to be explained clear and plain to the stakeholders to get the foot in the door. Minto explains this very well in her book, definitely a handbook for any consultant.
177 pages, Prentice Hall 2010
Get this book (amazon.com), (amazon.de)
The Back of the Napkin
Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
by Dan Roam
My opinion
Have you ever been lost for words while discussing an idea passionately with friends? Take a napkin and draw it. Roam explains in his book that we all have visual skills even if we don’t see that as our strong suit. A simple drawing might even be more understandable than any highly polished PowerPoint presentation.
“Inspiring! It teaches you a new way of thinking in a few hours-what more could you ask from a book?”
— Dan Heath, Author of Made to Stick
282 pages, Portfolio 2009
Get this book (amazon.com), (amazon.de)
How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
My opinion
The style of communication is crucial to draw people on your side or against you. Carnegie gives examples of how to approach this and dos and don’ts, especially criticism versus encouragement and positivity of a message. The first publication of this book came out in 1936, some people might be unknown now but the examples are still relevant.
228 pages, Pocket Books 1936
Get this book (amazon.com, amazon.de)
Our series “On my shelf” features product people from all over the world who are passionate about reading and sharing their best book recommendations with the community. If you want to join the movement and share your reading list with others send us a message. Let’s get better together 📚.
