The CSR Scoop - Summer Reading List Edition
As we head into the final stretch of summer, the Common Impact team is picking up the last of the books on our summer reading list. Check out how we’re spending these long, warm August days.
Between the World and MeFrom Danielle: I just finished Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, which Toni Morrison simply and accurately described as “required reading”. A personal and powerful narrative, written as a letter to Coates’ 15 year old son, Between the World and Me shares the fear, anger, apathy, drive of a black father in America as he considers his son’s future in a structurally racist society. A simple and powerful reminder of the work that we have left to do to create a truly just and equitable world.
From Jackie: Crucial Accountability is an easily digestible and practical book that offers managers the tools and resources to improve all relationships - whether it be in the workplace or in other aspects of one’s life. By holding others accountable, this book teaches you how to develop authentic, honest relationships that lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace and life.
From Lauren: One of the books at the very top of my reading list for the summer is Drive, by Daniel Pink. This book teaches us about intrinsic motivation in both our personal and professional lives. Pink tells us that given the choice, humans will work for less money if a company offers them more creative outlets, flexibility and challenges with their long-term goals. To sum it up: if you provide people with a sense of purpose, they will create remarkable work. We see this come to life every day at Common Impact, both internally and with our clients who, through skills-based volunteering, give back to the community while they develop their talents and purpose.
From Molly: As the youngest member of the Common Impact team, I’m rapidly approaching my “quarter-life crisis”. A book on the top my reading list is Adam Smiley Poswolsky’s The Quarter-Life Breakthrough, about how young people can satiate their craving for purpose and meaning in today’s success-driven work environment. This is a top-of-mind issue for me both in my work at Common Impact to engage employees through skills-based volunteering, and in my own efforts to understand and calibrate my personal career priorities.
And our favorite new blog: The Clyde Fitch Report’s Nonprofiteer, written by former iMentor President Caroline Kim Oh, leads its readers through funny, sincere and wise reflections on surviving and thriving in purpose-driven work.
What reads are inspiring you lately? Let us know what we should add to our list!
