.svg "edstellar")
In an era where AI-driven automation is rapidly transforming workplaces, the role of employees is evolving. While technology takes over many manual and routine tasks, human contributions are becoming more focused on areas where machines cannot compete, So the soft skills are increasingly valued by leaders aiming to develop a well-rounded workforce.
In this 21st century, everything has become about using AI tools like ChatGPT to get your answers. Not only you, but many people also don't know if the AI is providing the right information. Because of this uncertainty, many individuals prefer watching and listening to videos and podcasts, ranging from ten minutes to a maximum of five hours, to gather reliable information.
How can I learn soft skills?
According to Abakcus, 74% said they learn new skills through online videos, 65% through in-person courses, and 61% through books and articles.
They incorporate real-world experiences, case studies, and actionable strategies to help readers develop and refine their soft skills for professional success. Whether you're looking to enhance workplace performance, improve interpersonal relationships, or boost your leadership capabilities, these are the best books about soft skills tailored to your specific needs. From mastering nonviolent communication and overcoming imposter syndrome to understanding the psychology of persuasion and building effective habits, these books offer comprehensive guidance for anyone seeking to excel in their career and personal life.
15 Must-read Books to Build Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential for personal and professional success, encompassing a wide range of abilities that facilitate effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. The skills that are gained through the below books are as follows time management, interpersonal skills, assertiveness, active listening, conflict resolution, adaptability, persuasion, negotiation, professionalism, decision making, critical thinking, analytical skills, focus, and productivity.
It is necessary to understand this disclaimer, that we are not promoting any of the books but suggesting professionals to upskill in soft skills.
.webp)
1. Soft Skills for the Workplace
| Name of the Book | Soft skills for the Workspace |
| Name of the Auther | Goodheart-Willcox |
| Year of Publish | 2018 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.3/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Goodheart-Willcox emphasizes the importance of developing soft skills for success in the workplace, covering essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This is one of the good books about soft skills, offering practical exercises and real-world examples to help readers apply these skills effectively in their daily work environments.
About the Author :
Goodheart-Willcox is a leading publisher of educational materials for career and technical education, providing resources to help individuals succeed in their professional lives.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Enhanced communication and teamwork abilities
- Improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Better understanding of workplace ethics and professional behavior
2. SOFT SKILLS for a BIG IMPACT:
| Name of the Book | SOFT SKILLS for a BIG IMPACT |
| Name of the Auther | Renu Shorey |
| Year of Publish | 2021 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.5/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Renu Shorey’s soft skills for a big impact book is one of the best books about soft skill. It aims to help readers overcome self-doubt and enhance their workplace performance by developing key soft skills, improving communication, and resolving conflicts.
About the Author :
Renu Shorey is a consultant and author specializing in workplace training and development, focusing on improving interpersonal skills and organizational effectiveness.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Increased confidence and reduced self-doubt
- Improved workplace ethics and communication skills
- Enhanced ability to resolve conflicts and achieve success
3. She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership
| Name of the Book | She Thinks Like a Boss |
| Name of the Auther | Jemma Roedel |
| Year of Publish | 2020 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Rating of the Book | 4.7/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Jemma Roedel provides guidance for new female leaders on developing essential leadership skills, influencing teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome. This is one of the best books to acquire soft skills in leadership.
About the Author :
Jemma Roedel is an author and leadership coach who focuses on empowering women in business through practical advice and skill development.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Developed leadership skills tailored for women.
- Improved team influence and management.
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and gaining confidence.
4. Soft Skills: Know Yourself and Know the World
About the Book :
K Alex sees this popular soft skill book as an essential guide for personal and professional development. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and interpersonal skills in achieving success in any field.
About the Author :
Dr K Alex is an academic and author specializing in personal development and communication skills in the Indian context.
Post Read Outcomes :
- A comprehensive understanding of various soft skills including communication, teamwork, and leadership
- Practical exercises and case studies to apply soft skills in real-life scenarios
- Self-awareness and interpersonal skills development
5. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
| Name of the Book | Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ |
| Name of the Auther | Daniel Goleman |
| Year of Publish | 1995 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Rating of the Book | 4.4/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Daniel Goleman believes that emotional intelligence is a critical factor for success, often more important than IQ. He aims to show readers how to develop EI to improve their relationships and career prospects. This is a must-read book on strengthening your soft skills that provides practical insights and strategies to help you navigate social complexities and achieve personal and professional growth.
About the Author :
Daniel Goleman is an internationally known psychologist who lectures frequently to professional groups, business audiences, and on college campuses.
Post Read Outcomes :
- The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and its components
- How EI affects personal and professional success
- Techniques to improve self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills
6. The 5 Essential People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts
| Name of the Book | The 5 Essential People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts |
| Name of the Auther | Dale Carnegie |
| Year of Publish | 2009 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Rating of the Book | 4.4/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Dale Carnegie sees this book as a practical guide for enhancing interpersonal skills. The authors believe that mastering these skills is essential for leadership and personal success. This self-help book will help to identify and develop soft skills, enabling readers to build stronger relationships, improve their influence, and navigate social interactions with greater confidence and ease.
About the Author :
Dale Carnegie Training is a global training and development organization specializing in leadership, sales, and communication training.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Key interpersonal skills for effective communication and conflict resolution
- Techniques for assertiveness, active listening, and empathy
- Practical advice for building better relationships at work and in personal life
7. Comunicação não-violenta (Nonviolent Communication)
| Name of the Book | Comunicação não-violenta (Nonviolent Communication) |
| Name of the Auther | Marshall Rosenberg |
| Year of Publish | 2003 (Portuguese edition 2006) |
| Country | Brazil |
| Rating of the Book | 4.6/5 |
| Available Languages | Multiple languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, German, French |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, Americanas |
About the Book :
Marshall Rosenberg views NVC as a powerful tool for improving relationships and resolving conflicts. He believes that compassionate communication can transform personal and professional interactions. This is one of the best books to acquire soft skills till now, offering insightful techniques and practical exercises to help individuals communicate more effectively and empathetically.
About the Author :
Marshall Rosenberg was an American psychologist and the creator of Nonviolent Communication, a communication process that helps people exchange the information necessary to resolve conflicts and differences peacefully.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Principles and practices of nonviolent communication (NVC)
- Techniques for expressing oneself honestly and empathetically
- Strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully
8. Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual
| Name of the Book | Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual |
| Name of the Auther | John Z. Sonmez |
| Year of Publish | 2014 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.3/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, Bookswagon |
About the Book :
John Sonmez believes that technical skills alone are not enough for success in the software industry. He emphasizes the importance of developing soft skills in-demand to complement technical expertise.
About the Author :
John Z. Sonmez is an American software developer, author, and entrepreneur. He is known for his work in personal development for software developers.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Soft skills essential for software developers, including communication, time management, and teamwork
- Tips for career development and personal growth
- Balancing technical skills with interpersonal skills
9. 4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work--Anywhere!
| Name of the Book | 4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work--Anywhere! |
| Name of the Auther | Bento C. Leal III |
| Year of Publish | 2017 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.6/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, |
About the Book :
Bento C. Leal III emphasizes the importance of effective communication in all areas of life and provides practical tools and challenges to improve these skills.
About the Author :
Bento C. Leal III is an author and communication skills trainer, focusing on helping individuals improve their relationships through better communication.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Enhanced communication skills in personal and professional settings.
- Practical tools for effective listening and speaking.
- Participation in a 12-day communication improvement challenge.
10. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
| Name of the Book | Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion |
| Name of the Auther | Robert B. Cialdini |
| Year of Publish | 2006 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.5/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, Barnes & Noble |
About the Book :
Robert B. Cialdini perceives his book as a scientific exploration of persuasion. He aims to help readers understand the mechanisms of influence to become more persuasive and resist unethical manipulation.
About the Author :
Robert B. Cialdini is an American psychologist and professor emeritus of psychology and marketing at Arizona State University. He is known for his research on influence and persuasion.
Post Read Outcomes :
- The psychology behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these insights
- Six universal principles of persuasion and how to use them ethically
- Techniques for improving negotiation and sales skills
11. Soft Skills for Dummies
| Name of the Book | Soft Skills for Dummies |
| Name of the Auther | Cindi Reiman |
| Year of Publish | 2015 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Cindi Reiman provides a comprehensive guide to developing a wide range of soft skills, from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability.
About the Author :
Cindi Reiman is an educator and trainer specializing in soft skills development, with extensive experience in helping individuals enhance their professional capabilities.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Improved communication and teamwork skills.
- Enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Greater adaptability and resilience in the workplace.
12. The Hard Truth About Soft Skills:
| Name of the Book | The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: |
| Name of the Auther | Peggy Klaus |
| Year of Publish | 2008 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.3/5 |
| Available Languages | English |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, Revolution Books |
About the Book :
Peggy Klaus sees this book as a reality check for professionals. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills in career advancement and workplace harmony.
About the Author :
Peggy Klaus is an American author, executive coach, and leadership trainer known for her work on soft skills and professional development.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Essential soft skills for workplace success, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability
- Practical advice for navigating office politics and building a positive work environment
- Real-life examples and lessons from professionals
13. Thinking, Fast and Slow
| Name of the Book | Thinking, Fast and Slow |
| Name of the Auther | Daniel Kahneman |
| Year of Publish | 2015 |
| Country | Israel/United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.4/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon, Gyaan Store & Bookscape |
About the Book :
Daniel Kahneman views his book as a comprehensive study of human thought processes. He aims to enlighten readers about the cognitive biases that influence their decisions and how to mitigate them.
About the Author :
Daniel Kahneman is an Israeli-American psychologist and Nobel laureate, notable for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics.
Post Read Outcomes :
- The dual systems of thinking: fast (intuitive) and slow (analytical)
- Cognitive biases and how they affect decision-making
- Strategies to improve judgment and decision-making processes
14. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
| Name of the Book | Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones |
| Name of the Auther | James Clear |
| Year of Publish | 2018 |
| Country | United States |
| Rating of the Book | 4.8/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more |
| Book Available on Which Platform | BooksTech, Gyaan Store |
About the Book :
James Clear believes that small, consistent changes can lead to remarkable results. He views his books to improve soft skills as a practical guide to mastering habits and achieving personal and professional success.
About the Author :
JJames Clear is an American author and speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement.
Post Read Outcomes :
- The science of habit formation and practical strategies for building good habits
- How small changes can lead to significant improvements
- Techniques for overcoming bad habits and creating a positive environment for growth
15. Soft Skills for the Rigid Worker
| Name of the Book | Soft Skills for the Rigid Worker |
| Name of the Auther | Chris Estrada |
| Year of Publish | 2019 (Portuguese edition 2006) |
| Country | Italy |
| Rating of the Book | 4.4/5 |
| Available Languages | English, Italian |
| Book Available on Which Platform | Amazon |
About the Book :
Chris Estrada aims to help individuals who may struggle with rigid thinking to develop soft skills necessary for authentic leadership, effective management, and strong interpersonal relationships.
About the Author :
Chris Estrada is an Italian author and coach specializing in leadership and interpersonal skills, with a focus on helping professionals adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.
Post Read Outcomes :
- Developed authentic leadership and management skills
- Mastered interpersonal relationships and communication
- Improved flexibility and adaptability in professional settings
Conclusion
The 15 best books for soft skills listed here offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that is essential for professional growth and workplace skills development. Covering a broad spectrum of soft skills, including communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving, these books provide readers with the tools needed to navigate complex social environments, manage emotions, and build strong relationships.
Each of these soft skills books online presents unique insights and strategies, helping individuals to improve their abilities and reach their full potential. From the transformative power of living in the present moment to mastering the science of habits and deep work, these books are instrumental in cultivating the essential soft skills required in today's world. By dedicating time to read and apply the lessons from these books, individuals can achieve greater success and fulfillment in their professional lives.
Edstellar stands out by not only matching the value of these books but also offering global corporate scalable training solutions. While soft skills for success books develop individuals one at a time, Edstellar’s soft skills corporate training programs train and develop multiple professionals simultaneously, delivering the same valuable soft skills efficiently and effectively. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive training that equips employees in organizations with the skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic environment.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg)
.webp)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
