Books on Soft Skills: Discover the Top 20 List

Looking to enhance your soft skills? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about soft skills that will help you develop essential abilities such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re a professional looking to advance in your career or simply want to improve your personal relationships, these books offer valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed. From renowned authors to hidden gems, this curated list has something for everyone. So, dive into the world of soft skills books and unlock your full potential!

20 Best Soft Skills Books

Emotional Intelligence 2.0

by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is a groundbreaking book on soft skills that delves into the crucial role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success. Co-authored by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, this insightful book offers practical strategies for increasing EQ and improving self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Through engaging storytelling and actionable techniques, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 provides readers with the tools to recognize and manage their emotions effectively, navigate social interactions, and build stronger relationships. The book also includes access to an online assessment to help readers gauge their current EQ levels and track their progress as they implement the strategies outlined in the book.

With its clear and accessible approach, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence and cultivate essential soft skills for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this book about soft skills has something valuable to offer.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a groundbreaking book on soft skills that has transformed countless lives and careers. Written by Stephen R. Covey, this timeless classic delves into the principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness, offering a holistic approach to success and fulfillment.

Covey’s timeless wisdom is based on the idea that true success is a result of aligning one’s actions with timeless principles. He presents a framework of seven habits that, when practiced consistently, can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. From being proactive and beginning with the end in mind to seeking first to understand and then to be understood, Covey’s book about soft skills provides practical guidance for anyone seeking to become more effective in their personal and professional lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this soft skills book is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate a mindset and habits that lead to lasting success and fulfillment.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic and a must-read for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal skills. This influential book on soft skills provides practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of human relationships and effectively communicate with others. Carnegie’s insightful teachings are based on fundamental principles that are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1936.

Readers will learn valuable techniques for building rapport, gaining cooperation, and becoming more influential in both personal and professional settings. The book about soft skills emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and showing genuine interest in others. Carnegie’s engaging writing style and real-life examples make this soft skills book an enjoyable and enlightening read for anyone seeking to enhance their social intelligence and become a more effective communicator. Whether you’re a business professional, student, or simply looking to improve your relationships, How to Win Friends and Influence People offers timeless wisdom that can benefit anyone.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High is a renowned book on soft skills that provides readers with valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations. Written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, this book offers a comprehensive guide on how to effectively communicate and manage high-stakes discussions in both personal and professional settings.

The authors emphasize the importance of mastering crucial conversations, which are pivotal moments that can significantly impact relationships, decisions, and outcomes. They provide readers with tools and techniques for staying calm, fostering open dialogue, and achieving mutually beneficial results during challenging interactions.

With its engaging storytelling and actionable advice, Crucial Conversations has become a go-to resource for individuals looking to enhance their communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or simply someone looking to improve your interpersonal relationships, this book about soft skills offers invaluable guidance for navigating delicate conversations with confidence and success.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

by Daniel H. Pink

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink is a groundbreaking book on soft skills that challenges traditional beliefs about motivation and offers a fresh perspective on what drives us to excel. Pink delves into the science of motivation, exploring the intrinsic factors that truly inspire us to perform at our best.

Through engaging storytelling and compelling research, Pink uncovers the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He argues that traditional carrot-and-stick approaches to motivation are not only outdated but also counterproductive in today’s dynamic work environment.

This soft skills book provides valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to foster a more motivated and productive workforce. It offers practical advice on how to tap into our innate desires for autonomy, the pursuit of mastery, and a sense of purpose in our work.

Overall, Drive is an eye-opening exploration of what truly motivates us and a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the drivers of human behavior and performance.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

by Carol S. Dweck

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck is a groundbreaking book on the power of mindset in achieving success. Dweck introduces the concept of ‘growth mindset’ versus ‘fixed mindset’ and explores how our beliefs about our abilities can profoundly impact our achievements. Through engaging real-life examples and scientific research, she demonstrates how having a growth mindset can lead to resilience, perseverance, and a love for learning, while a fixed mindset can limit potential and hinder progress.

This book about soft skills is a compelling and insightful read for anyone looking to develop a growth mindset in both their personal and professional lives. Dweck’s research offers practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset and overcoming the limitations of a fixed mindset. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or professional, Mindset provides valuable lessons on how to cultivate a mindset that leads to success and fulfillment.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative book about mindfulness and living in the present moment. Tolle’s profound insights and practical guidance help readers to break free from negative thought patterns and achieve inner peace. Through this book, Tolle encourages readers to let go of their past and future concerns, and instead focus on the power of the present moment. This book is not just a spiritual guide, but also a practical manual for applying Tolle’s teachings to everyday life. Tolle’s wisdom and gentle guidance make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to cultivate mindfulness and inner tranquility. The Power of Now is more than just a book about soft skills; it is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts

by Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their relationships. Chapman identifies five different ways that people communicate and understand love: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. By understanding and speaking your partner’s primary love language, Chapman argues that you can build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. The book offers practical advice and real-life examples to help readers apply these principles to their own relationships. Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been married for decades, this book provides valuable insights into how to express love in a way that resonates with your partner. It’s a book on soft skills that can benefit not only romantic relationships but also familial and platonic connections. Whether you’re looking for a deeper connection with your partner or simply want to improve your communication skills, this book about soft skills is an essential read.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

by Angela Duckworth

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth is a groundbreaking book on the importance of tenacity and determination in achieving one’s goals. Duckworth, a psychologist and MacArthur Fellow, delves into the concept of grit and its role in success, arguing that it is just as crucial as talent or intelligence. Drawing on her own research and real-life examples, Duckworth demonstrates how grit can be cultivated and harnessed to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success.

This compelling book about soft skills challenges the traditional belief that success is solely determined by innate abilities, and instead emphasizes the power of hard work and perseverance. Duckworth’s engaging writing style and insightful analysis make Grit a must-read for anyone looking to develop their resilience and determination. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply striving to reach your personal goals, this soft skills book offers valuable lessons on how to foster grit and achieve lasting success.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a groundbreaking book on personal development and behavioral psychology. It offers a compelling guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones by focusing on the small, incremental changes that lead to profound transformation. Clear emphasizes the power of tiny habits, or “atomic habits,” and how they can compound over time to produce remarkable results.

Readers will learn practical strategies for habit formation, including the importance of environment, the role of identity in shaping behavior, and the science behind habit formation. Clear’s engaging storytelling and insightful research make this book about soft skills an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional life.

Whether you’re aiming to boost productivity, enhance your health and fitness, or cultivate better relationships, Atomic Habits provides actionable advice and real-life examples to help you achieve your goals. This soft skills book is a must-read for anyone seeking to create lasting change in their lives.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz is a transformative book about personal growth and development. In this insightful and enlightening book, Ruiz shares ancient Toltec wisdom that offers a powerful code of conduct for attaining personal freedom and true happiness. The book presents four simple but profound agreements that, when practiced, can lead to a life of fulfillment and inner peace.

This book on soft skills delves into the importance of self-awareness, self-love, and the power of positive thinking. It encourages readers to let go of self-limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, and instead embrace a mindset of authenticity, compassion, and personal responsibility. The Four Agreements is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and overall well-being.

With its practical guidance and timeless wisdom, The Four Agreements is a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It is truly a book about soft skills that has the potential to transform lives and empower readers to live their best lives.

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living is a profound exploration of the human pursuit of happiness and inner peace. Written by the Dalai Lama XIV and psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler, this book offers invaluable insights on emotional intelligence and mental well-being. Through a series of conversations and interviews, the authors delve into the essence of happiness, discussing the importance of compassion, empathy, and resilience in our daily lives.

This enlightening book about soft skills also emphasizes the power of mindfulness, gratitude, and positive thinking as essential tools for cultivating a joyful and fulfilling existence. It provides practical wisdom on managing stress, overcoming adversity, and nurturing meaningful relationships. The Dalai Lama’s spiritual wisdom combined with Cutler’s psychological expertise creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers from all walks of life. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional development, or simply a deeper understanding of the human experience, The Art of Happiness is a timeless guide to navigating life’s challenges with grace and wisdom.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

by Robert B. Cialdini

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini is a groundbreaking book on soft skills that explores the psychology behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these principles to become more influential in both personal and professional settings. Cialdini delves into the six universal principles of influence, including reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity, and provides real-life examples and practical strategies for applying these principles effectively.

This book about soft skills is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their ability to persuade and influence others, whether it’s in sales, marketing, leadership, or everyday interactions. Cialdini’s engaging writing style and insightful research make this soft skills book not only informative but also entertaining and easy to digest. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, Influence will undoubtedly help you master the art of persuasion and become a more influential and effective communicator.

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a groundbreaking book on entrepreneurship and innovation. Ries introduces the concept of the Lean Startup, which emphasizes the importance of continuously innovating and adapting in order to create successful businesses in today’s fast-paced world. The book challenges traditional business models and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable and profitable companies.

Ries shares his insights on how to test ideas quickly, measure progress, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. By focusing on experimentation, iterative product development, and customer feedback, Ries advocates for a more efficient and effective approach to launching and growing a business.

With a wealth of real-world examples and case studies, The Lean Startup offers valuable lessons for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re a startup founder, a product manager, or an established business leader, this book about soft skills will inspire you to adopt a more agile and innovative mindset to achieve success in today’s competitive market.

The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

by Olivia Fox Cabane

The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane is a captivating book about soft skills that delves into the art and science of personal magnetism. Cabane provides practical strategies and techniques for anyone looking to enhance their charisma and influence. Drawing from psychological research and real-life examples, the book offers valuable insights into the power of presence, power, and warmth in creating a charismatic persona. Whether you’re a business professional, leader, or simply someone looking to improve your interpersonal skills, this soft skills book is a valuable resource for mastering the art of personal magnetism. The Charisma Myth challenges the notion that charisma is an innate quality and instead demonstrates how it can be developed and cultivated through deliberate practice. With its engaging writing style and actionable advice, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their presence and impact in personal and professional interactions.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a captivating exploration of the human mind and its decision-making processes. In this insightful book about soft skills, Kahneman delves into the two systems that drive the way we think: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slow, deliberate, and logical system. Through real-life examples and engaging anecdotes, Kahneman reveals the cognitive biases and errors that affect our judgment and decision-making abilities.

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how our minds work and how we can improve our decision-making skills. This soft skills book offers valuable insights into the complexities of human thought and behavior, making it an essential read for anyone interested in psychology, behavioral economics, or personal development. Thinking, Fast and Slow challenges readers to question their own thought processes and provides practical strategies for making better decisions in both professional and personal contexts.

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

by Shawn Achor

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor is a groundbreaking book on positive psychology that reveals the powerful connection between happiness and success. Achor, a leading expert in the field, presents seven principles that can fuel performance and achievement in both personal and professional life. Through engaging anecdotes and scientific research, he demonstrates how cultivating a positive mindset can lead to improved productivity, creativity, and resilience.

This book about positive psychology is not just theoretical; it provides practical strategies for individuals and organizations to apply these principles in their daily lives. Achor’s insights are especially valuable for anyone looking to enhance their soft skills such as optimism, resilience, and emotional intelligence. By shifting the focus from success leading to happiness to happiness leading to success, The Happiness Advantage offers a refreshing perspective on achieving professional and personal fulfillment.

The 48 Laws of Power

by Robert Greene

The 48 Laws of Power is a captivating and thought-provoking book on the dynamics of power and influence. Written by Robert Greene, this book delves deep into the timeless principles that govern the acquisition and maintenance of power in various social and professional settings. With a focus on human behavior and psychology, Greene offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the art of persuasion, manipulation, and leadership.

This book about soft skills is filled with historical anecdotes, philosophical insights, and practical examples that illustrate each of the 48 laws. Readers will gain valuable insights into the intricate workings of power dynamics, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of human interactions and relationships.

Whether you are a business professional, aspiring leader, or simply curious about the dynamics of power, The 48 Laws of Power is a compelling and enlightening resource that will challenge your perspectives and expand your knowledge of the subtle forces at play in our social and professional lives.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is a fascinating exploration of the science behind habits and how they shape our lives, both personally and professionally. Duhigg takes readers on a journey through the neurological processes that govern habit formation and explains how understanding these processes can lead to positive change. This insightful book delves into the power of keystone habits, which have the potential to transform other areas of our lives, and how organizations can harness the power of habits to improve productivity and performance. With captivating real-life stories and cutting-edge research, Duhigg provides actionable strategies for breaking bad habits and creating new ones. Whether you’re looking to improve your personal routines or enhance your professional effectiveness, this book on soft skills offers valuable insights and practical tools for making lasting change. The Power of Habit is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will empower you to take control of your habits and ultimately, your life.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

by Cal Newport

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport is a groundbreaking book about soft skills that explores the value of deep work in a world full of distractions. Newport argues that the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task is becoming increasingly rare and valuable in today’s economy. He presents a compelling case for the importance of cultivating the skill of deep work and offers practical strategies for achieving it.

Newport draws on research and real-world examples to demonstrate the benefits of deep work, such as increased productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. He also provides actionable advice for how individuals can incorporate deep work into their daily lives, from minimizing distractions to structuring their workday for maximum focus.

Whether you’re a professional looking to boost your productivity or an individual seeking to cultivate a valuable skill in today’s competitive landscape, Deep Work offers valuable insights and practical guidance for honing your ability to focus and achieve meaningful results.

Final Thoughts on Best Soft Skills Books

In conclusion, these 20 books about Soft Skills offer valuable insights and practical guidance for personal and professional development. Whether you’re looking to improve your communication, leadership, or emotional intelligence, there’s a book on this list that can help you hone your soft skills and achieve success in all areas of your life.

Which book about Soft Skills is best?

The best book on Soft Skills can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

  1. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves,
  2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,
  3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about Soft Skills?

For those looking to learn about Soft Skills, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

  1. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves,
  2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,
  3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie,
  4. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler,
  5. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink,
  6. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck,
  7. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle,
  8. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman,
  9. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth,
  10. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

These books offer a range of perspectives on Soft Skills, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books about Soft Skills?

The best books about Soft Skills are:

  • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves,
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,
  • The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz,
  • The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler,
  • The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman,
  • Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck.

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books about Soft Skills are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best Soft Skills books of all time?

Choosing the best Soft Skills books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but five titles that are often celebrated include

  • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves,
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,
  • Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink,
  • The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman,
  • and The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz.
  • Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Soft Skills and continues to be influential today.