Entering StartUpLand: An Essential Guide to Finding the Right Job

Jeffrey Bussgang

Harvard Business Review Press, 240 pp., $28

While some talent development professionals aspire to launch their own training consultancy or learning-related technology solution, not everyone wants to walk that path. For some, the idea of working at a young, growing firm is intriguing, but founding that organization isn't. These individuals should read Entering StartUpLand. Written as a guide for people interested in joining start-ups, it outlines the roles typically available at such organizations and what each of those roles usually does. Then it discusses how to search for a job with a start-up, giving you a framework for identifying companies and positions that are right for you.

Do Big Things: The Simple Steps Teams Can Take to Mobilize Hearts and Minds, and Make an Epic Impact

Craig W. Ross, Angela V. Paccione, and Victoria L. Roberts

Wiley, 256 pp., $28

As companies reorganize their workforces, many have turned to small, cross-functional teams. However, organizations rarely support teams with what they really need for success. As the authors note, the things most companies encourage—"developing your team to be trustworthy, communicate more effectively, and so forth"—aren't enough. Instead, they contend that a leader's job is to "enable your team members to better deliver what has to get done." The book presents the traits of strong and weak teams, providing a framework for ensuring yours falls into the former category.