Contributors to the June 2024 issue of TD magazine offer their book recommendations.

Jolie Wills

The Art of Gathering

by Priya Parker

This book guides readers through how to design learning experiences to deepen the connection to the learning function's purpose, leverage the richness of human experience, and serve the program's intended impact. The Art of Gathering is practical, story-filled, and insightful and a joy to read. I highly recommend it for all TD professionals looking to create impactful learning experiences.

Beverly Kaye

The Long Game

by Dorie Clark

All of us in the learning field are playing a long game. The changes in our field have caused us to rethink the rules and our role many times. Clark provides specific ideas and suggestions on how to handle the shifts that happen continually. And she is a great storyteller, one who has clearly been there and done that. There is much to learn from her adventures and her book.

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One

By Jenny Blake

Jenny Blake’s book is as true today as the day she wrote it! She defines pivot as “doubling down on what is working to make a purposeful shift in a new related direction.” So many of us are in that precise place today. We have no choice but to pivot and we need advice on all the principles of precisely how to do that. The author provides a great step by step method and counsels her readers all the way through. Her suggestions are peppered with great examples and great stories and she is an excellent writer and superb coach!

Liz Herrick

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

by Susan M. Weinschenk

The author condenses extensive neuroscience research into 100 useful, clearly defined human "things" such as seeing, reading, remembering, and making mistakes. Weinschenk includes helpful examples, visuals, and, most importantly, a list of takeaways for each item that translate the research into straightforward recommendations.

Performance-Focused Learner Surveys: Using Distinctive Questioning to Get Actionable Data and Guide Learning Effectiveness

By Will Thalheimer

Will Thalheimer’s learner survey approach is based on a training-effectiveness taxonomy that emphasizes learning transfer, and his recommended questions brilliantly nudge instructors/designers, students, and stakeholders to support learning and performance. We are piloting new surveys based on this book and immediately getting the actionable results we need to improve our instruction (no more meaningless Likert-scale data!).

Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions

By Bella Martin and Bruce Hanington

This book details over 100 research methods for collecting user-centered data. Whatever you need to find out about your audience, this book has a technique you can use. It covers standard techniques such as Concept Mapping, Task Analysis, and Shadowing, along with unique approaches like Graffiti Walls, Speed Dating, and Participatory Action Research.

Universal Principles of Design, Revised and Updated: 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design

By William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler

Universal Principles of Design includes 125 methods for influencing perception and helping people learn and make better decisions. The book covers cognitive biases such as Framing, Priming, and the Picture Superiority Effect, as well as techniques like Storytelling, Chunking, and Progressive Disclosure. I highly recommend this treasure trove of insights into the human mind and ideas for improving the design of your performance solutions.

Heather Balcerek

Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter

By Will Wise and Chad Littlefield

Weand.me founders Will Wise and Chad Littlefield have helped me level up my facilitation skills, especially when it comes to kicking off a session with more than a standard icebreaker. Asking Powerful Questions introduces a framework to help you build connections from start to finish in any setting. Building trust is a key part of facilitating an impactful session, and this book will be your guide.

Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance

By Erica Dhawan

Body language is key in communicating with others and building connections with others. But in the virtual space, it can be hard to identify the same cues. Erica Dhawan brings in a wealth of knowledge and practical tips, covering email, chat, and video calls. No matter how long you have been working remotely, this book offers great insights to help you deepen your connections in the virtual space.

Nathan Regier

Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well

By Amy Edmondson

From the pioneer of psychological safety comes another incredible resource for learning and development professionals. Edmonson shows how failure can be a critical part of the learning and growth process, distinguishes between different kinds of failure, and shows leaders how to maximize conditions for "intelligent failures" that catapult us forward in positive ways.