August often brings a slower pace to professional life. While many people take this time to rest, for managers, it’s an ideal opportunity for professional development and enhancing leadership skills. Continuous learning is the key to success in a dynamic business environment, and reading is one of the most effective ways to keep your knowledge up to date and develop soft skills for management. In this article, we’ll provide practical tips on how to use August for manager training through reading and introduce you to a tool like LinkedIn Learning, available through the wherewework platform, which can support your growth.

Why Reading Matters for Managers

Reading isn’t just a way to fill free time, it’s an investment in managerial development. In the hustle of daily work, managers often lack time to focus on their own learning. August, with its slower pace, offers a unique chance to:

- Develop leadership skills through inspiring books and materials.

- Learn new approaches to team management and conflict resolution.

- Improve soft skills for management, such as emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic thinking.

- Stay updated with the latest trends in business and leadership.

Reading allows you to explore diverse perspectives, discover new ideas, and apply what you’ve learned to your daily work. It also boosts creativity and helps you make better decisions.

How to Organize Your Reading in August

To make the most of this quieter month, follow these steps to integrate reading into your continuous learning:

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start, define what you want to achieve. Do you want to improve your negotiation skills? Learn more about managing hybrid teams? Or perhaps focus on leadership skills like inspiring and motivating your team? Clear goals will help you choose the right materials.

2. Choose Diverse Sources

Combine different formats, books, articles, podcasts, and online courses. Here are a few suggestions:

- Books: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma or Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman are excellent choices for developing soft skills for management.

- Articles: Platforms like Harvard Business Review offer up-to-date insights on leadership and management.

- Online Courses: Tools like LinkedIn Learning provide access to thousands of courses to support your professional development.

3. Create a Reading Schedule

Set aside specific times during the day for reading, perhaps 30 minutes in the morning or evening. Even short, regular sessions can lead to significant progress. Use techniques like “time blocking” to ensure uninterrupted learning time.

4. Apply What You Learn

Reading is valuable only if you put new knowledge into practice. After each book or course, ask yourself: “How can I use this in my work?” Try new approaches in managing your team or communicating with colleagues and observe the results.

LinkedIn Learning: Your Partner in Professional Development

One of the most effective ways to support your continuous learning is through LinkedIn Learning, available via wherewework. This platform offers thousands of courses covering everything from leadership skills to technical knowledge. Here’s why LinkedIn Learning is ideal for managers:

- Personalized Learning: The platform analyzes your interests and professional goals to recommend relevant courses.

- Flexibility: You can learn at your own pace, which is especially useful in August when your schedule may vary.

- Focus on Soft Skills: Courses on emotional intelligence, time management, and effective communication are tailored for managers.

- Certificates: Upon completing a course, you receive a certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your commitment to professional development.

To get started, visit wherewework and explore the courses that will help you build new leadership skills and become a more effective manager.

Recommended Reading for August

Here are a few books to support your managerial development:

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear – Learn how to build sustainable habits for learning and productivity.

2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink – Understand how to motivate your team by tapping into intrinsic motivation.

3. Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol – Inspiration for innovative thinking and problem-solving.

Combine these books with LinkedIn Learning courses for maximum impact.

Conclusion

August is the perfect time to invest in yourself and your professional development. Through reading and tools like LinkedIn Learning, you can enhance your leadership skills, develop soft skills for management, and prepare for future challenges. Start with small steps, choose one book or course, set a goal, and dive into the world of continuous learning. Your future as a leader begins today!