HR and talent management professionals have had a lot to deal with in 2022 especially the urgency to meet shifting business priorities and employee needs in the wake of unforeseen developments, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the collapse of the cryptocurrency market.  

As we approach the new year, HR and business leaders must invigorate themselves with fresh fervour and a perspicacious vision with the aim of making the world of work better for all. Having said that, there is no playbook for HR and business leaders — their role is broader and deeper than ever before. Those who consistently seek to learn, adapt, and grow as they navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the VUCA world will emerge as successful leaders.

The 12 must-read books we compiled here, as recommended by some of the world's most respected authorities including Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Dave Ulrich, Ruth McGill, Jeff Schwartz, Kate Barker, and Josh Bersin will help you make sense of the new dynamics of work, workplace and the workforce and lead effectively in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

So, be sure to add them to your reading list.

Kate Barker, Chief Future of Work Officer & Executive Coach, NEOM

1. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know By Adam Grant
2. The Future Is Faster Than You Think by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Ruth McGill, Chief Human Resources Officer, ING Bank

1. The Talent Delusion: Why Data, Not Intuition, Is the Key to Unlocking Human Potential Potential By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic 
2. Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World by Jacqueline Brassey, Aaron De Smet, Michiel Kruyt

Dave Ulrich, Prof, Author, Speaker, Management Coach

1. Redesigning Work: How to Transform Your Organization and Make Hybrid Work for Everyone by Lynda Gratton
2. Work without Jobs: How to Reboot Your Organization’s Work Operating System by Ravin Jesuthasan and  John W. Boudreau

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Organisational psychologist, Chief Innovation Officer, ManpowerGroup  

1. Adrift: America in 100 Charts by Scott Galloway
2. Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) by Amy Gallo  

Jeff Schwartz, VP Insights & Impact, Gloat, Prof, and Author

1. Redesigning Work: How to Transform Your Organization and Make Hybrid Work for Everyone by Lynda Gratton
2. Irresistible:  The Seven Secrets of the World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations by Josh Bersin
3. Working with AI:  Real Stories of Human-Machine Collaboration by Thomas H. Davenport and Steven M. Miller 

Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO, The Josh Bersin Company

1. CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram Malhotra  
2. Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times by Jonathan Sacks