Most developer “must-read” lists are packed with frameworks, architecture, and clean code.
Useful… but incomplete.
If you want to grow this year soft skills matter!

• Better collaboration
• Clearer communication
• More impact

and (maybe) a side project that actually ships.

The next five books are a solid mix for you to read.

1) The 6 Types of Working Genius — Patrick M. Lencioni

Full title: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team.

Why it’s on a dev list

Because “good at coding” isn’t the same as “energised by the work you’re doing”.
This book gives you language for:

• What kind of work gives you energy
• What kind drains you
• How teams get stuck when key “genius” areas are missing

Try this after reading

• Write down the last 3 tasks that gave you energy.
• Write down the last 3 tasks that drained you.
• Spot the pattern, then adjust your sprint/work week to do more of the first category.

2) Start With Why — Simon Sinek

Full title: Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.

Why it’s on a dev list

Technical decisions don’t land unless people understand the purpose.
This helps when you’re:

• Proposing a refactor
• Building an efficient team
• Creating a new business

Try this after reading

Before your next proposal, write:

• Why: the change matters (outcome)
• How: the approach (principles)
• What: the actual work (tasks)

3) DotCom Secrets — Russell Brunson

Full title: DotCom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online.

Why it’s on a dev list

If you build side projects, dev tools, templates, or products, this book is a crash course in selling off and online.

Even if you never touch “marketing”, you’ll learn how offers and funnels are structured—useful for:

• Landing pages
• Pricing pages
• And building your side-hustle

Try this after reading

• Build a simple value ladder

4) The Jelly Effect — Andy Bounds

Full title: The Jelly Effect: How to Make Your Communication Stick.

Why it’s on a dev list

Because your career often bottlenecks on communication, not competence.
This helps with:

• Interviews
• Stakeholder updates
• Leading meetings
• Writing docs people actually read

Try this after reading

For your next design doc or update, add:

• A one-line headline
• 3 bullets of key points
• A clear “Decision needed” or “Next steps” section

5) The Millionaire Fastlane — M.J. DeMarco

Full title: The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime!.

Why it’s on a dev list

Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur—but most devs do want options.
This book is blunt about:

• Trading time for money vs building assets
• Leverage (systems, code, media, products)
• The difference between “busy” and “building”

Try this after reading

Pick one “asset” you can build this year:

• A small SaaS
• A paid template/tool
• A course/workshop
• A niche newsletter
• A portfolio of reusable components

Then commit to shipping something public every month.

Categories: Developer Chat, Productivity

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