20 Management Books to Read

Are you looking to brush up on your management skills or aspire to become a great leader? Reading is an effective way to glean wisdom from successful business leaders and thinkers.

This blog post lists 20 must-read management books, offering tips on everything from time management and strategy for startups to modern leadership and dealing with AI automation.

Key Takeaways

• “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo offers valuable tips for new and experienced managers to improve their leadership skills.
• “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr teaches the importance of setting objectives and key results (OKRs) for achieving success in business.
• “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown emphasizes the role of courage in effective leadership and encourages leaders to be vulnerable and learn from mistakes.
• “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal provides strategies for overcoming distractions in the digital age and improving focus and productivity.
• “First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman challenges traditional management rules and focuses on building strong teams based on employee strengths.

Management Books Recommended

Here are five management books that come highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and excel in their professional endeavors.

The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

Julie Zhuo wrote “The Making of a Manager”. As a top boss at Facebook, she knows about good leadership. In her book, she shares what makes a great manager. She talks about how to help teams do their best work.

Her book is full of tips for new managers. It’s also helpful for those who have been in the job for some time. Zhuo’s advice will help you grow your skills and become a better leader.

This book is one to read if you want to be the best manager you can be.

Measure What Matters by John Doerr

“Measure What Matters” is a great read by John Doerr. It shows you how to reach your aims. You will learn about OKRs or Objectives and Key Results. Big companies use this tool to grow fast.

Google, for example, used OKRs to become the big name it is now.

John Doerr shares real stories in his book. He talks about his work with well-known leaders and startups. Each story has useful lessons on goals and success. This book gives good advice for both CEOs and managers wanting better results at work.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown is a must-read book. It helps you be a great leader. The book shows how courage plays a big role in leading others. Here, being brave means opening up and showing who you are inside.

It tells us that it’s okay to make mistakes if we learn from them. This book will help anyone who wants to lead better and with heart. So, for those seeking modern leadership advice, “Dare to Lead” is an ideal choice.

Indistractable by Nir Eyal

In “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal, the author helps us understand how to avoid distractions in this digital age. He provides practical strategies to become more focused and productive, which is especially relevant for those in the technology industry.

Eyal explores the reasons why we get distracted and offers techniques to overcome these interruptions. Through his research-backed insights, he teaches us how to control our attention instead of allowing it to be controlled by external factors like smartphones or social media.

By implementing the principles from “Indistractable,” tech professionals can improve their ability to stay focused and achieve their goals amidst a world full of distractions.

First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

“First, Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman is a popular management book. This book focuses on breaking traditional rules of management and instead encourages managers to focus on their employees’ strengths.

It provides insights into how great managers differentiate themselves from others and create strong teams. With its easy-to-understand language and practical examples, this book is a valuable resource for technology professionals looking to improve their management skills.

Books for Personal Development

In this section, we will explore five essential books for personal development that will help you enhance your skills and mindset.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional life. This book is all about developing habits that lead to success.

Covey emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our actions and focusing on what we can control. He introduces seven habits, such as being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first, which can help us become more effective leaders and problem solvers.

Covey also highlights the significance of building strong relationships based on trust and communication. By implementing these habits into our daily lives, we can enhance our productivity and achieve long-term success both in the technology industry and any aspect of life.”.

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

In “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier, readers learn a simple yet powerful framework for having more effective coaching conversations. Stanier emphasizes the importance of asking questions and listening in order to truly understand and support others.

This book provides practical strategies and techniques that can be applied in various professional settings, including technology companies. By adopting a coaching mindset and using the seven essential coaching questions outlined in this book, managers and leaders can enhance their communication skills, empower their team members, and drive better results.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini is a recommended management book. This book explores the principles and tactics behind persuasive communication and how they can be used effectively in various situations.

With insights into human behavior and decision-making, Cialdini provides practical strategies that managers can apply to influence others positively. Whether you’re leading a team or trying to sell an idea, this book offers valuable techniques to enhance your persuasive abilities and achieve better results in your professional life.”.

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

“Start With Why” by Simon Sinek is a highly recommended management book. In this book, Sinek explores the importance of understanding our purpose and why we do what we do.

He argues that successful leaders and organizations focus on their “why” rather than just the “what” or “how.” By starting with why, they are able to inspire others, build trust, and drive meaningful change.

Sinek provides examples from various industries to illustrate his points, including technology companies like Apple. This book is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world where technology is constantly changing and businesses need to find ways to stay relevant and connect with their customers on a deeper level.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

“How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie” is a classic management book that is highly recommended for personal development. It teaches valuable skills on how to build strong relationships, influence others positively, and become more effective in communication.

The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, listening actively, and showing genuine interest in others. By implementing the principles outlined in this book, managers can improve their leadership abilities and create a positive impact on their teams.

Books for Leadership and Team Management

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek explores the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment for teams, while Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet focuses on empowering individuals and decentralizing decision-making to enhance team performance.

The Ordinary Leader by Randy Grieser emphasizes the qualities that make a great leader, and Radical Candor by Kim Scott provides insights on how to give feedback effectively for better team dynamics.

Finally, That’s What She Said by Joanne Lipman sheds light on gender dynamics in leadership and offers strategies for achieving equality in the workplace.

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek is a highly recommended management book for technology professionals. In this book, Sinek explores the idea of leadership and how it can positively impact teams and organizations.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders prioritizing the needs of their team members above their own. By creating a culture of trust and support, leaders can inspire loyalty and commitment from their employees.

Through real-life examples and insightful stories, Sinek provides valuable lessons on effective leadership in the digital age. This book is essential for any technology leader looking to build strong teams and achieve long-term success.

Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet

L. David Marquet’s book, “Turn the Ship Around!”, is a must-read for managers. This book tells the story of how Marquet transformed a struggling submarine crew into one of the best-performing teams in the U.S. Navy.

He challenges traditional hierarchical leadership and introduces a new approach called “leader-leader” instead of “leader-follower.” Marquet shares practical tips and real-life examples that can help technology leaders inspire their teams to take ownership and make better decisions.

By reading this book, managers can learn how to empower their employees, foster a culture of accountability, and create an environment where everyone works together towards shared goals.

The Ordinary Leader by Randy Grieser

“The Ordinary Leader” by Randy Grieser is a management book recommended for leaders. This book focuses on practical leadership principles that can be applied to everyday situations.

It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and building positive relationships with team members. The book also provides helpful tips and strategies for effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.

With its easy-to-understand language and actionable advice, “The Ordinary Leader” is a valuable resource for technology professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills and excel in their roles as managers.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott is a recommended management book. It focuses on the importance of giving direct feedback and being honest with your team members while still showing care and empathy.

The book provides practical tips and strategies for building stronger, more effective relationships in the workplace. With its emphasis on open communication and fostering a positive work environment, “Radical Candor” can help technology professionals improve their leadership skills and enhance their team’s productivity.

That’s What She Said by Joanne Lipman

In “That’s What She Said” by Joanne Lipman, the author explores gender inequality in the workplace. Using research and personal anecdotes, she highlights the challenges women face and offers strategies to create a more inclusive environment.

Lipman emphasizes the importance of diversity for innovation and success in technology companies. This book provides valuable insights into how companies can foster a culture that empowers all employees, regardless of their gender.

With practical advice and compelling stories, “That’s What She Said” is an essential read for those interested in promoting equality and driving positive change in the tech industry.

Books for Organizational Change and Effectiveness

The Silo Effect by Gillian Tett explores how organizational silos can hinder collaboration and provides strategies for breaking down these barriers.

The Silo Effect by Gillian Tett

In “The Silo Effect” by Gillian Tett, the author explores how organizations can become divided and disconnected. She looks at how different departments or teams within a company often work separately instead of collaborating effectively.

Tett examines the negative impact of these “silos” on communication, innovation, and decision-making. The book provides insights into why silos form and offers strategies for breaking them down to create a more collaborative and efficient workplace.

It is an important read for technology professionals who want to understand the challenges of organizational structure in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed

One management book recommended is “Permission to Screw Up” by Kristen Hadeed. This book shares the author’s personal experiences and lessons learned as she built her cleaning company from scratch.

It focuses on embracing failure, learning from mistakes, and creating a positive work culture. In this technology-driven world, where innovation and experimentation are crucial, this book can inspire managers to take risks, encourage creativity, and foster a culture of continuous learning within their teams.

By sharing practical advice and real-life stories, Kristen Hadeed offers valuable insights that can help leaders navigate challenges with resilience and authenticity.

Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan

Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan is a recommended management book. In this book, Dignan explores how organizations can adapt to the rapidly changing world of technology and thrive in the face of AI automation.

He emphasizes the importance of creating a more human-centered approach to work, fostering collaboration, and empowering employees at all levels. The book offers practical strategies for organizational change and effectiveness, providing insights into building resilient teams and shaping a culture that encourages innovation and agility.

With its focus on modern leadership practices and adapting to the demands of the digital age, Brave New Work is an essential read for leaders in technology-driven industries.

Start Finishing by Charlie Gilkey

“Start Finishing” by Charlie Gilkey is a management book that can help technology professionals improve their productivity and achieve their goals. This practical guide provides strategies for overcoming procrastination, managing projects effectively, and staying focused in a world filled with distractions.

Gilkey offers valuable insights on prioritization, time management, and workflow optimization to help readers take action and accomplish tasks more efficiently. By implementing the principles outlined in this book, technology professionals can enhance their ability to start and finish projects successfully, ultimately leading to greater success in their careers.

In “Start Finishing,” Charlie Gilkey shares practical advice specifically tailored for technology professionals who want to improve their productivity. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating systems to stay organized throughout the process.

By adopting these strategies, readers can develop a proactive mindset that allows them to tackle complex projects with confidence. Gilkey also addresses common challenges such as decision-making fatigue and perfectionism while offering techniques to overcome these obstacles effectively.

Creating an Effective Management System by Patrick Graupp, Skip Steward, and Brad Parsons

Creating an Effective Management System by Patrick Graupp, Skip Steward, and Brad Parsons is a highly recommended book for managers who want to improve their organizational change and effectiveness.

This book provides valuable insights on how to create a management system that promotes efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement. It covers topics such as defining clear goals, establishing effective communication channels, implementing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of accountability.

By following the strategies outlined in this book, managers can enhance their leadership skills and drive positive change within their organizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 management books are essential reads for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills. Whether you’re a CEO, a startup founder, or just starting out in your career, these books cover a range of topics from time management to strategy and team management.

By diving into these books, you can gain valuable insights and practical advice that will help you become a more effective and successful manager. So grab a book and start expanding your knowledge today!

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