7 Books for Highly Productive People
There are tons of books about personal productivity out there. In this article I want to show you my personal top 7.
The Effective Executive
The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker
This book is a treasure trove of wisdom; many books in the realms of productivity, management and leadership are inspired by Peter F. Drucker’s masterpiece.
Drucker’s insights unveil the secrets of successful leadership by highlighting eight crucial virtues, from meticulous planning to responsible decision-making and productive communication.
In this riveting exploration, it is discovered that, contrary to conventional belief, effectiveness isn’t a mystical quality but a skill that can be learned and mastered. Drucker sheds light on the demanding role of leaders, who must juggle their time, balance operational tasks, and ensure their efforts serve the greater organizational good.
Effective leaders, as Drucker unveils, possess a distinct set of qualities. They excel in time management, prioritize results over methods, harness strengths, establish clear priorities, and, perhaps most crucially, make impactful decisions.
Dive into “The Effective Executive” to unlock the secrets of becoming an influential and impactful leader!
The subtle Art of not giving a f*ck
The subtle Art of not giving a f_ck by Mark Manson
Written by no one less than the productivty-blogging guru Mark Manson, this book provides you with insights how to prioritize. It’s written in an irresistibly engaging manner, making you eager to continue reading; it’s brimming with humor and captivating charm.
From debunking the relentless pursuit of positivity to the revelation that happiness is indeed a problem, Manson’s raw and thought-provoking insights challenge conventional wisdom. The book explores the paradox of embracing suffering as a path to growth and urges readers to take control of their choices and responsibilities. With each chapter offering a fresh perspective on life’s complexities, Manson’s unfiltered wisdom ignites ideas and a thirst for applying his insights in productivity.
Got interested? Check out “[The subtle Art of not giving a fck](https://www.google.com/search?q=The+subtle+Art+of+not+giving+a+fck)”.
SCRUM: How to do twice the work in half the time
SCRUM: How to do twice the work in half the time by Jeff Sutherland
Agile projectmanagement started as a (r)evolution on how to plan and execute projects in softwaredevlopment with the agile manifesto. The SCRUM method, which is a widely used agile method, is introduced in this insightful book by one of the method’s father himself: Jeff Sutherland. The method is not just restricted to softwaredevlopment, but can be applied in fields such as construction, personal projects etc.
The SCRUM Process
The Core principles of SCRUM is the sprint. A sprint is a fixed timeframe (2-4 weeks) with a defined list of tasks and to dos - the (project) team comes together for the sprint planning at the beginning of the sprint and jointly lays out the task for the upcoming weeks.
SCRUM is a powerful method for doing projects in a shorter leadtime while simultaneously achieve better results. If you are interested in a comprehensive overview of the method, Jeff Sutherland’s “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time” is a great book.
The Lean Startup
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
In the captivating journey of “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, we embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of entrepreneurial success. Ries reveals a revolutionary approach to building thriving businesses, emphasizing five fundamental principles, including the ubiquity of entrepreneurship and the art of validated learning.
We explore the power of Cross-Functional Teams as agents of innovation, understanding that innovation thrives on continuous learning and adaptation. Ries walks us through real-world examples, like Dropbox and Food on the Table, demonstrating how small, cost-effective MVPs and actionable metrics play pivotal roles in the Lean Startup methodology.
Ries encourages startups to pivot when necessary, adapting to market feedback and testing hypotheses rigorously. He also highlights the importance of rapid learning through efficient processes, much like the Toyota Production System’s One-Piece Flow concept. With an emphasis on growth and adaptation, “The Lean Startup” offers a groundbreaking roadmap to entrepreneurial success, making it a must-read for aspiring and seasoned business innovators alike. If you want a deeper dive into the valuable learnings from the book, check out my article “Mastering Innovation: A Deep Dive into ‘The Lean Startup’”
Getting Things Done
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Unlocking your productivity and conquering the chaos of daily life - that’s the promise of the ‘Getting Things Done’ (GTD) method. The key lies in achieving ‘flow state,’; this is where productivity soars and stress plummets, starting with the liberating act of ‘Mind Dumping.’ GTD’s five-stage workflow process, from ‘Capture’ to ‘Engage,’ forms the foundation for mastering your workflow.
Embracing digital efficiency, the principles can adapt to today’s tech-driven world, ensuring every piece of information finds its place in your system. Furthermore GTD provides easy but effective methods such as the ‘two-minute rule’ and ‘next action’ – turning vague to-dos into precise, actionable steps. In conclusion, GTD offers easy yet powerful techniques to boost productivity and reclaim control of your life.
If you want to learn more about the GTD methodology, check out my article “Inside the Mind of ‘Getting Things Done’: The GTD Methodology”. Still want more? Check out the full book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.
How to win friends and influence people
How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s timeless classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of human connection. Packed with practical wisdom, this book reveals the secrets to building strong relationships and wielding influence in any sphere of life. It teaches the power of genuine interest, active listening, and the art of giving sincere compliments. With an emphasis on empathy and understanding, Carnegie’s principles foster cooperation and harmony, both personally and professionally. In a world where social skills and effective communication are paramount, this book remains an essential resource for becoming a true people-person and a force to be reckoned with.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
You cannot talk about productivity without mentioning this book. This book, consistently perched at the top of management-literature-lists, drews you in with its compelling insights.
It all begins with paradigms – those external influences shaping how we perceive the world. These paradigms are stubborn, but a shift in perspective can work wonders, as illustrated by captivating stories. Stephen Covey advocates the “inside-out” approach, urging us to be proactive and self-reliant. He introduces the seven habits, kicking off with moving from independence to interdependence, emphasizing the power of teamwork.
The book is sectioned into two victories: private victory (the first three habits) and public victory (the next three habits). The last habit “renewal” is about self-improvement, comprising four elements: physical fitness, spiritual pursuits, continuous mental growth and seeking win-win solutions.
You got interested? Check out the full book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.
Thank you for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks!