7 Books for Highly Productive Managers

The world of management and leadership literature is expansive. In this piece, I aim to introduce seven captivating books from this realm that I enjoyed personally.

Start with Why

_{Start with Why by Simon Sinek}

The book Start with Why by Simon Sinek explores the power of beginning with a clear sense of purpose.

Sinek criticizes manipulative tactics in the corporate world and emphasizes the importance of starting with the question “Why.” He introduces the concept of the Golden Circle, where “Why” forms the core, followed by “How” and “What.” Sinek illustrates the significance of authenticity, discipline, and consistency in achieving success, using examples such as Southwest Airlines.

The book underscores the challenge of maintaining a clear “Why” as organizations grow, citing examples like Walmart’s shift from a mission-driven company to a profit-driven one. In the end, Sinek encourages individuals to discover their own “Why” and emphasizes the transformative impact of clear vision and effective communication.

Outliers

_{Outliers by Malcom Gladwell}

Malcolm Gladwell explores the factors contributing to individuals’ success. He begins by examining the influence of birthdates on success in hockey, highlighting that children born in January, February, and March are more likely to play in professional leagues due to age advantages. Gladwell also discusses Bill Gates, attributing part of his success to the timing of his birth during the computer industry’s formative years. Gates’ access to a computer, sponsored by his mother, and involvement in a computer club at a time when such resources were scarce for individuals, contributed significantly to his mastery. The book also explores the connection between rice farming, hard work, perfectionism, and mathematical prowess. These anecdotes reveal how external factors and cultural contexts can shape success.

Outliers is a very interesting read as the concpets of success is shared with many easy-to-remember stories.

Atomic Habits

_{Atomic Habits by James Clear}

Habits can be the seed of success and they can become especially handy if you are a busy manager as habits automate certain behaviors.

The book is a practical guide to understanding and changing habits for lasting improvement. The book delves into the science behind habits, offering small, actionable steps to create meaningful change. The author explores the psychology of habit formation, providing insights on cues and strategies for making positive habits stick.

With real-life examples and practical advice, it is a valuable resource for those seeking a methodical approach to personal development and sustained success.

If you got interested, check out the full book Atomic Habits by James Clear.

The Art of War

_{The Art of War by Sun Tzu}

Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War is an ancient Chinese book about military strategy. It is a timeless classic that incorporates many strategies for historical warfare. Some even account the success of Napoleon’s first battles to the strategies and methods proposed in this book.

But why is there a book about warefare in a list of top management books?

In some corporations the daily job might be close to warfare, but this is not what the book is about. Essentially, the book is not about how to fight. It is about strategic planning and leadership - 7 core strategies from the book can be applied to modern management and leadership:

• Know your environment: understand the market, competition and industry trends.
• Adaptability: strategies must be based on the circumstances and adapted to them.
• Know your team: understand strengths, talents and weaknesses of all team members.
• Lead by example: effective leaders inspire their team by demonstrating the qualities they expect from others.
• Exploit weaknesses: identify competitors’ vulnerabilities.
• Assessment of risks: risk analysis and strategic decision-making to minimize potential negative consequences.
• Preparedness: anticipate challenges and have contingency plans in place to address unexpected situations.

One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey

_{One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey by Kenneth Blanchard}

In this book, a struggling department manager seeks guidance from the renowned One Minute Manager, known for efficiency.

The narrative unfolds with the concept of “monkey management,” where problems are passed from person to person, creating a vicious cycle. The One Minute Manager introduces rules for effective “monkey management,” emphasizing clear definition, assigning ownership, implementing insurance policies and scheduling regular check-ins. As the story progresses, the focus shifts to the art of delegation and time management, highlighting the importance of trusting employees, coaching, and balancing different types of work time.

The book offers practical insights into efficient management and effective leadership. If you got interested, check out the full book: One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey. It is a fast read with some really interesting insights delivered in a funny way!!

Good Strategy Bad Strategy

_{Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt}

Good Strategy Bad Strategy delves into the art of crafting effective strategies, distinguishing between powerful and weak approaches.

The author, Richard Rumelt, stresses the importance of simplicity and unexpectedness in good strategy, citing examples from Apple’s revival to military operations. The book identifies characteristics of bad strategy, including vague language and the confusion of goals with strategy. It outlines the core components of a good strategy, emphasizing the need for a thorough diagnosis, guiding policies, and coherent actions.

Additionally, Rumelt highlights the strategic importance of leverage, design, and dynamics, urging readers to maintain critical thinking amid uncertainties.

In my opinion it is one of the best books about strategy!

The Infinite Game

_{The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek}

Simon Sinek explores the concept of viewing life and business as an infinite game rather than a finite one.

Sinek argues that many challenges in leadership and business arise from a mindset rooted in finite thinking (e.g. shareholder value), where the goal is to win in the short term. In contrast, an infinite mindset involves playing the game with the goal of perpetuating the game itself, focusing on long-term success and sustainability.

The author emphasizes the importance of embracing an infinite mindset in leadership to navigate uncertainties, foster innovation, and build organizations that thrive in the ever-changing landscape.

The Infinite Game is a great read for leaders and managers as it provides insights and practical advice to adopt a mindset for enduring success.

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Thank you for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks!