Are you looking for the best management books?
The world has changed a lot so what we have learned during our studies is no longer enough. This is true when it comes to management as smarter ways of doing business are constantly changing.
Whether you’re a business leader or manager, reading the right books can keep you updated on the latest trends.
In this article, let’s see the 25 best books on management that you must read. These books can help you hone your leadership and managerial skills.
The 25 Best Management Books You Must Read
Here are some of the must-read management books for you. These books are available on Amazon. If you want to get them, their respective links are given below each description. Alright?
So, let’s go!
(Note: I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you.)
#1. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity
By: Kim Scott
Who’s it for: Those looking to become better bosses
This book talks about how to be candid with your employees while still caring for them. Here the author uses her experiences of working in different organizations and provides practical advice on how to be an effective boss. With this book, you will learn how to offer criticism without being cruel and create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
#2. First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently
By: Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman
Who’s it for: Managers looking to improve their leadership skills
This book emphasizes finding the right fit for employees and allowing them to maximize their potential. It shares 12 statements that managers can use to evaluate employee performance, which focuses on the individual rather than a set of one-size-fits-all rules. With this book, you will understand how to select and develop the right people for your team.
#3. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
By: Jim Collins
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of all levels
This book provides a framework for transforming an average company into one that is great. Here the author Jim Collins shares a set of principles that leaders can use to grow their organizations. By reading this book, you will learn how to make the transition from “good” to “great” and how to sustain this success.
#4. High Output Management
By: Andrew S. Grove
Who’s it for: Anyone in a leadership or managerial position
This is one of the must-read management books for any leader. Written by the former Chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation Andrew S. Grove, the book gives you insights into managing a team and getting the most out of it. By reading this book, you will learn how to maximize productivity in your organization.
#5. The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done
By: Peter F. Drucker
Who’s it for: Managers and Executives
The Effective Executive is an invaluable resource for those looking to succeed in the corporate world. Here legendary management expert, Peter F. Drucker provides the tools to help you become an effective leader and maximize your productivity. With this book, you will learn how to use your time to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively to achieve results.
#6. The Anatomy of a Turnaround: Transforming an Organization by Prioritizing People, Performance, and Purpose
By: Paul Kusserow
Who’s it for: Business executives and Senior managers
This book is a must-read for those looking to transform their organizations. Here Paul Kusserow shares his insights into how to effectively manage organizational change and improve performance. He also provides tips on how to lead with purpose, prioritize people and develop strategies for success. By reading this book, you will learn how to create an environment that fosters growth and innovation.
#7. Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work
By: Bill Schaninger, Bryan Hancock, and Emily Field
Who’s it for: Top-level leaders
Power to the Middle is a modern take on how managers should lead their teams to stay ahead of the curve. Written by McKinsey thought leaders, this book gives you practical advice on how to empower managers to bring change in the workplace. This book is an essential read if you want to make the most of your team’s potential.
#8. Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI
By: Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, and Rodney Zemmel
Who’s it for: Leaders who want to succeed in the modern business settings
As the business world moves into an era of digital and artificial intelligence, Rewired gives you insights into how to stay ahead. It helps you understand how you can use digital tools to rewire your company for success. This book also provides practical advice on how to identify opportunities in AI and effectively leverage these technologies to create a competitive edge.
#9. Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff
By: Aytekin Tank
Who’s it for: Anyone in a leadership or managerial position
This is one of the best management books for those looking to streamline their work and free up their time. This book provides step-by-step guidance on how to use automation and process optimization to get more done with less effort. It is a must-read for anyone looking to increase their productivity and save their brain power for bigger tasks.
#10. Project Management QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Precise Planning, Strategic Resource Management, and Delivering World Class Results
By: Chris Croft
Who’s it for: Entrepreneurs, Leaders, and Managers
This is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to get the best results from their projects. It gives you a comprehensive understanding of project management, including precise planning techniques and strategic resource management. With this guide, you’ll be able to easily create world-class plans that will help you succeed in any project.
#11. Welcome to Management: How to Grow From Top Performer to Excellent Leader
By: Ryan Hawk
Who’s it for: New Leaders and Managers
Leading a team can be intimidating, but Ryan Hawk’s Welcome to Management makes the transition from individual contributor to leader much smoother. This book gives you insights into how to succeed in your new leadership role. With practical advice on how to manage and inspire your team, this book is a must-read for anyone who’s new to the management game.
#12. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition and The Standard for Project Management
By: Project Management Institute
Who’s it for: Those who want to learn the fundamentals of project management
This book is the gold standard for those looking to understand and practice project management. With insights into how to manage cost, time, quality, and other essential elements of a successful project, this guide will teach you the principles behind successful projects. It’s an invaluable resource for all aspiring project managers.
#13. The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team
By: Patrick M. Lencioni
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of all levels
The 6 Types of Working Genius is a powerful book that will help you understand what makes each team member unique. Patrick Lencioni’s thoughtful approach to understanding the motivations and strengths of your employees helps build better workplace harmony. For leaders who want to get the most out of their teams, this book offers invaluable guidance.
#14. The Holloway Guide to Technical Recruiting and Hiring: Align your team to avoid expensive hiring mistakes.
By: Osman (Ozzie) Osman
Who’s it for: Leaders who are in a decision-making position for hiring and recruiting
This is one of the must-read management books that can help you hire the right people. Ozzie Osman shares tips on how to identify key attributes in potential hires and create recruitment processes that work. With this book, you’ll be able to avoid expensive hiring mistakes and make sure the people you bring on board will mesh well with the team.
#15. Become Truly Great: Serve the Common Good Through Management by Positive Organizational Effectiveness
By: Charles G Chandler
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of all levels
This is an essential read for anyone looking to become a truly great leader. Here the author Charles G Chandler offers insight into the concept of Positive Organizational Effectiveness, which helps you create a productive work environment. By reading this book, you will learn how to align your team around a common goal and create structures that will maximize performance.
#16. Project Cost Management: Principles, Tools, Techniques, and Best Practices for Project Finance
By: Ray Frohnhoefer and Inham Hassen
Who’s it for: Those who manage projects
This book is a go-to resource for anyone looking to gain mastery of project cost management. Here the authors provide insights into the best practices used when calculating, tracking, controlling, and funding projects. With this book as your guide, you will be armed with the knowledge required to estimate costs accurately and ensure that your projects are well-funded.
#17. Unlimited Power
By: Anthony Robbins
Who’s it for: Those who want to become the best version of themselves
Unlimited Power is a must-read for anyone looking to break away from mediocrity and reach their highest potential. Written by Anthony Robbins, this book offers timeless wisdom on how you can unlock your inner power. With this book, you will learn how to tap into your inner strength, build lasting relationships with team members, and lead others toward success.
#18. Agile Practice Guide
By: Project Management Institute
Who’s it for: Those who want to learn Agile methodology
This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to master the principles of agile project management. Here you will find the best techniques for implementing, managing, and scaling agile practices to stay ahead in today’s marketplace. With this book as your guide, you will be well-equipped to lead your teams toward successful outcomes.
#19. The New Executive Assistant: Exceptional executive office management
By: Jonathan McIlroy
Who’s it for: Executives and their Assistants
This is an invaluable guide for both executives and their assistants on how to build a successful working relationship. Written by Jonathan McIlroy, this book is packed with expert advice on how to manage the unique challenges of an executive assistant role. With this book in hand, you will be well-equipped to support your business objectives and drive success.
#20. Unlocking Lean Six Sigma: A Competency-Based Approach to Applying Continuous Process Improvement Principles and Best Practices (Competency Based Books for Structured Learning)
By: Dr. Wesley E. Donahue
Who’s it for: Organizational Leaders
This is a comprehensive guide for those who want to learn the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma. It offers insight into how you can uncover opportunities for process improvement and build an effective organizational culture of continuous improvement. By reading this book, you will be able to develop the necessary skills to succeed in today’s business world.
#21. Running & Growing a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Becoming an Effective Leader, Developing Scalable Systems and Growing Your Business Profitably
By: Ken Colwell Mba PhD
Who’s it for: Aspiring and Experienced Business Leaders
This book provides an essential blueprint for managing and growing a business. Written by Ken Colwell, this simple guide will help you develop the skills to become a successful leader and achieve extraordinary results. From creating effective marketing strategies to discovering new revenue streams, you will get practical ideas on how to build a profitable business.
#22. Building Leadership Competence: A Competency-Based Approach to Building Leadership Ability
By: Dr. Wesley E Donahue and Wesley Donahue
Who’s it for: Both aspiring and experienced leaders
This comprehensive guide outlines how to develop the essential competencies for becoming a successful leader. It provides you with various tools to increase your ability to influence people, build trust, and create a collaborative team environment. Moreover, it will help you gain the confidence and knowledge to become a strong leader.
#23. The Answer is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader
By: Laura Ashley-Timms and Dominic Ashley-Timms
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of all levels
This book shares practical advice on how to use effective questioning techniques in order to achieve greater results. Filled with real-life examples and case studies, it will help you build trust among your team members and foster a culture of collaboration. This is one of the best management books to unlock your full potential and develop strong relationships in the workplace.
#24. Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track
By: Will Larson
Who’s it for: Leaders of technology companies
Staff Engineer offers detailed advice on how to become a strong leader in the tech industry. Here the author Will Larson addresses the challenges faced by tech leaders and how to overcome them. With this book, you will learn how to move past the traditional hierarchical models of leadership and embrace a more collaborative approach.
#25.The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life
By: Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Who’s it for: Anyone looking for organizational or personal transformation
The Art of Possibility is a must-read for those who want to develop a strong mindset for success. Through an array of inspirational stories, the authors help you create an environment that encourages creativity even in difficult times. By reading this book, you will learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities and become an effective leader.
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Final Words
Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting out, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest management strategies. Reading the above 25 best books on management can help you become a better leader and keep your team on track. So, decide which book is right for you and start reading now!
FAQ: Management Books
You might have these questions in mind.
What are management books?
These are books that can help you excel in your leadership or managerial role. They will provide you with valuable advice on how to lead a team, develop your skills, and smoothly run a business.
How to manage a team effectively?
Managing a team effectively requires a combination of different skills and strategies such as communication, problem-solving, and delegation. Also, it is important to create an environment that values teamwork and creativity.
What are the must-read management books for new leaders?
If you’re a new leader, you can read Welcome to Management by Ryan Hawk and Running & Growing a Business QuickStart Guide by Ken Colwell. These books will help you develop your leadership skills and gain valuable insights into successful management.