5 Business Management books that changed the way I lead
Years ago, I was given some great advice. Read as much as you can on a topic, then forget the source and use the information as a foundation to build your own opinions.
In other words, let the wisdom of others guide you, but always keep your intellectual autonomy intact.
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the successful, effective management of business and people is one of my biggest passions. I like to consider myself a scholar of these dark arts and I’ve spent countless hours reading, studying and contemplating. It’s a topic I’m genuinely invested in.
Admittedly, these themes don’t always make for the most riveting reading material. I’ve often found myself in the trenches; battling through the pages, fighting my way through books and autobiographies on management. This area of study is not short on opinions and ego of course — some of the world’s most prominent names and minds have weighed in on the subject.
Below are my (current) top five business management-related books that have shaped my approach as a leader and continue to influence me to this day.
1. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
I’ve found that most successful businesspeople tend to preach about their success. In this book, Ben Horowitz approaches things differently by giving a disarmingly honest account of his failings and the lessons he learnt. I found that really refreshing.
I read this book at a time when I desperately needed the wisdom it contains. In particular, the chapter on ‘The Struggle’ helped me understand and reflect on what can often be a very lonely journey as an entrepreneur and CEO. I still consult this book at least once a week.
2. Creativity Inc by Ed Catmull & Amy Wallace
This book overflows with inspiring lessons and insights into what it takes to build, inspire and empower creativity. Admittedly, I’m a huge Pixar fan. I quickly became absorbed in the trials and tribulations of building a successful creative company, least of all one of the greatest of our era. The anecdote about Steve Jobs getting locked off campus despite being a founder remains a favourite lesson and insight for me.
3. High Output Management by Andrew Grove
This book is often referred to as the bible of business management. Andrew Grove’s High Output Management provides a timeless, untainted guide on the art of building a business and managing a team. The practical theory provided in this book is the single most referenced guideline in my ever-evolving management framework. I love this book!
Laszlo Bock provides a glimpse into a culture built to attract and nurture some of the best creative talent in the world. This book challenges many conventional management norms, providing a fresh perspective on what can help a creative company thrive. The principles and lessons shared provide a much-needed balance to the theory of more traditional management practitioners.
5. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
I’ve invested hours into podcasts by or featuring Jocko Willink. His ability to cut through the bullsh*t is something I’m a big fan of. I’m not a fan of the military or war at all, but there’s no denying that it’s an environment that tends to breed powerful leaders. In this book, Willink draws insights from the battlefield and translates it into practical, easy-to-grasp leadership lessons for business and life.
As I write this, books are popping into my mind and fighting for a place in my top five. My realisation is simple — what resonates with me at any given time is often a reflection of my current headspace and the challenges I’m facing at that moment. Therefore, my top five is a list that should and will always change as I learn, live and evolve.
Business and people management is not for the fainthearted. But it’s certainly one of the most challenging and rewarding skills I’ll continue to try and master. If you have suggestions of other great management books that I should check out, please leave a comment below.
