The best 19 Management books

Effective management is the key to success in any organization. To help you become a better manager and leader, we've curated this comprehensive book list. From classic management theories to practical techniques, these books provide valuable insights and strategies for handling teams, making decisions, and driving organizational growth. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting out in a leadership role, this collection will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel.

The best 19 Management books
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1
Management Books: Amp It Up by Frank Slootman

Amp It Up

Frank Slootman
Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity
3.8 (173 ratings)
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What's Amp It Up about?

Amp It Up (2022) uncovers the transformative leadership principles essential for unlocking unparalleled enterprise growth. By revealing strategies for sidestepping common pitfalls and costly restructures, it emphasizes the power of aligning teams with critical goals, shattering the chains of mediocrity, and fostering a culture of urgency and intensity. It’s an essential playbook for leaders aiming to elevate their organization to unparalleled success without the need for external consultants or drastic overhauls.

Who should read Amp It Up?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to scale their startups and find invaluable insights for fostering exponential growth
  • Corporate leaders seeking to reinvigorate their teams and discover strategies to break through stagnant performance barriers
  • Business students aiming to understand real-world applications of growth principles and benefit from a tech industry titan’s experiences

2
Management Books: The Motive by Patrick M. Lencioni

The Motive

Patrick M. Lencioni
Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities
4.4 (46 ratings)
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What's The Motive about?

The Motive (2020) dives into the importance of leaders having a strong and clear drive for their work. Centered around two fundamental motives, it guides leaders to recognize their genuine intentions and adopt responsibility-driven leadership for the good of their organizations.

Who should read The Motive?

  • Aspiring leaders wanting to know the essence of genuine leadership.
  • Managers seeking self-improvement
  • Advocates for selfless, service-oriented leadership.

3
Management Books: Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

John C. Maxwell
Your Foundation for Successful Leadership
3.9 (143 ratings)
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What's Good Leaders Ask Great Questions about?

Good Leaders Ask Great Questions (2014) focuses on how successful leadership isn't about having all the answers, but asking the right questions. The constant quest for improvement, innovation, and growth is what separates good leaders from great ones.

Who should read Good Leaders Ask Great Questions?

  • Aspiring leaders 
  • Current leaders seeking improvement 
  • Personal development enthusiasts

4
Management Books: The McKinsey Way by Ethan M. Rasiel

The McKinsey Way

Ethan M. Rasiel

What's The McKinsey Way about?

"The McKinsey Way" provides an insider's look at the renowned consulting firm McKinsey & Company and its problem-solving approach. The book offers practical advice and real-life examples to help readers understand how to think like a consultant and apply McKinsey's methods to their own business challenges. It covers topics such as problem structuring, fact-based analysis, and effective communication, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in business strategy and consulting.

Who should read The McKinsey Way?

  • Professionals seeking insights into the inner workings of McKinsey & Company
  • Individuals interested in learning strategies for problem-solving and decision-making
  • Aspiring consultants looking to understand the consulting industry and how to break into it

5
Management Books: The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman

The Starfish and the Spider

Ori Brafman
The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations

What's The Starfish and the Spider about?

This book explores the concept of decentralized organizations and how they can be as powerful and influential as traditional hierarchical structures. Using the analogy of the starfish (decentralized) and the spider (centralized), the author delves into the characteristics and advantages of decentralized systems, and how they have the potential to transform industries and societies. It offers valuable insights for business leaders and anyone interested in understanding the future of organizational structures.

Who should read The Starfish and the Spider?

  • Individuals seeking to understand the power of decentralized organizations
  • Entrepreneurs looking for innovative ways to build and lead teams
  • Readers interested in exploring the dynamics of transformative movements and their impact on society

6
Management Books: Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath

Strengths Based Leadership

Tom Rath
Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow

What's Strengths Based Leadership about?

Strengths Based Leadership explores the concept of focusing on individual strengths rather than weaknesses in order to become an effective leader. Co-authored by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, this book provides insights and practical advice on how to identify and leverage your own strengths, as well as those of your team, to achieve greater success and fulfillment in the workplace. Drawing on extensive research and real-life examples, it offers a new perspective on leadership that can help individuals and organizations thrive.

Who should read Strengths Based Leadership?

  • Individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills
  • Managers seeking to understand and develop their strengths
  • People interested in learning how to leverage their innate talents to drive team success

7
Management Books: The New One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard

The New One Minute Manager

Kenneth H. Blanchard

What's The New One Minute Manager about?

The New One Minute Manager offers a concise and practical guide to effective management. Drawing on the original One Minute Manager principles, this updated edition provides new insights and strategies for leading and motivating employees in today's fast-paced work environment. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, providing timely feedback, and empowering team members to achieve their best. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting out, this book offers valuable tips for becoming a more successful and influential leader.

Who should read The New One Minute Manager?

  • Individuals who are looking for a practical approach to effective management techniques
  • Leaders who want to enhance their skills in motivating and developing their team members
  • Managers who are interested in maximizing productivity and achieving results in a shorter time frame

8
Management Books: It's Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff

It's Your Ship

D. Michael Abrashoff
Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy

What's It's Your Ship about?

In "It's Your Ship," D. Michael Abrashoff shares his experiences as the captain of the USS Benfold and offers valuable leadership lessons for anyone in a position of authority. Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, Abrashoff demonstrates how empowering and trusting your team can lead to a more successful and efficient organization. This book challenges traditional leadership methods and inspires readers to take control and make positive changes in their own work environments.

Who should read It's Your Ship?

  • Leaders and managers looking for practical strategies to improve organization and morale
  • Individuals interested in learning how to create a positive work environment
  • Anyone seeking inspiration and insights to enhance their own leadership skills

9
Management Books: The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack

The Great Game of Business

Jack Stack
Unlocking the Power and Profitability of Open-Book Management

What's The Great Game of Business about?

The Great Game of Business is a book that outlines a revolutionary approach to running a company. Jack Stack, the author, shares his experience of turning around a failing business by implementing open-book management and creating a culture of transparency and employee engagement. The book provides practical insights and strategies for empowering employees, driving financial results, and creating a winning team. It is a must-read for anyone interested in transforming their organization.

Who should read The Great Game of Business?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to improve their business strategy
  • Leaders wanting to create a culture of transparency and financial literacy within their teams
  • Individuals interested in learning about the principles of open book management and employee ownership

10
Management Books: The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

The Dream Manager

Matthew Kelly

What's The Dream Manager about?

The Dream Manager is a business parable that explores the power of helping employees achieve their personal dreams and goals. Through the story of a struggling company and its transformation, the book offers practical strategies for managers to inspire and support their team members in pursuing their dreams, leading to increased motivation, loyalty, and productivity in the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with employees on a deeper level and creating a culture of personal development and fulfillment.

Who should read The Dream Manager?

  • Anyone looking to improve employee engagement and productivity
  • Managers and leaders seeking innovative ways to motivate their team
  • Individuals interested in personal and professional growth strategies

11
Management Books: Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard

Raving Fans

Ken Blanchard
A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service

What's Raving Fans about?

Raving Fans is a business book that emphasizes the importance of creating loyal customers who are so satisfied with your product or service that they become your biggest advocates. Ken Blanchard provides practical strategies and real-life examples to help businesses transform their customers into raving fans, ultimately leading to long-term success and growth.

Who should read Raving Fans?

  • People who want to create loyal and passionate customers
  • Business owners and managers looking to improve customer service
  • Those who are interested in building a strong and successful brand

12
Management Books: The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan

The Leadership Pipeline

Ram Charan
How to Build the Leadership Powered Company

What's The Leadership Pipeline about?

The Leadership Pipeline provides a comprehensive framework for developing and promoting leaders within an organization. Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, Ram Charan outlines the critical transitions that leaders must make as they move up the corporate ladder and offers practical advice for identifying and nurturing future leaders. This book is essential reading for anyone involved in talent management and succession planning.

Who should read The Leadership Pipeline?

  • Professionals seeking to develop effective leadership skills
  • Managers looking to successfully navigate the transition to higher level roles
  • Organizational leaders committed to building a strong leadership pipeline for future success

13

What's The Five Temptations of a CEO about?

In this insightful book, Patrick Lencioni explores the common pitfalls that CEOs often fall into, such as choosing harmony over productive conflict and prioritizing individual status over the success of the team. Through a compelling fable and practical advice, Lencioni offers valuable lessons on how to overcome these temptations and become a more effective leader. It's a must-read for anyone in a leadership role.

Who should read The Five Temptations of a CEO?

  • CEOs who want to avoid common pitfalls and improve their leadership skills
  • Managers and executives who aspire to become CEOs
  • Business professionals seeking practical advice on becoming a more effective leader

14
Management Books: Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni

Death by Meeting

Patrick Lencioni

What's Death by Meeting about?

In "Death by Meeting," Patrick Lencioni explores the common pitfalls of unproductive meetings in the workplace and offers practical solutions to make them more effective. Through a fictional story, Lencioni highlights the importance of different types of meetings and provides strategies for creating engaging and meaningful discussions that drive results. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their meeting culture and maximize their team's productivity.

Who should read Death by Meeting?

  • Individuals who struggle with unproductive and time-consuming meetings
  • Team leaders and managers seeking to improve their team's meeting effectiveness
  • Professionals who want to learn practical strategies to make meetings more efficient and engaging.

15
Management Books: Buy Then Build by Walker Deibel

Buy Then Build

Walker Deibel
How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game

What's Buy Then Build about?

This book provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to acquire an existing business rather than starting from scratch. It offers practical advice on how to identify, evaluate, and negotiate the purchase of a business, as well as tips for successfully growing and scaling the acquired company. With real-life examples and actionable insights, "Buy Then Build" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of business acquisitions.

Who should read Buy Then Build?

  • Entrepreneurs interested in acquiring businesses instead of starting from scratch
  • Business owners looking to expand their knowledge on acquisition strategies
  • Individuals seeking practical guidance on growing a successful business through strategic purchases

16
Management Books: Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Leading Change

John P. Kotter

What's Leading Change about?

Leading Change by John P. Kotter is a groundbreaking book that provides a practical framework for navigating organizational change. Drawing on real-life examples and years of research, Kotter outlines an eight-step process for effectively leading change initiatives. Whether you're a CEO, manager, or employee, this book offers valuable insights and strategies for driving successful transformation within your organization.

Who should read Leading Change?

  • Leaders and managers in organizations undergoing change
  • Professionals seeking to understand the complexities of change and how to navigate them
  • Individuals looking to improve their change management skills and drive successful transformations

17
Management Books: Management 3.0 by Jurgen Appelo

Management 3.0

Jurgen Appelo

What's Management 3.0 about?

Management 3.0 (2010) by Jurgen Appelo explores modern management practices in the context of agile and lean methodologies. Appelo challenges traditional management styles and offers practical advice on how to empower teams, foster a culture of innovation, and lead in a way that promotes employee engagement and autonomy. This book provides valuable insights for anyone looking to adapt their management approach to the demands of the 21st century workplace.

Who should read Management 3.0?

  • Aspiring managers and team leaders looking to improve their leadership skills
  • Agile practitioners who want to understand how to apply Agile principles to management
  • Organizational leaders seeking to create a more innovative and empowered workplace culture

18
Management Books: Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters

Chimp Paradox

Steve Peters
How Our Impulses and Emotions Can Determine Success and Happiness and How We Can Control Them

What's Chimp Paradox about?

The Chimp Paradox explores the inner workings of the human mind and introduces the concept of the "chimp brain" - the emotional, impulsive part of our brain that often leads us to make irrational decisions. Dr. Steve Peters offers practical strategies to manage our chimp brain and regain control over our thoughts and behaviors, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. This book provides valuable insights into understanding and mastering our own minds.

Who should read Chimp Paradox?

  • Individuals seeking to understand and manage their own emotions and behavior
  • People who want to improve their mental resilience and decision-making skills
  • Anyone interested in the power of the mind and psychology

19
Management Books: The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer

The Little Red Book of Selling

Jeffrey Gitomer
12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness

What's The Little Red Book of Selling about?

This book provides practical and effective strategies for sales success. With a focus on building relationships and providing value to customers, Jeffrey Gitomer shares valuable insights and tips for anyone looking to improve their sales skills. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, this book offers valuable advice that can help you achieve your sales goals.

Who should read The Little Red Book of Selling?

  • Sales professionals looking to improve their selling techniques
  • Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to boost their sales performance
  • Individuals interested in learning effective strategies for persuasion and influence in sales

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Management Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Management book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Amp It Up as the ultimate read on Management.

What are the Top 10 Management books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Amp It Up by Frank Slootman
  • The Motive by Patrick M. Lencioni
  • Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
  • The McKinsey Way by Ethan M. Rasiel
  • The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman
  • Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath
  • The New One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard
  • It's Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff
  • The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack
  • The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

Who are the top Management book authors?

When it comes to Management, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Frank Slootman
  • Patrick M. Lencioni
  • John C. Maxwell
  • Ethan M. Rasiel
  • Ori Brafman