Effective management is essential, now more so than ever to ensure your success as a business and as an employee.
As a result of COVID19, many business leaders and management teams are working harder than ever to adopt a strong business strategy that will carry them through the current crisis. This will include reviewing budgets and projects, supporting team members and helping teams adapt to new ways of working.
This can mean that investing in your professional development can be pushed back. However, leaders and managers who should really consider the benefits of reading, not only to support career growth and development but to improve personal wellbeing too.
Right now, you might feel that reading is an extra pressure on your time that you don’t need, but with so many business leaders willing to share their expertise, learnings taken from reading could have far-reaching benefits, especially when it comes to improving your day to day activities.
There are hundreds and thousands of books available filled with reflections and advice on leadership. But finding one that’s interesting, insightful, and both practical in your industry, while entertaining to read can be tricky.
To help you get started, and in line with National Book Month, our directors James Didgiunaitis and Caroline Vooght, share their top 12 suggestions which feature some world-renowned business leaders and strong-minded individuals.
Building Winning Teams: Leadership Tips from the Changing Room to the Board Room– Brian Noble
Why this book is important:This book includes all the learnings from life in high-level sport and how this can be applied to business strategy – simple yet brilliant.
Winning!: The path to Rugby World Cup glory – Clive Woodward
Why this book is important:The story of England’s only Rugby World Cup win but more importantly an essential guide to succeeding in business.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE– Phil Knight
Why this book is important:Just Do It! A fantastic read of how just one man made the most well-known, recognisable sports brand.
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies– Jim Collins
Why this book is important:Jim Collins is both a great researcher and an engaging writer, and he illustrates lessons about greatness through fascinating success case studies.
Good to Great– Jim Collins
Why this book is important:It is widely regarded as one of the most important business books ever written, describing how companies and organisations canachieve greatness. This management book is full of ideas and inspiration as well as being a fast-paced novel.
How the Mighty Fall– Jim Collins
Why this book is important:Find out how Collins offers leaders the well-founded hope that they can learn how to stave off business decline and if they find themselves falling, reverse their course.
Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success
– Matthew Syed
Why this book is important:Black Box Thinking is the willingness and tenacity to investigate the lessons that often exist when we fail, but which we rarely exploit. It’s about creating systems and cultures that enable organisations to learn from errors, rather than being threatened by them.
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take
– Simon Sinek
Why this book is important:You are going to get value out of this book. Simon Sinek teaches an important lesson that all business owners, marketers, and team leaders need to know. “Because in business it doesn’t matter what you do, it matters why you do it.” Inspiration is key.
The Jersey: The All Blacks: The Secrets Behind the World’s Most Successful Team– Peter Bills
Why this book is important:This internationally best-selling book represents a team with a better winning record than any other sports team in history. Standing head and shoulders above their nearest rugby rivals, this book gives the inspiration you need to build a strong team in the workplace.
Legacy– James Kerr
Why this book is important:Legacy is a unique, inspiring handbook for leaders in all fields, asking important questions such as, “What are the secrets of success – sustained success? How do you achieve world-class standards, day after day, week after week, year after year? How do you handle the pressure? How do you train to win at the highest level? What do you leave behind you after you’re gone? What will be your legacy?”
Getting to Yes with Yourself– William Ury
Why this book is important:Good negotiations contribute significantly to business success. Practical and effective, this book helps readers reach an agreement with others whilst helping to develop healthy relationships to benefit your business.
The Fear Bubble: Harness Fear and Live Without Limits
– Ant Middleton
Why this book is important:Fear is a barrier to success. “Fear can be used in so many ways. For me, fear is my reason for success. It’s a horrible feeling to have, but it does make you succeed.” – Ant Middleton.
Are you interested in other methods of employee development? Check out our recent blog providingfree educational resourcesto improve efficiency, productivity, skills and development.
At Expion, we’d love to hear how you’re working on productivity and what you’re reading right now.
Tweet us@expionUK.