What’s on the Reading List for Business Leaders?
What’s on the Reading List for Business Leaders?
While business leaders have plenty on their plate, most carve out the time to read memoirs, interviews, and nonfiction books to discover the different perspectives and journeys of other C-suite professionals, entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders. A deep dive into someone else’s experience can provide some valuable takeaways and help business leaders to hone their leadership skills on the path of continued success.
Here is a list of several books making the cut on a business leaders reading list:
Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall
This book questions conventional wisdom about how work can lead to frustration, conflict, and disengagement. It debunks common myths, such as the belief that company culture determines success more than individual team strength, by providing analyses that are supported by facts and examples. Goal-setting, feedback, and employee loyalty are among the topics covered in Nine Lies About Work.
[Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World - Available on Amazon]
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
Well-known businessman and legendary leader Robert Iger shares valuable insights gained during his 15 years as CEO of Disney in The Ride of Lifetime. He talks about “betting on talent,” “the power of respect,” and “if you don’t innovate, you die.”
No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram by Sarah Frier
Reporter Sarah Frier takes readers on a journey inside Instagram, one of the world’s most influential companies today, giving us a peek into the founders’ vision and mission in addition to drawing on the perspectives of societal figures. The book is basically a primer on how to start, run, and grow a revolutionary business.
[No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram - Available on Amazon]
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins
A great read for first-time CEOs, this book focuses on how to transition into a management position. New managers will discover the pitfalls they will likely face stepping into a leadership role for the first time and receive best practices designed for new leaders. The author expands on ideas like making the shift to a leadership mindset, stepping up the learning process for you and your teams, building relationships and organizational foundations, and managing yourself effectively. To prepare new CEOs for the challenge, The First 90 Days draws on the experiences of thousands of executives.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
Praised by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates as a must-read, Shoe Dog tells the story of Nike founder Phil Knight. The book traces his rise from humble beginnings to the helm of the world’s most successful shoe company. Knight puts it all out there, detailing the odds he overcame and the relationships he forged along the way to build one of the world’s most iconic brands.
[Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike - Available on Amazon]
You’ll find some valuable nuggets in these books meant to inspire and provoke innovative thought and leadership.