Management is a skill that can always be improved. Reading up on new strategies will make you stronger at delegating, problem-solving, and organizing. Being open to new concepts is a great way to demonstrate to your team how you are willing to work together.
Thousands of books are filled with reflections and advice on leadership. But just like when you need to read a few mortgage company reviews to be able to find a good loan for your company, finding a book that’s interesting, insightful, practical — and an entertaining read to boot — can be tricky.
To make your job of finding one easier, luminablog.co.uk has collected 5 bestsellers that are sure to help you find your style and hone your skills, whether you’re a natural or reluctant leader.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
If you are a manager, it’s essential that people take what you say seriously and put it into practice. To accomplish this, you will need to master the art of persuasion. Dr. Robert Cialdini’s “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” breaks down the fundamental concepts behind this unique art and teaches you how to become an expert at persuasive business communications.
Cialdini explains the psychological studies that point to why and how people come to say “yes” instead of dismissing you outright, and teaches you how to apply the findings to your own life. This book will keep you glued to its pages with interesting interviews and personal stories from the author.
The One Minute Manager
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson M.D is a remarkable book that tells the story of a young man in search of a good leader. While he encountered different management styles, some autocratic care only about results, and the workers suffered. Others with a democratic approach were only concerned with people, and the organization also suffered.
Finally, he finds what he’s been looking for in a manager that uses the one-minute method. The one-minute method is basically a way to set clear goals or expectations for those you manage.
On Becoming a Leader
Considered a must-read for any business person, Warren Bennis was a business school professor at the University of Southern California. He got his first taste of leadership during world war 2 when he was one of the youngest lieutenants to serve in Europe. He is a firm believer that leaders are made, not born.
This is one of the best management books out there. It outlines several traits that make up a great leader. For Bennis, a leader is self-aware, curious, and a risk-taker. A leader sees the big picture and does what is right.
The Effective Executive
You can be the smartest and the most brilliant person at your company, or even be beloved by the media and your community, but if you’re not good at getting things done, you’re on the fast track to being an unsuccessful leader. Veteran business writer Peter F. Drucker’s management book, “The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done,” has a simple premise: the measure of the executive is his or her ability to “get the right things done.”
While this is a straightforward idea, it is harder to put into practice than you might imagine. It requires the help of a great team, but also the ability to spot things others may have missed, to manage your time well, and knowing how to set priorities. In this book, you’ll learn how to be a better boss and member of your team.
The Art of War
Over 2,000 years have passed since military leader Sun Tzu first recorded his principles on how to be a fearless leader. Not only are they still applicable, they continue to be touted by top execs across the globe. Pick up a copy for an ageless guide on effective leadership, from strategizing and logistics to conflict resolution and resource management.