Management is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of skill; finding the right resources to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve is essential. There’s a wealth of knowledge available in books that are specifically tailored to address the challenges and opportunities of managers and supervisors.
1. ‘Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High’
Open dialogue is important, especially in high-stakes situations where emotions run high and opinions differ. This book outlines strategies for creating a safe environment for dialogue, mastering the art of active listening, and expressing opinions respectfully. It equips readers with tools to address sensitive topics constructively and foster positive outcomes in personal and professional settings.
2. ‘The New One Minute Manager’
“Originally published in 2015, this iconic book has been updated, and is filled with lessons and examples of how one can be a better leader,” he said. “The book’s motto—‘help people reach their full potential and catch them doing something right’—sums up what I found to be a very positive message.”
The book is among the most successful business how-to titles ever published, selling more than 15 million copies in 47 languages.
3. ‘Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t’
Exceptional leaders prioritize the wellbeing of their team members, according to author Simon Sinek, and inspire loyalty and commitment by creating a culture of safety and support. His book explores the dynamics of effective leadership and team cohesion, drawing on biology and anthropology to understand human behavior in organizational settings.
The bestseller features a timely chapter on managing millennials, which can be a challenge for some bosses.
4. ‘The Coaching Habit’
Coaches can make their sessions more effective by asking powerful questions and fostering meaningful conversations designed to unlock potential and drive growth. Michael Stanier’s book introduces seven questions that spur coaches to use better practices.
“Coaching by asking questions allows employees to own their issues,” she added.
5. ‘The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture’
Scott Belsky’s book is a roadmap for anyone leading a venture or creative project. Divided into three sections and over 100 lessons, it offers practical guidance for navigating the hardships of enterprise and optimizing strategies for hiring and team management.
“Belsky emphasizes that success is not just about the exciting beginning or the triumphant end, but about managing the messy, often frustrating middle phase,” Ms. Rubin said. “I love how the book inspires its reader to embrace the messiness—a lesson I’m always trying to remind myself of during the day-to-day craziness of building and running a business, while keeping my employees feeling productive and empowered.”
6. ‘Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business’
Business organizations can be a challenge to master, which is why Gino Wickman introduced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): a holistic approach aimed at helping businesses gain traction and realize their full potential. By focusing on six key components, the book provides a roadmap for streamlining operations, enhancing communication, and fostering accountability within organizations.
EOS is particularly relevant to managers and their challenges, allowing managers to prevent issues from becoming problems and make sure that the right people are matched to each task.
“The techniques found in this book help me keep my associates productive and working together as a team,” Ms. Sibila said.
For those short on time, all of the titles on this list are available as audiobooks.