There’s nothing quite as terrifying as moving up a notch in the work world and finding yourself in a position to manage people. It’s scary! You want to be a great supervisor who people like and want to work with, but you also want results. And, sometimes that means walking that fine line of running a tight ship and being laid back. So how do you figure it all out? Just like anything else in life, trial and error for sure…but how about looking to the pros and learning a little bit about what they have to say? From being self-reflective to understanding all of the personalities that make up your team, there’s a lot to think about – and quite a bit to learn. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of my favorite top books on becoming a better manager.
5 Top Books on Being a Better Manager
#1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
In Stephen R. Coveys seminal work The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach revolutionized the way people solve personal and professional problems and go on to lead extraordinary lives. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey revealed a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity principles that give us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
Are employee attitudes correlated with financial success? Unequivocally yes according to consultant and bestselling author David H. Maister. Based on a worldwide survey of 139 offices in 29 professional service firms in numerous lines of business, Maister proves that companies perceived by their employees to practice what they preach in matters of client commitment, teamwork, high standards, and employee development are more successful than their competitors. Put simply, employee dedication causes improved financial performance.
#3. The 8 Traits Successful People Have in Common: 8 to Be Great by Richard St. John
This book has been called “the ultimate guide to success.” It’s a real-life, practical guide to achievement – and at the same time it’s entertaining, funny, and inspiring. Author Richard St. John spent ten years researching success and doing face-to-face interviews with Bill Gates, Martha Stewart, Richard Branson, the Google founders, and over 500 other extraordinarily successful people. (via richardstjohn.com)
#4. Good to Great by Jim Collins
This book addresses a single question: can a good company become a great company, and if so, how? Based on a five-year research project comparing companies that made the leap to those that did not, Good to Great shows that greatness is not primarily a function of circumstance but largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline. This book discusses concepts like Level 5 Leadership; First Who, Then What (first get the right people on the bus, then figure out where to drive it); the Hedgehog Concept, and the Flywheel. (via jimcollins.com)
#5. Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra
Today’s breakneck pace of change has an immense impact on leaders – and as a result, on the organizations they run. All too often, people remain stuck in outdated mindsets and modes of operating, even after others recognize the need for change. Leaders need to learn to pivot even when there are no obvious signals guiding their way. Leadership expert Herminia Ibarra (INSEAD) upends traditional, introspective advice and says act first – and then change your way of thinking. (via herminiaibarra.com)
Are you new to being in a leadership role? Which one of these books will top your reading list this fall?
