Best Management Books
Best Management Books
The most effective way to succeed, is by reading the accounts of successful people. There are many people who already know how to solve the management problems that you currently face, because they encountered the same problems during their rise to success, and solved them. They then took the time to document exactly how they did it. This valuable knowledge is found in many excellent management books.
Why read management books?
There are two ways to learn a complex skill like people management - either by trial and error, or by studying what is already known to work.
- Learning by trial and error is the way most managers learn how to manage their teams. This method can take a long time, and does not usually produce the best results.
- Studying what is already known to work, is the way we suggest managers should learn. This method is much quicker and will allow you to avoid many costly mistakes along the way, and will result in the achievement of a higher level of management skill.
The Formula for Success
The best management books contain success formulas. These are universal principles, or general rules, that correctly describe the reality of the situations you face, and then prescribe what successful action applies in the given context.
This valuable, expert knowledge is available to you if you take the time to read management books and apply the success formulas they contain.
What are the best books for new managers?
There are many management books available, but I would personally recommend the following that every manager should read, in the order given:
- The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- The Goal by Eliyahu M Goldratt
- Situational leadership by Kenneth Blanchard
- How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
- The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge
- Turn the Ship Around! by L David Marquet
- Business Coaching by Chris Farmer
I won't write summaries for these books, since they are easily found on Google. However, I would point out that the first book, The One Minute Manager, is a concise, yet essential book, for any new manager to read.
I personally guarantee that if you read these books, taking good written notes on the methods suggested and apply them to your daily practice, you would become the best manager in your organisation, and be rewarded accordingly.
"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." Harry Truman
Definition: success formula
In business management, a success formula is a proven rule that links what you do to what you get. It tells any manager the key steps to take, works in many settings, rests on tested facts, and lets others copy it for steady results.
Show CG4D Definition
- Describes clear cause-and-effect between action and result
- Offers specific steps a manager can follow
- Supported by real-world evidence of working
- Applies across teams and industries without change
Article Summary
Read the best management books and you leap past years of trial and error, because each page gives you a proven formula already used by top leaders; follow the steps, practise them daily, and you will cut mistakes, grow people management skill and lead your team to higher results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does a success formula mean in the best management books?
Why is “The One Minute Manager” first in your management book recommendations?
How do I turn lessons from leadership books into daily practice?
Do books for new managers replace real workplace experience?
How many management books should I read each year to keep improving?
Are biographies as useful as practical guides for people management skills?
Is it better to skim lots of top leadership books or study one deeply?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Nielsen BookScan data shows that UK sales of business and management books climbed 12% in 2024, the fastest rise in any adult non-fiction category. The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report finds that 89% of learning leaders plan to boost leadership and people-management skills in their teams this year.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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