A few years ago, most managers couldn't have predicted today's challenges. Events like the pandemic have reshaped the workplace, making it increasingly difficult to keep teams engaged, handle uncertainty, and adapt to constant change. Many leaders struggle to maintain strong connections with their employees while navigating new business realities.
To succeed in today's fast-paced world, managers need essential skills, like effective communication, decision-making, and the ability to inspire their teams. This curated list of top 10 business books for managers offers valuable insights into leadership, problem-solving, and team management.
Top 10 books for managers ranked: From must-reads to absolute game-changers
Whether you're an experienced leader or just starting your journey, these management books will help you tackle challenges, build a productive work culture, and become a successful manager.
Keep reading to discover the must-have books that will sharpen your leadership skills and help you become a more confident and effective manager.
10. 'High Output Management' by Andy Grove
Many new managers and first-time entrepreneurs often feel nervous about making mistakes or facing uncertainty. However, success comes from tackling challenges early, analyzing problems, and learning from them in the first 90 days. Even if things don't go as planned, the experience prepares leaders for handling similar situations in the future.
"The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing you will make one." — Elbert Hubbard.
Andy Grove's 'High Output Management,' meticulously dissects a fresh managerial perspective that views management as a means to an end. Grove argues that effective management isn't the goal itself. Instead, achieving the highest possible output through practical managerial and leadership skills in decision-making will strengthen the organization.
A business manager's creativity level can elevate them from a good manager to an effective executive, helping them balance pursuing managerial excellence and organizational productivity.
9. 'The New One Minute Manager' by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
"Everyone is at different development levels on their various tasks and goals. Therefore, they need varying degrees of direction and support from their manager to be successful" — Ken Blanchard
When a leader overwhelms their team with too much responsibility, they risk lowering motivation without realizing it. 'The New One Minute Manager,' a must-read sequel by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, then becomes essential to read through. While the original version, 'The One Minute Manager,' is also a bestseller and has influenced managers over the decades, this 'new' version tackles managerial bottlenecks in light of recent developments in the global business arena. Dig into 'The New One Minute Manager' to understand what team members seek in their leaders.
8. 'The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks' to You by Julio Zhuo
Employees at Apple regarded Steve Jobs as one of the most influential business managers of his time. Though Steve's academic and professional background lay in building innovative devices, his leadership skills and ability to combine leadership with technology drove Apple's success. To develop leadership abilities similar to or even surpassing Jobs', aspiring managers can turn to several pieces of project management training and leadership books that will turn them from screen-staring geeks or even good managers into great leaders in the first 90 days. An excellent example is Julio Zhuo's bestseller 'The Making of a Manager.'
"All that I knew of management could be neatly summarized into two words: meetings and PROMOTION." Julio Zhuo
Drawing from her experience leading Facebook's product design team, Zhuo shares valuable insights in 'The Making of a Manager.' Zhuo firmly believes in every team member's potential to become an effective leader, stating: "Great managers are made, not born." For rookie business leaders, entrepreneurs, or new managers, Zhuo also shares first-hand testimonies and case studies of her early management journey.
7. 'Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What to Say – and What You Don't' by L. David Marquet
While workplace communication technology continues to evolve, effective leadership communication still depends on a leader's empathy, listening skills, and emotional intelligence when working with their team.
With more employees working remotely, strong communication has become even more crucial. In 'Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say,' Navy veteran L. David Marquet emphasizes how proper language use significantly impacts teamwork and success. He encourages leaders to take responsibility for how their words and actions affect others. Marquet also introduces the 'six plays,' which can help improve team morale, trust, and performance.
6. 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' by Patrick Lencioni
Many teams struggle not because they lack talent but because they fail to work together effectively. Poor communication, lack of trust, and avoiding difficult conversations can hold back even the most talented teams. A great manager's role is to create an environment where honesty, accountability, and collaboration help the team succeed.
"Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare." ― Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
This book explores teams' most common challenges and provides practical steps to overcome them. Applying these principles can strengthen teamwork, build trust, and create a high-performing group that works toward shared goals.
5. 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie
Good leadership rests on strong relationships, trust, and clear communication. As a manager, your ability to connect with your team, earn their respect, and motivate them is essential for success. Great managers don't just give orders — they build strong relationships that help people work together and achieve better results.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." ― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People
This guide gives valuable advice to help managers build trust, influence others, and create a positive work environment. Using these ideas can improve your leadership skills, encourage teamwork, and become a more confident leader.
4. 'Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts' by Brené Brown
Being a great leader isn't about always having the correct answers — it's about having the courage to step up, even when you don't know what will happen. As a manager, creating a workplace where people feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and learn from mistakes is essential for building a strong team. The best leaders are honest, understanding, and willing to face challenges.
"The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it's about the courage to show up when you can't predict or control the outcome." ― Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
This work provides helpful advice on how managers can build trust, encourage open conversations, and lead honestly. By using these ideas, you can create a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best.
3. 'Radical Candor' by Kim Malone Scott
Great managers don't just give orders — they care about their team and challenge them to grow. The best leaders find a balance between kindness and honesty, providing direct feedback while still showing respect and support. When managers communicate openly and encourage their teams to do the same, they build trust, improve teamwork, and create a more successful workplace.
"Challenging others and encouraging them to challenge you helps build trusting relationships because it shows 1) you care enough to point out both the things that aren't going well and those that are and that 2) you are willing to admit when you are wrong and that you are committed to fixing mistakes that you or others have made." ― Kim Scott, 'Radical Candor'
This work teaches managers how to give honest, caring feedback and create a work environment where people feel safe to speak up. By applying these ideas, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and become a more effective leader.
2. '7 habits of highly effective people: powerful lessons in personal change' by Stephen R. Covey
Being a good manager is more than just giving instructions and meeting deadlines. Strong leadership means having a clear vision, communicating well, and always looking for ways to grow and improve. Managers who develop good habits create a workplace where employees take initiative, work together, and focus on meaningful goals. Instead of just reacting to problems, they find long-term solutions and help their teams succeed.
"Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny." ― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
This guide helps managers build the proper habits to become better leaders. By learning to set priorities, encourage teamwork, and keep improving, managers can create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and ready to do their best.
1. 'Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter' by Liz Wiseman
Great managers don't just lead — they bring out the best in their teams. Some leaders unintentionally hold people back, while others inspire and challenge their employees to grow. The best managers create an environment where team members think for themselves, take ownership of their work, and reach their full potential. Instead of trying to have all the answers, they focus on unlocking the intelligence and talents of those around them.
"It isn't how much you know that matters. What matters is how much access you have to what other people know. It isn't just how intelligent your team members are; it is how much of that intelligence you can draw out and put to use. ― Liz Wiseman, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter
This book teaches managers how to become leaders who maximize their teams' skills, knowledge, and creativity. By applying these ideas, you can create a workplace where employees feel valued, contribute at their highest level, and work together to achieve outstanding results.
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FAQ
What are some other must-read books for managers looking to improve their leadership skills?
'Good to Great' by Jim Collins explores why some companies succeed while others fail, while 'First, Break All the Rules' by Marcus Buckingham challenges traditional leadership principles. Daniel Goleman's 'Emotional Intelligence' highlights self-awareness and empathy in management.
For those leading startups or large companies, these real-life strategies help improve decision-making and strengthen organizations. 'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek and 'The Effective Executive' by Peter F. Drucker offer insights on getting the right things done. Leadership podcasts also discuss management books, providing another great way for managers to find resources.
