The Best of the Best: 16 Management Books for Every Kind of Leader

Some people argue that reading is a lost art, but after perusing this list of must-read management books, you won’t be able to choose which one to pick up first!

Management is a complex topic, but each of these books takes a personable (and sometimes light-hearted) tone that implores you to get excited about the many challenges you will face in management. Realistically, some of those challenges might stretch you far beyond your comfort zone, while others help you find your stride as a manager. But all of the challenges presented in between these pages will encourage you to seriously think about the kind of manager you want to be and present you with the tools you need to have a lasting impact on every professional you meet.

Most popular and widely celebrated management books

Some bestsellers get pushed aside simply because people fear they might be overrated, but not these three. Each of these compelling books about management (and related topics, such as self-development and coaching) are popular and widely-celebrated for a reason.

If you follow organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant almost anywhere on the web, you know he’s known for dropping gems on improving the workplace. But it is this #1 New York Times bestseller that really solidifies Grant as an authoritative voice in the management and organizational development space. Revered by fellow authors, theorists, and psychologists, Think Again explores ways people can question their own opinions, unlearn old, less effective ways of doing things, and relearn new approaches that prioritize workplace satisfaction. To put it simply, Think Again is just what managers need to really spark positive change at any stage of their careers.

Management book 2: The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz

Although not touted as a management book, The Four Agreements presents a set of personal commitments that can drastically change your approach to management. For instance, the third agreement is “don’t make assumptions,” which is central to effective management. Managers who avoid making assumptions about their teams’ needs or abilities can reduce friction in the workplace, boost engagement, and foster stronger communication. And if that doesn’t sell you on the book, which has also been lauded by Oprah Winfrey, Ruiz’ assertion that the most important agreements are those we make with ourselves is a reminder for managers to master integrity and mindfulness before trying to lead others. It’s no wonder this management book stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a decade.

Management book 3: The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier

Since its release in 2016, The Coaching Habit has earned rave reviews from leaders in learning and development, global performance, human resources, and similar fields. Perhaps it’s the seven essential coaching questions that author Michael Bungay Stanier outlines, which managers can use to enhance work with their teams. Or, it could be Stanier’s fresh take on coaching as a daily practice rather than an occasional effort that has won over so many readers. In any case, The Coaching Habit is a must-have in your arsenal of management books.

Best management books by and for women

Women not only excel in management, but they have a special way of capturing their life lessons and career experiences in books, too! In each of these management books, women with diverse career experiences are speaking directly to other women about how to succeed in professional spaces that often leave us out. In doing so, they offer their unique perspectives and integrate many of the universal feelings women in the workplace share at one point or another. These reads are handy, relatable, and too good to pass up!

Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of Brass Ovaries is that it appeals to women across age groups and backgrounds. This is particularly important (and timely) as our job market calls for greater diversity and women over aged 55 will double their presence in the workforce by 2024. What’s more, Smith’s extensive background in assessing and transforming workplace culture positions her to offer a unique take on how women can successfully navigate the workplace to achieve their goals.

Management book 5: Run to Win — Stephanie Schriock

When Stephanie Schriock says “Run to Win,” she means it. A seasoned political strategist, Schriock has advocated for women to run for elected office and aided major political campaigns along the way, including Hillary Clinton’s memorable 2016 run for U.S. president. Since 2010, Schriock has channeled much of her political experience into her role as president of EMILY’s List, which has been described as one of the largest resources for women in politics. While this isn’t exactly a book to “cozy up” with (you’ll end up feeling way too motivated to sit still for long), it is certainly one that you can use to re-energize yourself, refocus your goals, and learn a thing or two about what it’s like to navigate the male-dominated world of politics (and how to translate that to almost any work environment).

Way too often, women are told that they can be successful without doing it all by themselves, but they are seldom told how to do that. Elayne Fluker stands in the gap by sharing her own story along with the experiences of other women who have found themselves in similar situations. Fluker’s encouraging words may be best suited for managers who are trying to find balance while wearing multiple hats or juggling roles that often intersect, whether that’s at work, at home, or in social settings.

Read more: 9 Essays All Working Women Should Read

Best management books written by famous leaders

Whether you’re a top-rated manager with lots of experience under your belt or a new leader who’s just getting your foot in the door, we all have to start somewhere. That’s true for famous leaders, too. They didn’t start out famous, so sometimes, it’s nice to hear from them about their successes, failures, and all the lessons they’ve learned in-between.

Stacey Abrams is one of the strongest leaders of our time. You may have noticed that she leads quietly and peacefully, igniting change in a way that progressive yet powerful without ever raising her voice—and that’s just from what we see on TV. But Abrams’ poise is also undeniable in this book, which feels more like a chat with a mentor than a management “how-to.” Per usual, Abrams’ strategy for making “real change '' starts with talking to real people; namely, those who are marginalized and often ousted from leadership positions and decision-making processes, even though they are most impacted by said decisions. An easy yet impactful read, Abrams truly speaks to “women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and millennials ready to make a difference.”

Brené Brown’s name alone carries with it years of thought-provoking commentary on empathy and how it fits into our lives and careers. The renowned author, speaker, and professor reinforces the value of empowering anyone to lead in the workplace regardless of job title. Beyond that, she equates “daring leadership” to a human-centered approach; one that new and existing managers as well as employees at all levels can use to refine their management skills through the lens of vulnerable, honest leadership.

The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace cannot be overstated, particularly in this management book—another New York Times bestseller—where Daniel Goleman asserts that EQ is equally as important as IQ, if not more so. Originally published in 1995, it’s safe to say that Goleman’s take on EQ was ahead of its time. In the book, Goleman highlights the importance of recognizing and managing emotions as a form of intelligence that is necessary at work, but also in your interpersonal relationships outside of work. This book will likely come in handy for you if you want to keep the needs of your people at the heart of your management style, take into account how employees feel, and consider how those feelings guide their behavior and decision-making on an ongoing basis.

Best management books written for new managers

Technically, there’s no right or wrong way to manage. Sure, there are things you could (and probably should) be doing along the way, but everyone’s management style is different. In fact, they’re so different that it can be difficult to figure out what you should be focusing on, especially in your early years as a manager. These books help you narrow down which management issues to prioritize and what you need to know about them. But these books can also help reveal a lot about you, how you lead, and what it means to motivate people at work, build high-performing teams, and foster connections with people. If you’re a new or aspiring manager, this section of the list is just for you (with an extra book to make sure you crush your new manager role).

This collaboration between a business executive, a C-suite leader in management, and a professional skydiver who specializes in risk-taking draws upon decades of collective experience to guide new managers in leading effectively. Covering everything from the hiring process to managing team performance, The First-Time Manager is good for budding leaders who want to understand the fundamental aspects of management.

Much like the previous book, Wait, I'm the Boss?!? is one of those books that brand new managers reach for when they want to tackle the basics. But this book just might take it a step further by also diving into handling employee terminations, building company culture, and rewarding your employees.

Still not sold? It has a 4.5 rating on Amazon and is even said to be useful for experienced managers as well as new managers who are new to the game.

Management book 12: The Making of a Manager — Julie Zhuo

The Making of a Manager might sound like a one-size-fits-all management book, but Zhou proves early on that she’s talking to more than just one type of manager. Drawing from her experience of stepping into a management role at age 25 (and not having the slightest clue how to actually manage), Zhou details her hands-on experience of trying to figure it all out while already in a management role. But one of my favorite parts? Zhou’s thoughts on how managers can identify great talent, even if the candidate didn’t interview so well. This is one of those things no one thinks to tell you, but is really useful for a new manager.

Are you a new manager who’s wondering how you’re going to earn respect without sacrificing the human part of management? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of new managers struggle with whether they want to be seen as a friendly manager who speaks openly with their direct reports or a tough-as-nails leader who employees are scared to cross. Luckily, Kim Malone Scott lays out a few ways that managers can do a bit of both—with great results. Scott draws upon her experiences working at Google and Apple, so if you’re interested in working with one of these heavyweights in the startup space (or a similar company), you might find it beneficial to hear from someone who’s been there and done that.

Best management books written for managers of color

Essentially, these books are well-written pieces that are great for any manager from any background. But they’re written with people of color in mind, and with good reason. Managers of color are often tasked with overcoming hurdles in the workplace that other managers never encounter, so if you’re seeking a voice that can speak to these kinds of struggles (or wanting to learn more about what the Black and Brown managers in your company face), dive into these.

Most principles of management are universal but The Little Black Book of Success raises a few that Black women are disproportionately exposed to, such as the “angry Black woman” trope. Chances are you will do just fine learning to assert yourself in your role, but you should be able to do so without worrying that your colleagues will see you as aggressive or angry. If you do experience this (or just want to stay ahead of the game), consult The Little Black Book.

Cleverly named after the age-old office communication, The Memo provides advice for women of color at work that is both practical and outside-the-box. One Amazon reviewer even credits author Minda Harts with packing a lot of helpful information into the book, which she says, “accomplished so much in its 40 pages.” This is an ideal gift for an entry or mid-level professional who wants to decode some of the office politics that come up for so many women.

Don’t you just love Elaine Welteroth’s energy? The journalist who so many people have found themselves drawn to gracefully transitioned from her post as editor-in-chief at Teen Vogue in 2018 to take on a number of admirable endeavors, including a stint on daytime (and primetime) television. One of her most notable works thus far, though, is her 2019 memoir, in which Welteroth divulges how she has navigated complex, high-profile workspaces that were designed to keep people like her out. This book, which has been labeled “a must read,” “inspiring,” and “eye-opening,” offers advice that you would get from a cool big sister or a close friend you cherish, set against Welteroth’s upbringing in a multicultural family, impressive career, and ongoing journey to advocate for herself and remember her worth.

Read more: Loved ‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All’? Read These

9 Leadership Books for First-time Managers

To me, a good read is a book that’s enjoyable, memorable and imaginative. These are qualities to look out for in books for first-time managers, because words fuel the actions you take. I remember the mix of emotions I felt when I was absorbed into a managerial role. Pride, in having gotten this far. Nervousness, at what was yet to come, and excitement at all the changes I would make as a first-time manager.

Books for first-time managers aim to enable confidence and inspire great leadership. It is written as fiction, or in narrative form, from experiences of renowned leaders. It pulls in real-world case studies of building and nurturing relationships, making difficult decisions and how to admit to mistakes and learn from failure.

My previous post was on books for leadership and management. This article, however, is for those newbie managers who have just taken over and are finding newer challenges to resolve. Here it goes;

1. What should a new manager do first?

It’s your first day in a new role. So what should a new manager do?

Firstly, make the right impression by

Getting to know who reports to you: Introduce yourself to the team in an email before gathering them for a group meet. If you’re a remote-only company, schedule a virtual orientation and encourage your team to open up. Prepare a questionnaire beforehand for the kind of questions you’d be interested to get answers to. For example, a worker’s hobbies, favorite cuisine etc. Establishing a rapport early on is beneficial later on, when you need your team’s support as much they need yours.

Speaking with other departmental managers: You should be able to read the room from social cues exhibited by other managers. Observe your surroundings and take time to personally meet with and speak to other managers. You could even find a mentor for yourself from someone among them, who can show you the ropes and fill you in on their experiences.

Chalking out an idea board: Have an idea board at the ready that you can instantly write down ideas to share with your team. It can help you gather your thoughts, and rehearse how you’re going to present them, equivalent to that of a notepad for quick notes.

Stocking up your shelf: No, I do not mean the pantry. Although, you’re going to need brain food, so it does help to have some superfoods around that you can snack on. I am referring to surrounding yourself with books and resources that can give you inspiration!

2. What are the common mistakes of new managers?

A few mistakes new and first-time managers tend to make is to adopt a firefighting approach to problem solving. When they fail to delegate tasks to the team based on individual availability and competence, they end up having to fix more errors in a shorter span of time. Another mistake is to set vague goals and to keep changing priorities without a clear idea of why, or how this impacts the rest of the project.

Managers should be comfortable dealing with a firm, yet fair hand. This includes initiating disciplinary actions when ethics and professionalism are overlooked. But it also means giving praise for a job well done. A new manager who makes it a point to thank his or her team’s members is one who in turn will garner not just their support, but also their respect.

3. The best books for first-time managers

3.1. Radical Candor,How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean, Kim Scott

About

Kim Scott is one of the founders of Radical Candor, a company that boosts professional relationships at work using a combination of virtual and in-person experiences. The book is of the same name, and has been listed on the NY times bestseller list. The updated version is available on amazon for just GBP 6.99.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

Most first-time managers want to be liked, but few go about it the right way. In this leadership book, Kim applies three basic principles into a framework, which are to

Make it personal,

Get stuff done, and

Understand why it matters.

She draws from her experiences at Apple and Google. Radical Candor guides readers into a balanced leadership to help teams product better results, develop skills and raise the bar for performance. Making this a must-have in the list of books for new managers.

3.2. First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently”, Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.

About

Break all the Rules was first published in 1999, by English actor, consultant and author Marcus Buckingham. Marcus worked for Gallup’s survey team. It was the data from such surveys and interviews with managers that led to the book. It comes highly recommended for its simple language, readability and insights from Gallup. Break all the rules is on amazon, for GBP 19.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

If you are looking for the best books for a new manager this is one. What’s different about this book is that it tells readers that focusing on one’s strengths are more effective than trying to improve on one’s weaknesses. It helps you identify what you’re good at, and how to sustain it rather than try to fix what is not broken. One of the readers identifies with the 12 questions in chapter two, which Markus calls measure sticks of workplace strengths. I’ll list them here;

Do I know what is expected of me at work? Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right? At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day? In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work? Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person? Is there someone at work who encourages my development? At work, do my opinions seem to count? Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important? Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work? Do I have a best friend at work? In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress? This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

3.3. The New One minute manager, Ken Blanchard

About

One minute manager is a short read by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. At just GBP 6, this book is something you can flip through during a lull at work to refresh your brain cells. The contents are a compilation of wisdom from other leaders. It talks about three secrets; which are about setting goals, giving praise and re-directs.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

The new one minute manager is an updated version of the original which was one of the best books for a new manager. Back in the ‘80s, leadership was seen as a command-and-control technique. In recent times, however, it has become more side-by-side, distributing control such that people become self-organized, yet responsive to authority. One very noticeable change in the book is that the chapter on re-directs was formerly on reprimanding. It indicates the shift in mindset on how to provide constructive criticism, and inform people who are keen learners wishing to improve. This book for first-time managers will help you get your point across without being confrontational about it!

3.4. Good to great, Jim Collins

About

Good to great is a decade’s worth of research into the leadership that makes good companies great. It’s on amazon for GBP 16, and has sold over three million copies worldwide.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

The framework listed in the book contains three components, which are

Process- from build up to breakthrough

Phases- the phases are disciplined people, thought and actions

Flywheel- the deliberate process of identifying what needs doing and taking those steps to deliver future results.

The book breaks down the five levels of leadership and takes readers through what’s required to get to a level 5 leader, one who thinks and prioritizes organizational success over personal gain, resilient, modest and accountable when there is failure.

3.5. Start with Why, Simon Sinek

About

Simon Sinek is an established authority on leadership and Start with why, tells you why. The book talks about the Golden Circle using the fundamental question of “WHY”. It’s a leadership book that makes a business question why they’re in the business, and how to get teams to move towards that goal. Amazon lists it for GBP 7.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

The premise of the book is about systematically establishing connection, emotions and facts. The book is well summarized in Sinek’s TED talk. What makes it an essential addition to books for new managers, is that it mentions how leaders tend to forget the vision along the way, and how to rein it back in. That being said, I disagree with Sinek’s view that people who don’t get along should not work together. It’s practically impossible to always work only with the people you like, so the book should have dedicated a chapter or section to conflict management techniques at the workplace.

3.6. Atomic Habits, James Clear

About

Atomic habits contain 5 big ideas for first-time managers. In this book, James talks about the surprising power of tiny habits, and how those habits shape your behavior and identity. At GBP 12 on Amazon, Atomic habits is a definite read for managers wishing to cultivate habits that help them stay productive and effective in an authoritative capacity.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

This one line in Chapter 2 did it for me. “Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe.” Essentially, the book lists the process of becoming a great leader and manager as two steps, decide the type of person you want to be. And prove it to yourself with small wins. Chapter 18 and 19 also make compelling arguments, such as the rules for staying productive and motivated at work, and the importance of keeping yourself accountable just as much as you expect accountability from the team you’re leading. All this and more make it one of the best books for a new manager.

3.7. The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You, Julia Zhuo

About

Julia Zhuo is an influencer, cofounder of Inspirit and bestselling author of making of a manager. As the VP of Product design, Zhuo draws on her experience going from interning to landing her first managerial position aged 25. Having been a first-time manager herself at one point, her advice is practical and the anecdotes, relatable. The book is available on Amazon, and costs GBP 20.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

Zhuo made mistakes as a manager, and the lessons that came from there are evidence of what she observed. The idea of a manager is to have great teams work towards better outcomes. She talks about the three P’s of Purpose, People and Process and how the first few months of assuming your new role, your main job is to listen, ask questions and learn.

3.8. Is There A Hole In Your Bucket List?: How To Overcome Obstacles That Keep You From Achieving Your Goals ,Marilyn Sherman

About

Marilyn Sherman is a keynote speaker and author of , is there a hole in your bucket list . As a motivational speaker, she is all about getting people to take front-row seats and claim their roles. Her book devotes spaces to writing down your own bucket list and the goals you foresee for yourself as a new manager.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

It’s a simplistically written self-help book with focus questions in each chapter. The end of the book comes with different types of bucket lists and how you can achieve work life balance without pulling graveyard shifts or sacrificing what you love for who you are professionally. A really good book to revisit often!

3.9. The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Michael Watkins

About

Watkins is a leadership transition expert. His book, the first 90 days is regarded as an onboarding bible. It teaches managers how to secure critical early wins, which are virtual to establish yourself in your new role. The hardcover costs GBP 16. The expanded edition came out in 2013.

Why this is one of the best management books of all time

This book happens to be an HBR editorial team favorite, and now it’s mine, too! His advice on identifying the most common pitfalls can help newbie managers out with critical tools and strategies to avoid them. It’s a do-it-yourself book that also includes checklists, practical tools, and self-assessments to help you assimilate key lessons and apply them to your own situation.

4. How do I become a good first time manager?

The most important piece of the managerial puzzle is self-identification. A first-time manager should never lose sight of who they are as an individual. It’s about staying true to your beliefs while also being able to recognize and accept other points of view. Most of the books listed here talk about how leadership styles have evolved in line with shifts in mindset and business landscape.

My recommendations would be the first 90 days, atomic habits and the new one minute manager. These books are rich with experiential wisdom, and are backed by diligent research by business experts. Wouldn’t you agree?

5.What are the best books for first time managers?

The best books for first time managers are First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently”, Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman and Good to great, Jim Collins.

The 9 Best Product Management Books to Sharpen Your PM Skills

Great product managers never stop learning. That's why we scoured our bookshelves to make a list of the best product management books we could find to share!

Technology is always changing, as are customer habits. To maintain an edge, you need to adapt quickly and strategically.

Fortunately, there is a cornucopia of stellar books perfect for product managers who want to learn everything from user-centric design principles to advancing their career.

Below is a list of some of the best product management books spanning nearly two decades of thinking.

These top-rated PM books will help you to think outside of the box.

Note: There are no affiliate links below. These are unbiased opinions from our own team of product managers and our community. If you'd like to purchase a book, we recommend using Bookshop to support a local book store.

The Lean Product Playbook

Author: Dan Olsen

When the Lean Startup movement began, it took the PMing world by storm. Everyone decided they wanted to implement Lean product principles.

But despite massive interest and enthusiasm, many companies struggle to apply them in practice!

The Lean Product Playbook is the perfect, handy step-by-step guide to help startups and large companies alike optimize Lean techniques.

You can find it on almost Best Of list and on the shelves of PM pros everywhere.

First, it teaches you why most new products fail. Products fail because they do not fully meet customer needs.

This failure may be due to either a subpar design, inadequate execution, or both.

Either way, the problem boils down to the absence of the all-important "product-market fit."

The book then lays out how to achieve this fit through six repeatable, easy-to-understand lessons.

It is complete with product road maps and real-world examples to intuitively illustrate how to build and iterate products that score big with their target markets.

Inspired: How to Create Tech Products That Customers Love

Author: Marty Cagan

Inspired is another titan in the realm of best books on product management.

The author, Marty Cagan, is a leading authority with an accomplished background.

He founded the Silicon Valley Product Group specifically to help other product managers. This book is a distillation of these efforts.

If you are looking for a tech-specific title, this is the one to pick up.

Cagan has worked for some of the biggest tech giants to date and he uses several of them as case studies.

The book introduces you to fundamental issues in tech product development and strategies to cope with them. It does so with real world examples from Google, Tesla, Netflix, Amazon, and others.

What do these juggernauts do that sets them apart from most tech companies? They listen to customer feedback!

They focus on answering four key questions for every product.

Will our audience purchase this product?

Will our audience know how to use it?

Is it possible to build something like this?

Will stakeholders be on board?

Find out how to figure out if your product is a good product market fit or if it's time to go back to the drawing board.

This book will inspire product managers to create extraordinary products customers will love.

Silicon Valley Product Group also has their own recommended reading list for product leaders in addition to their own books.

The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager

Authors: Josh Anon and Carlos González de Villaumbrosia

Whether you are new to the job or a mid-career professional looking to boost your skills and firm up your fundamentals, The Product Book is a classic every product manager should read.

It covers the A-to-Z basics of everything about being a product manager and leading a great product team.

Written by a former Pixar PM and Product School CEO, this book functions like a masterclass. It shows you how to build and launch incredible products.

It is not just a product management book; it is a product management interview book.

It coaches you to structure better teams, cooperate effectively with other departments, and wow your audience during job interviews.

The book's authors based it on the preexisting curriculum of the renowned Product School. It is full of practical lessons, expert tips, and advice on best practices.

It answers the question, "What does a product manager do?" Any PM who is not a student of this text is doing themselves a disservice.

Just like the Lean Product Playbook, The Product Book isn't afraid of getting into the details.

The Lean Startup

Author: Eric Ries

The Lean Startup is a cornerstone product management book for startups. Even if you work for a large business, it still contains valuable insights that you could apply to your work.

Sometimes credited with starting a revolution in product development, this text is a modern manual specifically designed to assist today's entrepreneurs/founders/startup CEOs.

It provides a thorough treatment of building, planning, and scaling startups. And product management is at the heart of all of it.

The book emphasizes and guides you to discover what customers actually want, not just what you think they want.

This concentration on customer truth will help center any product development strategy and give it the best chance for success.

Like others that appear on lists of best product management books, The Lean Startup follows the stories of famous startups, their founders, and how they became prosperous.

By exploring the missteps and innovations of the leaders who came before, any product manager who reads this book will master the arts of scaling effectively and iterating rapidly.

Crossing the Chasm

Author: Geoffrey A. Moore

In Crossing the Chasm, Geoffrey A. Moore outlines an illuminating framework for understanding how products go from ideation to becoming commonplace.

It starts with early adopters, aka those willing to take the risk to try out the products.

After the early adopters, product managers want to get to "early majority."

After that, your market can only expand further into the hands of the "late majority" and "laggards."

The issue is that the early majority crowd is skeptical and waiting around for a product to be tried and true before they take a chance on it.

Crossing that gap (between the early adopters and the majority) is one of the biggest challenges facing product managers.

This gap is the "chasm" referred to in the book's title. It's the difference between good products and successful products.

Sometimes it's hard to determine product market fit when you're in the midst of the chasm. But crossing the Chasm seeks to advise PMs on all the ways they can manage this transition.

Furthermore, the text pays special attention to disruption. It educates readers about how they can repeatedly disrupt markets with new products and multiple iterations of existing products.

Even though Moore wrote it before the digital revolution, Crossing the Chasm still contains a lot of timeless, indispensable wisdom. It's a product management book we always keep on hand.

Escaping the Build Trap: How Effective Product Management Creates Real Value

Author: Melissa Perri

Escaping the Build Trap is another fantastic work that hammers home the need for customer-centric company cultures.

According to author Melissa Perri, many companies and modern product managers are at risk of falling into what she calls the "Build Trap."

It is a situation where because producers place so much emphasis on output, they lose sight of whether the product is still meeting customer needs and creating value.

Sometimes, companies waste a tremendous amount of time and resources trying to polish product details. In reality, they should be listening to their target customers.

And unfortunately, many businesses fail because their strategy never changes.

Instead, Perri argues, PMs and others should focus primarily on outcomes.

This helps to keep the product always headed in the right direction. It reduces wasted time and energy and forces you to understand how the product fits into the market.

This salient message should make product managers everywhere take heed.

There's a reason Escaping the Build Trap shows up again and again in user recommendations.

It also hammers home key concepts that frequently show up in product manager interviews.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There are No Easy Answers

Author: Ben Horowitz

If you are looking for a pragmatic book that pulls no punches about the nitty-gritty, everyday workings of product management, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is it.

Author Ben Horowitz is one of the most seasoned and revered entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley. His writing is chock-full of practical wisdom about creating and running a product startup.

As the title suggests, this book does not shy away from the harsh realities of starting a business, which is significant because we only ever hear it romanticized.

Ben Horowitz's dry sense of humor shines as he imparts all the lessons learned from his extensive experience managing, supervising, and developing tech companies.

In essence, this book will help you run a lean startup. It's an honest look at the realities of building and growing a business.

This book is essential reading for anyone building a startup. It's not only packed with insight, it's also an engaging and fun read!

Sprint: Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days

Author: Jake Knapp

Need to get things moving quickly?

Sprint offers a compelling model for tackling big problems, questions, or ideas and swiftly navigating decision-making processes.

Jake Knapp collaborated with two other partners from Google Ventures to create this five-day "sprint" method.

They have now tested it over 100 times while addressing needs for companies in fields as varied as healthcare, e-commerce, finance, tech, and more.

Typically, when an entrepreneur finds themselves with a big question or new idea, the path from point A to B is rarely such a straight line.

Meetings, discussions, knowing where to place your effort, or even how to start can be extremely time-consuming and keep you running in circles.

The 5-day sprint helps anyone, from startups to big corporations, cut through the indecision phase and make progress happen - fast!

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

Author: Nir Eyal

We all understand on some level that certain technologies and products capitalize on human psychology by design.

They push on the pleasure centers in our brain and keep us coming back for more.

Habit-forming products do a lot of the work of selling themselves.

But how exactly these products work is a mystery for even some product managers!

Why do some products ensnare our senses to the point of addiction, while others we toss aside?

Nir Eyal pulls back the veil on this question by revealing a four-step process many companies subtly employ when designing products.

In Hooked, you'll learn the steps you can take to create products that consumers naturally love.

Leverage human nature to amplify your work.

Free: When Coffee & Kale Compete

Author: Alan Klement

The jobs to be done framework is ubiquitous. It's focused on the customer.

What job is the customer trying to do that your product solves? Simple.

Klement reexamines the JTBD framework though in a brad new light. He explains that customers don't just have specific jobs or needs that drive them.

Ultimately, customers are part larger systems and their decisions reflect that. Customers want to make progress in whatever system they're part of.

The best part of Coffee and Kale is that it's free! Klement's insights will help you to both sell more products and feel more fulfilled in your PM role.

Bonus: The Making of a Manager—What to Do When Everyone Looks to You

Author: Julie Zhuo

Building habit forming products has just as much to do with being a strategic thinker as it does being a great manager.

Julie Zhuo's The Making of a Manager is a field guide for management.

Zhuo does a great job of simplifying all the parts of being a manager. From the awkward conversations with team members to strategizing for growth.

It calms you down when you feel like you don't have any idea what you're doing.

Management's heavy hitters, including the co-founders of Lyft and Twitter, turn to Zhuo for management wisdom.

You can buy The Making of a Manager directly from the author's website.

Bonus: Cracking the PM Career

Authors: Jackie Bavaro and Gayle Laakmann McDowell

This one gets an honorable mention. The career of a product manager can be long and winding.

Cracking the PM career goes a step beyond sharing anecdotes of people who transitioned into the career.

Instead, this book feels more like a hands-on guide for learning about interview frameworks and answers. It tells stories of actual interviewees and how they reacted under pressure.

Jens-Fabian Goetzmann, Product Director, said on LinkedIn, Cracking the PM Career is a complete toolbox of methods and actionable advice.

If you're currently applying to product management jobs, this one is worth a look.

Bonus: GtiHub's Open Product Management List

There's a wonderful GitHub repo that covers some of the more senior books on product management.

If you're already familiar with developing products and are looking for more strategy and planning help, this is the list for you.

The list is well maintained and also contains a list of some of some other valuable PM resources.

Other Great Book Lists

Every great manager leads a little differently. That's why we don't think our book list should be the last place you stop on your reading journey!

The folks below know a thing or two about building great products. We've included some links to their personal PM book lists to help you get a fresh perspective.

Summary

What do all of these books for product managers have in common? They're all focused on the customer.

Tech products' customers aren't a monolith. Every person has a unique story to tell.

When you build a product team to solve problems, it's important to be a good listener.

If you're interviewing for a job, you'll probably hear some of these concepts come up in your product manager interview questions as well!

We hope our favorite resources fill your head with practical advice and new ideas you can implement.

Product Manager Interview Prep

Want to become a product manager or upgrade your career? Check out all of the product management courses and resources Exponent has: