So here it is; my list of 10 essential reads that constitute a de facto MBA, chosen for their general applicability, evidence-based insights, and enduring relevance. I want to know what’s missing? What would you add or delete? Share your list?
There’s lots of similar lists out there so why have I got one:
It works for me - this list is definitely the best - because it is my list - everyone should have their list, explore and create a list that works for you and your future business success.
Evidence based - so many business books are written with sound advice that is largely anecdotal - the thing to remember is that the problem I have with all of these lists that they are what has resonated with that person, and to some extent this is true of this list but I have focused on books that take an evidence based approach to business fundamentals.
Universal - so many business books are written with sound advice that is largely anecdotal - what works for one business fails dismally for another - the broader principles are what is important.
Timeless - I have also found a lot of these list to be quite specific to SEO, digital marketing, even Bitcoin - they apply to specific businesses, sometimes they are outdated by the time I have read them.
Here is it:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
If you only ever read one business book - read this one! This seminal work is more than just a business book; it's a template followed by some of the most successful companies like Amazon and Apple. Collins presents a fundamental framework that has influenced modern business thinking and practices as well as a hundred other books that copy the findings. For example: “the right person, in the right seat on the bus”, “the flywheel concept” - is something you will hear in Amazon, Netflix, Google and hundreds of business books - these are things that lead straight back to Collins. His empirical study on hundreds of companies - meticulously maps out the things that successful companies do that others don’t.
4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
The authors make the point that execution is the hard thing in business - so why does 90% of a typical MBA focus on strategy instead?
The underlying philosophy stems from Objectives and Key Results (OKR’s) first published by John Doerr in his book Measure What Matters and in fact there are a number of books who do the same sort of thing but I have found that 4DX is the simplest, best written and the most complete template to implementing and measuring company objectives business goals through practical and strategic execution.
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
While primarily about negotiation, this book is equally valuable for people management. Voss, a former FBI negotiator, offers a masterclass in achieving the best outcomes in various negotiation scenarios.
The Bezos Blueprint by Carmine Gallo
A deep dive into the business communication strategies that propelled Amazon to its staggering success. This book is an essential guide for mastering corporate communication.
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg
Flyvbjerg provides evidence-based insights into effective project management, offering valuable lessons for steering large-scale projects to success.
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
Learn from one of the world's greatest presenters. This book distils the essence of Steve Jobs' presentation skills, essential for anyone looking to influence and inspire.
Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Standing out among numerous productivity guides, this book takes an evidence-based approach to time management, advocating for experimentation to find what works best individually rather than a specific template or popular methods of the thousands of other popular productivity books out there.
Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Cialdini’s book is essential for understanding the art and science of persuasion - AKA - the art and science of sales and marketing. It’s range extends to managing people generally.
Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
A transformative view on human resources from a former Google executive, this book offers insights into creating high-performing and happy work environments.
Principles by Ray Dalio
Dalio shares his personal life and business principles, encouraging readers to reflect and develop their own rather than adopting them blindly - it’s the framework that resonates here rather than Dalio’s principles. It’s become a cult classic.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on vital aspects of business, from leadership and management to communication and productivity. By understanding and integrating these principles, you can gain a comprehensive view of modern business strategies and practices, equivalent to a practical, real-world MBA.
This selection of books encompasses the breadth and depth of business knowledge, focusing on practical, evidence-based, and enduring principles. They are essential reads for anyone aspiring to master the art of business.
Tell me which book is missing or what is your top ten list of MBA essentials?