Five Must-Read Books for Managers
If you’re in management, you know interpersonal skills are key. When I decided I enjoyed stage management, I realized I needed some help so I started reading a lot of management books. I found much of the advice repetitive, but there were a few standouts. Even if they aren’t traditional management reads, the following books really helped me.
1. “Please Understand Me II” by David Keirsey: This insightful book helped me improve how I work with people. It explores different personalities and how to interact with each for optimum results. It’s why I’ve managed to keep my cool during performer meltdowns – the book’s system really works.
2. “The Rules of Management” by Richard Templar: A straightforward, easy-to-read book with a wealth of instructions from basic stuff like following through with what you say, to more difficult aspects like being open to unlearning. It’s a good read I found while waiting for a flight once.
3. “The Five Love Languages for Singles” by Gary Chapman: It’s an odd choice for a management book, but since management is about people interaction, this one offers valuable insights. It taught me how to appreciate team victories in ways that resonate with the different personalities on my team.
4. “The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey” by Kenneth Blanchard: This focuses on delegating tasks which I initially found tough. But it saves time in the long run, and teaches you how to do it properly and effectively.
5. “The Art of Speed Reading People” by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger: This book offers ways to decipher body language and how people speak, then use this understanding to communicate more effectively. Its scenarios and workbook questions had me feeling like Sherlock Holmes.
So, what management books would you recommend? Let’s share our top reads.