The 18 Best Management Books of All Time (2024)

Sam Walton: Made in America shows how Walmart grew from one small store into the largest retail business in the world. Sam Walton is often seen as one of the greatest entrepreneurs ever. His journey was filled with risk, obstacles, adversity, failure... but also fun, discovery, passion and persistence.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber is a crucial read for entrepreneurs, explaining why 80% of small businesses fail and offering invaluable strategies for success. It teaches how to get your business to run without you, using systems and processes, that reduce your work and stress. It shows how to work ON your business, not just IN it.

Why should you read it? Decades after it was published, this book continues to be a much-recommended bestseller for entrepreneurs worldwide. Its evergreen popularity is proof of the timeless business wisdom packed inside. If you’ve ever questioned why running your “dream business” feels more like working a nightmare 80-hour-per-week job, then this book is what you need! It’s like having a business coach in your pocket, telling you exactly HOW to work smarter rather than harder. (Hint: by building systems in your business.)

"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr is a book about a system called OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). It’s a simple way to set goals and measure progress so you can stay focused and get things done. The book shows how big companies like Google and Intel use OKRs to dominate their industries, and how you can use them too—whether for a team, a business, or even for your personal goals.

Why should you read it? You should read Measure What Matters because <strong>it teaches a super simple and powerful way to set goals as a team and actually achieve them.</strong> There are great case studies from inside top companies and startups like YouTube, Adobe, and MyFitnessPal. Trying the method, I was able to focus on my top goals and make progress on them in a measurable way. If you want a clear plan for reaching your goals and a way to track how you're doing, this book is awesome.