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Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for an entry-level position, an industry veteran, or an aspiring entrepreneur, you’ve probably picked up and read at least one business book to inspire your journey. Books are an indispensable resource for expanding your knowledge and business skills and are one of the most convenient and efficient methods to become a smart employee or entrepreneur.
But with so many business books on the market today, how do you find the right books for your experience and goals? After all, there are tens of thousands of titles available. Overall, approximately 80 million business books are printed and sold each year, representing 25% of all nonfiction books for adults. Business books represent the second largest adult nonfiction category after religious books. Where to start?
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Read a classic business book
Classic books are a great place to start. Not necessarily old books, although some people like them Think and get rich by Napoleon Hill are almost 100 years old, classics are those books that continue to sell millions of copies year after year. They’re the books that people say “I’m rereading” and not “I’m reading” about. In fact, Hill’s classic book has sold more than 70 million copies. Readers simply can’t get enough of it.
Other classic titles include Rich dad, poor dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, which has sold more than 40 million copies, The 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey and How to make friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie, which still sells more than 250,000 copies a year. Carnegie’s book was ranked the seventh most influential book in American history in a Library of Congress poll in 2013. Atomic habits by James Clear is only a few years old, yet having sold for more than 5 years, it is already considered a classic.
Read a category killer
There are hundreds of categories and subcategories of business books to choose from. One popular category, business fables, has become a trusted resource when looking for thoughtful, memorable advice and genuine inspiration. A business fable is part fiction and part nonfiction, and in this way provides a way to communicate important business lessons using relatable characters and situations. They are quick, easy reads and encourage new ways of thinking about business challenges.
There are many corporate fables to choose from. For example, a business fable written by Dallas Burnett, a speaker, coach, and podcast host, recently topped the best-seller list. In Lift: a corporate fairytale for teams and the people who lead them, Burnett shares valuable team-building tips through the story of a young executive and an aging airline pilot. Patrick Lencioni and Jon Gordon are also notable authors of corporate fables.
Choose your battles by retired U.S. Army Colonel Irene Glaeser, is also a best-selling book for leaders. Glaeser writes about her experiences as one of the Army’s highest-ranking female officers. A book for both military and civilian leaders, Glaeser interweaves her storied career in the U.S. Army with compelling lessons on leadership. Her book is the ideal complement to the best-seller no. 1, sold in millions of copies, Make your bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.
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Read books on resilience
All business leaders should prioritize reading books on resilience because, in today’s dynamic and often unpredictable business landscape, resilience is a key attribute that can make or break you and your organization. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt, bounce back from setbacks, and thrive in the face of challenges. By delving into books on this topic, leaders can gain valuable insights into how to deal with adversity, develop mental and emotional strength, and foster a culture of resilience within their teams.
You might consider the best-selling book, Choose Resilience, by Tiran Jackson, a well-known speaker and coach, who addresses issues related to recovery from adversity. Jackson shared his compelling story in front of thousands of people across the country. You might as well read We lead by Robert Anderson, Jr., former FBI director and now CEO of a global cyber defense company. Anderson shows leaders how to bring more energy and teamwork into their organizations.
Read and get rich
The saying “The more books you read, the smarter you become” is true for several reasons. Reading is a mental exercise that stimulates the brain, improves cognitive skills and expands one’s knowledge base. Each book offers a unique perspective, information or insight, adding depth and breadth to one’s understanding. Additionally, reading exposes individuals to different perspectives, different viewpoints, and a variety of business topics, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. It also improves vocabulary and language proficiency, improving communication and comprehension skills.
Ultimately, the accumulation of knowledge and the intellectual growth that comes from reading contributes to a businessperson’s overall intelligence and ability to deal with the complexities of the world effectively.
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