Reading is one of the highest leverage product management activities.
Here are 10 books that have had a huge impact on my growth as a product manager and leader🧵⬇️
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This book that has influenced me more than any other.
I’ve owned several copies over the years because I keep giving them away. If you’ve never read it, order it now.
You’ll be glad you did.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity by David Allen
This was the first book to get me thinking about productivity.
I went from being a disorganized ADHD magpie to laser-focused careerist overnight.
https://goodreads.com/book/show/1633.Getting_Things_Done…
Mindfulness In Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana
Sometimes you need to find a little calm in the storm.
Mindfulness isn’t a hippy fad inherited from Steve Jobs, it’s an essential habit if you want to keep from burning out in the modern tech industry.
https://goodreads.com/book/show/64369.Mindfulness_in_Plain_English…
Legacy: What The All-Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life by James Kerr
The New Zealand All-Blacks are the most successful team in any sport, ever.
15 simple practices have resulted in an all-time win rate of 78%.
No other team comes close.
Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent!) by George Lois
If you want to win at creativity then pay attention to the original Mad Man who changed the face of advertising with his provocative campaigns.
His best piece of advice?
The word comes first…
Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out by Timothy Leary
I’m not advocating the use of psychedelics as a way of finding inspiration, but this tripped-out manifesto is a masterpiece of leftfield philosophy to get even the most conservative minds thinking differently.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
A hip hop-fuelled ride through the perils of running a startup from Netscape's co-founder.
He also wrote Good Product Manager / Bad Product Manager.
https://goodreads.com/book/show/18176747-the-hard-thing-about-hard-things…
Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed The Art of War by Robert Coram
Observe, orient, decide, act.
Indispensable advice for anyone looking to be successful.
Work out what’s going on around you, decide what to do, and act on it quicker than your opponent.
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson
The Zen master of sports coaching, Phil Jackson remains one of the most innovative leaders of recent times.
Essential reading for anyone who wants to guide their team to the top.
The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
- Build
- Measure
- Learn
Product management doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.
Summary:
10 books that have shaped my worldview, including:
- The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
- Getting Things Done
- Mindfulness In Plain English
- Legacy
- Damn Good Advice (For People With Talent)
- Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out
And others