Inspiring business development and leadership books
Following on from one of our previous blogs “8 inspiring books for any business owner”, here we’ve lengthened the list and added a few more books. These books are particularly useful for self-development and leadership, in a business setting. Check out our list and be inspired!
The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less – by Richard Koch
In The 80/20 Principle, Koch explains that effort does not always equal results. The 80/20 Principle is that 20% of your efforts provide 80% of your results. This is useful as it helps us focus on the important things that produce positive results, rather that the less important things that don’t. This book also helps us to get over the idea that you, as a business owner, have to do everything and that everything must be perfect to work. The book helps us learn how to achieve more without as much effort, by focussing on the effective 20%. Through example, Koch shows us how the 80/20 principle works in different aspects of life.
I’ll Show Them Who’s Boss – by Gerry Robinson
In “I’ll Show You Who’s Boss”, Robinson gives us examples of real-life practical case studies on how family businesses work (or don’t in some cases!). This book demonstrates commonly made business mistakes and gives practical ways in which you can fix them.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – by Stephen R Covey
Covey’s 1989 book is a classic in the genre of self-development, particularly in a business setting. His seminal work helps individuals become more effective by providing approaches for dealing with both personal and professional problems. Covey explains how we can adapt to change and create new opportunities.
Leading at a Higher Level – by Ken Blanchard
Leading at a Higher Level is essentially a summary of all of Blanchard’s work on how to run a successful business, focussing on leadership and management. Blanchard shares the most effective techniques and styles for leading, empowering leaders to be the best they can. This book is useful for any business owner who wants to develop and grow their business in a people-orientated way.
Never Split the Difference – by Chris Voss
Never Split the Difference gives a radically different view of how to negotiate. The author, Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, applies the techniques used in his previous work to everyday negotiations. In a hostage negotiation we would never try to meet in the middle, only saving half of the hostages, and Voss explains that we should apply this logic to negotiating for anything which we really want. This book provides helpful insights on negotiating which can be applied to a business setting.
Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs – by Karen Berman and Joe Knight
In order to successfully run a growing business, you have to understand the numbers. Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs provides everything a business owner needs to know on the topic. Having worked with thousands of organisations around the world, Berman and Knight help us gain a deeper understanding of financial management. The book provides practical activities to ensure the reader gets to grips with what they have learned.
Leaders Eat Last – by Simon Sinek
Leaders Eat Last is a classic on the topic of leadership. Sinek explains how the best leaders put their own interests aside for the interests of those they lead. This makes them feel safe, valued and protected, allowing them to grow and develop. This book is great for any business owner who wants to develop a great team, and in turn a great business.
The Fifth Discipline – by Peter M. Senge
The Fifth Discipline is another classic. Senge explores the idea of a “learning organisation” in the context of systems thinking. This book looks at how humans operate and make decisions within systems, and explains the approach needed to transcend systems and achieve better outcomes.
We can help you with your business development
We hope you found our list of business development and leadership books interesting! If you like the sound of any of the books and would like to chat about growing your business, let us know. Rosslyn Associates provide business coaching and advisory services to owner managed business’s, helping them develop and grow. If you’d like to discuss how we can help you grow your business, get in touch with us by calling the office on 0131 445 1825 or by emailing info@rosslynassociates.co.uk.
