Path to Success: Best Books in Management

“Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.”
― Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker’s assertion is quite relevant in our professional lives. Though being a boss or a business owner comes with a plethora of perks, it is undeniable that the position also confers a great deal of responsibility. To be successful in our lives, it is very important to be good managers. A high-quality management culture ensures a happy workplace and greater profits. A good manager motivates the workforce and creates a cohesive work environment. This is a sure-shot formula to increase profits. In addition to the professional world, management is a key factor in a healthy household as well. A well-managed house will definitely ensure contentment and prosperity among the family members.

We often think that management is a 24/7 commitment. To some extent that is true. However, smart work is always better than hard work. So, it is best to be an efficient manager who has plenty of time for himself or herself. This way, you will not burn out. At the same time, you will be a successful manager.

So, how do we excel in management? There are undoubtedly many stellar management schools and universities in today’s world. However, they require a lot of investment in terms of time and money. Many of us may not have that kind of time or money. So, what do we do? Do we give up on our dreams to be successful business owners or office managers? Of course not. After all, if there is a will, there is always a way.

Books are a great medium to acquire knowledge of any kind. There are loads of management tomes out there. You can pick one up and start your journey to be a great manager at your own pace. The best part? It will cost you much less and give you a head start to be successful in your endeavors.

Let us have a look at some of the best management treatises out there.

Book: The Principles of Scientific Management

Author: Frederick Winslow Taylor

Frederick Winslow Taylor’s The Principles of Scientific Management is one of the foundational works of the modern management discipline. Published in the early 1900s, the work brought to light many avenues to increase productivity. Taylor talks about the importance of organizing the workplace effectively. He believes that owners and managers should be intricately involved in the business in order to increase efficiency, profitability, and wages. Taylor advocated the involvement of scientific managers who could properly analyze the work at hand and then come up with the best way to perform it. He also professed that incentivizing the workers are important in order to keep them motivated. His work put an end to misconceptions like efficient work leads to unemployment. Taylor underscored the fact that the greater the productivity, the better would be the standard of living. He is rightfully hailed as the Father of Scientific Management.

Book: Nothing About Business

Author: Harjeet Khaduja

Harjeet Khaduja has had an extensive experience of 25 years in the corporate world. He puts his experience to good use in his book, Nothing About Business. This witty yet educational book is a collection of ninety-nine micro-stories. The recurrent theme is that the most important thing in business is to understand and relate with people. Harjeet Khaduja’s Nothing About Business is like a breath of fresh air amidst all the heavy management tomes. The simple and easy-to-understand language, along with a touch of dry humor, makes this book a must-read. This is one book that would not only teach you a lot about business and management but also give you a much-needed dose of entertainment.

Book: The Book of Household Management

Author: Isabella Beeton

Isabella May Beeton’s The Book of Household Management was a great hit in the Victorian Age. In this treatise of more than 1000 pages, Beeton outlines the methods to maintain a well-managed household. In addition to over 900 illustrated recipes, the book contains ways to have a clean house and counter illnesses. Though many of the topics are outdated today, the book still provides a detailed historical insight into the customs of the past. It also sheds light on how racism and class disparity were normalized at the time. I have to mention that the recipes are presented in a manner that is still relevant today. Nevertheless managing a great house and estate takes a lot of organization and managerial skills. Naturally, Isabella May Beeton’s book proves to be very helpful for estate managers and people working in the hospitality department even today despite its antiquated ideas.

Book: How to Win the World Cup

Author: Chris Evans

Winning the World Cup is a huge deal in the sports world. Ever since 1930, every four years, the world is swept by the football mania. Countries do their best to bring the coveted trophy home. However, it is not an easy process. One of the most significant requirements to have a successful stint during the World Cup is to appoint a great manager. The manager has to deal with a lot of intricacies to build a team capable of competing with the stalwarts. From managing the different players and coming up with various strategies to dealing with the press and political pressure, managers have to take care of them all. In his book, How to Win the World Cup, Chris Evans gives us a detailed insight into the world of the World Cup. He shows us how a team becomes successful due to the behind-the-scenes efforts of the managers. A lot can be learned about successful management techniques by reading about sports management as chronicled in How to Win the World Cup.

Conclusion

Being a manager is a tough nut to cut. However, with determination and the right mindset you can become a successful manager. Management books can be a great ally in your quest to forge a meaningful path in the cut-throat world of management. All the books mentioned in this list are penned by experienced managers in their own fields. They are sure to upskill you. I have made sure that there is a variety of books included so that you might find one best suited for you, irrespective of your vocation.

Do comment and let me know which of the listed books has grabbed your attention.