There are the books you borrow, and then there are the books you keep.
Many excellent books on management are available, and ambitious managers should read them. Once you grasp the core idea, you are ready to start putting it into practice. But some books are worth revisiting again and again. Their practical guidance and evergreen advice make them worthy of a permanent place on your bookshelf.
Three such indispensable reads for any manager are:
1. The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
“A thing well begun is half done” — Aristotle
The first time I read The First 90 Days, I was a little embarrassed. I had switched roles multiple times before, and this book brought home to me the missteps I had made each time. The truth is, the start of a new job is an invaluable opportunity; you arrive with a fresh new perspective, a sense of curiosity and excitement. Above all, you aren’t yet bogged down with deadlines or buried in minutiae, so you have the luxury of time. And as they say, you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression.
This book offers excellent advice for starting a new role on the right foot. Its practical tactics can be used to learn the lay of the land, build key alliances, and knock off some quick wins. It recommends a clear timeline on which to implement these tactics. It gives insight into identifying your team’s unique situation - a start-up or a turnaround or something else - and the right strategies to apply. Most importantly, it lays out how to negotiate expectations with your boss and set yourself up for success from the outset. No wonder this book is frequently recommended when stepping into a new job.
Moreover, a career is full of beginnings. Every promotion, new team, or shift in strategy is a time to reassess and reset. That is why this book belongs on your shelf. Anytime your role evolves, revisit it. Its strategies are evergreen and will help you at the start of every new chapter.
2. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — George Bernard Shaw
Being a leader means talking to a lot of people. Frequently to people you don’t agree with, don’t like, and occasionally people you don’t trust. Being an effective leader means gritting your teeth, working with those people, and getting the job done anyway.
Crucial conversations are the ones that happen when “stakes are high, emotions are high and opinions differ”. You know, the kind you wish you didn’t need to have, but are inevitable. This book is a practical guide for those conversations.
I’ll admit that when I first encountered Crucial Conversations in a workshop, it seemed overwrought — shouldn’t common sense and empathy be enough for such situations? A few intense and emotionally charged interactions soon showed me how naive I had been! When emotions run high and there is a lot at stake, conversations can quickly unravel. Having a clear plan beforehand is essential.
That is where this book comes in. It offers a clear, step-by-step approach to expressing your views, genuinely listening to the other person, and finding mutual solutions. Beyond tactics, it also helps you manage your emotions, making it easier to navigate challenging dialogues. Real-life examples are provided throughout, demonstrating how the techniques work in practice.
Best of all, these learnings are just as valuable in all other aspects of your life. Keep this book close; it’s a guide you’ll be thankful for whenever you face tough conversations.
3. The Manager’s Path by Camille Fournier
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it” — Yogi Berra
Unlike the previous two books, The Manager’s Path is tailored to software engineering leaders. Although its insights can be adapted to other fields, its sharp focus enables it to go beyond general management advice and be a true manual for current and aspiring engineering managers.
Written by an engineer for engineers, this book carries the authenticity of someone who has been in your shoes. Its advice addresses situations that nearly every engineering manager will inevitably encounter. Reading the book is truly like having a mentor by your side, ready to steer you through any dilemma.
The book offers comprehensive guidance on navigating every stage of engineering leadership; covering key areas such as delegation, mentorship, and project management. It isn’t shy about challenging conventional wisdom, such as advising against overprotecting your team. Notably, since it methodically goes through each level of leadership, it can be your window into more senior positions. Each promotion is essentially a new job, and this book helps you assess whether the next step aligns with your true career goals. Keep it handy to guide your aspirations on each stage of your journey.
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Bonus : Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra
“It is never too late to be what you might have been” — George Eliot
The previous books can help you advance in your chosen career, but what if you start having doubts whether that path is right for you? Many people face this dilemma but are uncertain about how to proceed. If you’re feeling unfulfilled or stuck in a rut, give this book a whirl. It’s not a workbook for identifying your ideal career; rather it serves as a guide on how to take practical, incremental steps toward exploring and transitioning into a different career. It recognizes that such explorations require both internal and external work, and it offers assistance for managing the emotions involved in the process as well.
Even if you’re not actively seeking a change, this book is worth perusing to understand how major life changes play out. Keep it on your bookshelf afterwards, as research suggests that most people come to such a crossroads sooner or later in their lives, when this book becomes an invaluable resource.
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These books can help a leader grow critical skills — from effective communication to project management — while staying rooted in authenticity. They are most useful in the moment when a problem surfaces or a decision looms, so keep them within reach and let them guide you as you navigate your career.