Stepping back into the business world, I wanted to get a better grasp on traditional thought around business strategy, management, and organizational structure.
Naturally, there’s an excess of books on these topics. So, choosing a few to dedicate time to took some investigation. I think I landed on a selection that balances pragmatism, curiosity, and intellectualism. Here are my choices:
- Jack: Straight From the Gut by Jack Welch
- My Years with General Motors by Alfred P. Sloan
- The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton Christensen
- The Harvard Business Review Manager’s Handbook: The 17 Skills Leaders Need to Stand Out
- The Checklist Manifesto: How to get Things Right by Atul Gawande
- The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham
The first two are business-focused autobiographies of two highly regarded CEOs. I knew I wanted to read these books as soon as I came across them, for the same reason I enjoyed Alan Greenspan’s autobiography as an econ undergrad (even if I didn’t agree with his fed policy) — because it attaches personality and reality to the role of running massive corporations (or economies). People in such roles can seem a bit mystical, so I’m always curious about what a normal day is like, in their lives.
That said, the writing style could not be more different between the two autobiographies. Jack’s book feels like you’re staying out late with him at a bar, while he recounts his wild journey running GE. On the other hand, Sloan’s tome is clearly a carefully crafted volume constructed over decades (which is how the book was actually written).
The Innovator’s Dilemma is a classic text that shows up on all recommendation lists for those interested in business. It’s on my list for this reason and because of the numerous references made to the ideas presented in the book in current podcasts, writings, and talks. It’s a bit like how having knowledge of the bible, even if not a person of Christian faith, provides context for a whole layer of references (and comedy) in everyday media.
I chose The HBR Manager’s Handbook based on a strong recommendation from a colleague, and because I was looking for a source that provides structure to the dimensions a manager operates in. Although the book can be read cover to cover, it primarily serves as a great reference when periodic responsibilities arise (e.g., giving reviews, hiring, developing a business case, etc.).
Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto strays from the business strategy track, but shows up on a few recommendation lists and caught my attention. The topic is focused, but the case studies are broad and intriguing. Also, the book is quite a bit shorter than the others on the list and serves as a motivational boost since it can be easily read over a weekend.
Although another deviation from traditional business strategy books, The Intelligent Investor has been on my bookshelf since 2008, which is the last time I took interest in carefully constructing an investment portfolio (apparently, I have a knack for choosing times when stock valuation metrics diverge from market reality…). As someone drawn towards value investing for a personal portfolio, and having a non-student income for the first time, it seemed the appropriate time to work through this behemoth. Keeping with the theme of business strategy, though, this book does provide significant insight on evaluating the financial fundamentals of a company from an investor’s perspective, which is a viewpoint carefully considered by the executive team of any public company.
I’ve started all of these books and have already finished three. This selection has provided a survey of topics and writing styles that will guide my next picks. I’ll follow up with my thoughts and takeaways on a few of them — although, I can say, any one of the above would be a great pick for someone looking to get started. Final tip: none of these are new books (several are quite old), there’s plenty of used inventory for cheap!