What books do they recommend managers and executives read in 2025? Current Top 10 Best Books for Managers

1. Good to Great - Jim Collins

Jim Collins explores why some companies go from good to great while others get stuck in place. He analyses data from dozens of companies and highlights the key success factors: the right people on the team, a disciplined approach and a focus on the important things.

Why recommended:

This book helps you understand how to build a long-term successful company and the principles that underpin great organisations. It is especially useful for those who want to go from average results to breakthrough results.

2. Getting Things Done - David Allen

David Allen offers the GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology, which helps to manage time and tasks effectively. The methodology is based on five steps: collect, process, organise, review and execute.

Why recommended:

The book helps improve productivity and reduce the stress associated with managing multiple tasks. It is ideal for managers who need to coordinate multiple projects at the same time.

3. The E-Myth Revisited - Michael Gerber

Michael Gerber explores the mistakes entrepreneurs make when they turn their hobby into a business. He offers the concept of a 'Business System' to help create an effective organisation.

Why recommended:

The book helps managers understand the difference between working in a business and working on a business. It is especially useful for those who want to build a scalable business.

4. The Black Swan - Nassim Taleb

Nassim Taleb explores the impact of rare events ("black swans") on our lives and businesses. He explains how to prepare for unexpected changes and minimise risks.

Why recommended:

This book helps managers develop strategic thinking and preparedness for uncertainty. It is especially relevant in today's world, where volatility is becoming the norm.

5. Principles - Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio, founder of one of the world's largest hedge funds, shares his principles for managing and living. He describes how to create a culture of radical transparency and effective decision-making.

Why Recommended:

The book provides a unique perspective on management through the lens of the author's personal experience. It helps you develop your own principles for work and life.

6. The Three Signs of a Miserable Job - Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni explores three reasons why work can be unhappy: lack of meaningfulness, measurability and progress. The book offers practical solutions to improve the work environment.

Why recommended:

This book helps managers create a happier and more productive team. It is especially relevant for those who want to improve employee satisfaction.

7. Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman describes two types of thinking: fast and intuitive (system 1) and slow and logical (system 2). The book explores how these systems influence decision making.

Why recommended:

The book helps managers better understand decision making and avoid common mistakes. It is especially valuable for those who work with large amounts of information.

8. The Goal - Eliyahu Goldratt

Eliyahu Goldratt uses the novel to explain the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its application to manufacturing and business. The book shows how to find and eliminate bottle necks in processes.

This book helps managers to optimise processes and increase production efficiency. It is particularly useful for those working in operations management.

9. The Lean Startup - Eric Ries

Eric Ries describes the lean startup methodology that helps you test ideas quickly, get feedback, and adapt to market changes.

Why recommended:

The book helps managers innovate and create agile processes. It is especially relevant for those who work in highly uncertain environments.

10. The Power of Habit - Charles Dahigg

Charles Dahigg explores how habits are formed and how they can be changed. He shows how habits affect the behaviour of individuals, companies and society as a whole.

Why recommended:

The book helps managers create useful corporate habits and transform company culture. It is particularly useful for those who want to improve work processes and employee behaviour.

Conclusion

Each of these books offers a unique perspective on management, leadership and business development. They help managers and executives become more effective, make better decisions, and build successful teams. The choice of book depends on your current challenges and goals.