Here’s a list of the best of new-ish books that I read in 2017. Some took a while to get to the UK, some have sat on my shelves for a while.
Not the greatest year for business books in my humble opinion. As I review what I read I realise that I am reading/watching more online (articles, videos) and have consumed fewer books. Have I been reading the wrong books?
My reading is influenced by my clients and most of the books I have been pointed towards have been a few years old. Maybe that explains why this list of new books is so small. Still, perhaps some of the books on this list will serve as inspiration for those last minute Christmas presents!
THE NEWBIES
The Start-Up Way – Eric Ries
If you liked Lean Start-Up then this will be right up your street. He applies the same thinking to larger organisations as they try to become more nimble.
Building a Culture of Innovation – Derek Bishop et al
An honest approach to placing innovation at the core of your business and culture. I like the honest and simple style. A handbook for managing culture.
Five Go on a Strategy Away Day (Enid Blyton for Grown Ups) – Bruno Vincent
Pure nonsense but with a strong hint of truth about the absurdity of most strategy awaydays (and I have been on a few). I have 10 copies on my shelf to give out to clients…
The One Thing – Gary Keller
Have read and re-read this one. Changes how you focus on the future and how you prioritise. Highly recommended. I have 10 copies on my shelf to give out to clients…
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World – Cal Newport
An intelligent and observant look at how most people simply don’t put the hard hours into their thinking: too many distractions and too little effort creates poor thinking. End of. Worth reading.
THE RECENT BOOKS
Hooked: How to Build Habit Forming Products – Nir Eyal
A DIY book that explains the components of addictive products and services. A must-read for everyone who cares about driving customer engagement (Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup).
Meaningful: The Story of Ideas That Fly – Bernadette Jiwa
I love everything Bernadette writes. Simple, clear, focused on the customer and what they want. And her books are a lesson to most authors. Short, sweet and to the point.
Joy Inc – Richard Sheridan
A self-referencing but great read about a software company that does things in a different/disruptive way. It will challenge how you run your software company or agency. I have 10 copies on my shelf to give out to clients…
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
Though originally published in 2011, this book continues to be a best-seller in 2016. Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman does a deep dive analysis of the two cognitive systems that shape the judgements and decisions we make in our everyday lives.
SHAMELESS PLUG
Check-in Strategy Journal – Robert Craven and Adam Harris
A 42-page espresso on strategy for the business and your personal life… followed by a week-by-week journal for reviewing and previewing your actions…
Not only have the reviews been stunning (blush, blush) but it works. I refer to my copy most days. Get your copy here.