One current trend in business books is the short management book, often written as a story or fable. These business books are approachable, useful and may help encourage more people to read. These business books pack a solid punch in a small package. Read some of my favorites. I think you'll quickly agree with my assessment and understand why they have such universal appeal.
1. High Five! The Magic of Working Together
by Kenneth V. Blanchard, Sheldon Bowles, others (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 0688170366 Fired from his job for failure to be a team player, Alan Foster helps a boy's hockey team learn both team secrets and hockey. Help from a retired girl's basketball coach, chants, cheers, focus, skill development, and knowing that, "None of us is as good as all of us," help Alan learn so he can teach. I love this book.
2. Just Do Your Best
By Chuck Harwood (Group Fare Productions) ISBN - 13:978-0881971019 In just 108 pages, the essence of performing successfully on your job is distilled and shared. In an out-of-the ordinary management setting: a visit to a cattle ranch, Mr. Harwood identifies the five critical factors in job success. Knowing your job well, and continuously improving what you know, is the first. The second factor is making good decisions. Enjoy attending the management meeting with the ranch employees - the daily lunch table at the ranch. Visit 15 additional workplaces he uses as examples for the five factors. Insightful, fun book.3. Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
by Harry Paul, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen (Hyperion)ISBN: 0786866020 Based on the fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle's Pike Place Market, a supervisor learns how to create an environment in which employees are excited to serve customers and each other. Find out how she transformed a toxic work environment!4. The One Minute Manager
by Spencer Johnson, Kenneth H. Blanchard (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 0688014291 Can several million people be wrong? Read the book that spawned the dynasty! Timeless tips for supervisors and others who want to increase their effectiveness with people. Learn how to catch people doing something right and the power of clear, understandable goals. Though deceptively simple, this is a great read!5. Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment
by William C. Byham (Development Dimensions International) ISBN: 0962348317 This continuing favorite may be hard to find but it's worth the search. Join a supervisor who is transported to a state in which he can suddenly "see" the real impact his actions have on whether staff is enabled to think, contribute, and find meaning in work. Experiment and learn with him as he changes.6. Please Don't Just Do What I Tell You: Do What Needs to Be Done
by Bob Nelson (Hyperion) ISBN: 0786867299 Written directly for employees, the book has great tips about how to express individual initiative and self-empowerment at work. "Doing what you're told," no longer brings success for the individual or the organization - if it ever did! Everyone has the capacity to fulfill this "ultimate expectation." Share this book to help people find out how!7. Gung Ho! Turn on the People in Any Organization
by Kenneth Blanchard, Sheldon Bowles (Morrow/Avon) ISBN: 068815428X The story, told as a fable, provides a three-part strategy for motivating employees. Make sure people know why their work is important, give them control over how they do their jobs, and provide encouragement are the success factors. The story is told by a plant manager who learned these truths from a Native American manager.8. The Peon Book
by Dave Haynes, Chief Executive Peon (Berrett-Koehler) ISBN: 1576752852 Not just a regular management book, written by an executive or a consultant, The Peon Book recommends you get the information you need to lead and manage people from the people you are trying to lead and manage. If all else fails, ask! What a concept!