Top Five Trending Business Books of 2018
Since the time of Sun Tzu, the Chinese general and writer credited with authoring the book The Art of War, entrepreneurs and leaders have turned to books for business advice. Even Aristotle’s notable work “Nicomachean Ethics” provides examples of virtues he deemed necessary for successful leadership. It’s been said that the most successful people share several habits in common, including their voracious love for reading.
In the era of fast-paced social media, there is still something comforting about the more static wisdom of a good old-fashioned book. The Internet offers bite-sized articles and constantly updated content, but dedicating time to feel an author’s story in your hands can be incredibly valuable and inspiring. Interestingly, various research shows that some information is better retained when read via print versus online mediums.
Maybe your business needs to be reinvigorated with fresh ideas or innovative processes. Perhaps you or your employees are seeking professional development, or to gain additional skill sets. Even the most seasoned entrepreneur can benefit from the new perspective or insights that a business-centered author offers.
Trending: Top 5 Business-Oriented Books
We scoured the web to get a sneak peek at some of the top-selling books in the category of business and entrepreneurship. Each of these books are ranked as top-sellers by both The New York Times and Amazon.com and have received 4.5 stars or higher from reader reviews. A brief recap is also shared from the book’s Amazon listing.
If you are an established leader, or an aspiring entrepreneur, consider adding these books to your bedside stack or your e-reader wishlist. Happy reading!
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
We start off with the only five-star rated book on our list. With a focus on personal branding, Vaynerchuk breaks down all of the different channels of social media to provide solid tips on how to best take advantage of them for your business.
“In his 2009 international bestseller, Crush It!, Gary Vaynerchuk insisted that a vibrant personal brand was crucial to entrepreneurial success. In Crushing It!, Gary explains why that’s even more true today, offering his unique perspective on what has changed and what remains timeless. He also shares stories from other entrepreneurs who have grown wealthier—and not just financially—than they ever imagined possible by following Crush It! principles.”
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Of particular interest to those in business and leadership roles, “Radical Candor” draws upon the author’s experience in management to provide key approaches to leadership.
“The book Radical Candor offers a guide to those bewildered or exhausted by management, written for bosses and those who manage bosses. Taken from years of the author’s experience and distilled clearly giving actionable lessons to the reader; it shows managers how to be successful while retaining their humanity, finding meaning in their job, and creating an environment where people both love their work and their colleague.”
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Speaking of Aristotle, the following quote has been attributed to him: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” The next book details how habits can make or break our achievements in business and everyday life.
“In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
The idea that an organization’s culture matters isn’t a new one; yet, author Daniel Coyle takes the reader on an in-depth journey into the research and science behind why a positive work culture can make a difference.
“In The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle goes inside some of the world’s most successful organizations—including the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, IDEO, and the San Antonio Spurs—and reveals what makes them tick. He demystifies the culture-building process by identifying three key skills that generate cohesion and cooperation, and explains how diverse groups learn to function with a single mind. Combining leading-edge science, on-the-ground insights from world-class leaders, and practical ideas for action, The Culture Code offers a roadmap for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, problems get solved, and expectations are exceeded.”
Principles by Ray Dalio
With his numerous contributions to the world of business, renowned investor Ray Dalio dives deep into his practical approach to managing a business. Dalio gives entrepreneurs of any experience level, and in any industry, proven strategies for organizing and maximizing their career.
“Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, shares the unconventional principles that he’s developed, refined, and used over the past forty years to create unique results in both life and business—and which any person or organization can adopt to help achieve their goals. In Principles, Dalio shares what he’s learned over the course of his remarkable career. He argues that life, management, economics, and investing can all be systemized into rules and understood like machines. While the book brims with novel ideas for organizations and institutions, Principles also offers a clear, straightforward approach to decision-making that Dalio believes anyone can apply, no matter what they’re seeking to achieve.”