The best 99 Work Culture books

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1
Work Culture Books: ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

ReWork

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
4.6 (228 ratings)

What's ReWork about?

Rework (2010) throws out the traditional notions of what it takes to run a business and offers a collection of unorthodox advice, ranging from productivity to communication and product development.

These lessons are based on the authors’ own experiences in building, running and growing their company to a point where it generates millions of dollars in profits annually.

Who should read ReWork?

  • Anyone who has ever considered starting their own company
  • Anyone interested in what work should be like in the 21st century
  • Anyone trying to create an environment of productivity

2
Work Culture Books: Scaling Up Excellence by Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao

Scaling Up Excellence

Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao
Getting to More Without Settling for Less
4.2 (50 ratings)

What's Scaling Up Excellence about?

Scaling Up Excellence is the first major business publication that deals with how leaders can effectively spread exemplary practices in their organization. Readers can expect to learn about the latest research in the organizational behavior field, lots of instructive industry case studies, and many helpful practices, strategies and principles for scaling up.

The authors help leaders and managers understand major scaling challenges and show how to identify excellent niches, spread them and cultivate the right mindset within their organizations. They also set out scaling principles that guide leaders in their daily decisions.

Who should read Scaling Up Excellence?

  • Leaders and managers seeking to improve the performance of their organization
  • Anyone who wants to know how to spread best practices in an organization
  • Anyone interested in cutting-edge organizational research

3
Work Culture Books: Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright

Tribal Leadership

Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright
Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization
4.1 (63 ratings)

What's Tribal Leadership about?

This book explains how members of the same workplace function together as a tribe. Each tribe has a culture that determines its productivity, and there are five distinct stages of tribal culture. Tribal Leadership will show how you, as the “tribal leader,” can guide your tribe to higher levels, resulting in a healthier and more productive work environment.

Who should read Tribal Leadership?

  • CEOs and managers
  • Anyone who wants to guide their workplace to greater success
  • Anyone who want to emerge as a tribal leader

4
Work Culture Books: How to Be a Positive Leader by Jane E. Dutton & Gretchen M. Spreitzer

How to Be a Positive Leader

Jane E. Dutton & Gretchen M. Spreitzer
Small Actions, Big Impact
4.2 (103 ratings)

What's How to Be a Positive Leader about?

How to Be a Positive Leader examines cutting-edge research from the field of positive organizational behavior, in which companies aim to foster both a positive attitude to work and high performance among employees. The research is complemented with vivid examples from real organizations.

Who should read How to Be a Positive Leader?

  • Anyone interested in the concept of happiness at work
  • Leaders who want to build thriving, successful organizations
  • Employees who want to be happier and more productive

5
Work Culture Books: The Best Place to Work by Ron Friedman

The Best Place to Work

Ron Friedman
The Art and Science of Creating an Extraordinary Workplace
3.8 (37 ratings)

What's The Best Place to Work about?

If you want to design the best possible workplace, improve employee satisfaction and ultimately motivate your staff to deliver better results, look no further. The Best Place to Work will guide you through the process of improving your working environment, leading to more enthusiastic and productive employees.

Who should read The Best Place to Work?

  • Anyone who’s interested in workplace design
  • Anyone who’s concerned about employee satisfaction
  • Managers who want to improve productivity

6
Work Culture Books: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux

Reinventing Organizations

Frederic Laloux
A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness
4.4 (148 ratings)

What's Reinventing Organizations about?

Reinventing Organizations discusses why companies around the world are getting rid of bosses, introducing flat hierarchies and pursuing purpose over profit. And ultimately, by adopting a non-hierarchical model, these organizations thrive.

Who should read Reinventing Organizations?

  • Anyone studying leadership or management
  • Employees and managers fed up with hierarchical organizations
  • CEOs who want to change and modernize their company

7
Work Culture Books: The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling

The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling
Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals
4.4 (232 ratings)

What's The 4 Disciplines of Execution about?

The 4 Disciplines of Execution (2012) is a manual for CEOs and managers, showing leaders how to execute their strategic goals by getting their staff to behave differently. By introducing the four disciplines of execution, you’ll help motivate your team to achieve broader company goals.

Who should read The 4 Disciplines of Execution?

  • CEOs, managers and company leaders who want to execute their strategic goals
  • Students of economics and management
  • Anyone who wants to see their organization achieve its goals

8
Work Culture Books: Change the Culture, Change the Game by Roger Connors and Tom Smith

Change the Culture, Change the Game

Roger Connors and Tom Smith
The Breakthrough Strategy For Energizing Your Organization and Creating Accountability For Results
4.1 (184 ratings)

What's Change the Culture, Change the Game about?

Change The Culture, Change The Game (2012) demonstrates how to implement a culture of accountability within your organization. You’ll discover how to help encourage a shift in thinking to get the game-changing results you want and explore the steps needed to sustain such changes.

Who should read Change the Culture, Change the Game?

  • Anyone interested in managing change
  • Anyone wanting to change their organization’s culture

9
Work Culture Books: The Culture Engine by S. Chris Edmonds

The Culture Engine

S. Chris Edmonds
A Framework for Driving Results, Inspiring Your Employees, and Transforming Your Workplace
4.0 (42 ratings)

What's The Culture Engine about?

The Culture Engine (2014) is a guide to creating an inspirational workplace by revolutionizing the culture of your organization. These blinks will walk you through the process of designing, implementing and managing an organizational constitution to guide and transform any group.

Who should read The Culture Engine?

  • CEOs who want to revolutionize their company culture
  • Leaders looking to inspire their teams
  • Organizations that want to transform their approach to work

10
Work Culture Books: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

The Culture Code

Daniel Coyle
The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups
4.4 (279 ratings)

What's The Culture Code about?

Daniel Coyle’s The Culture Code (2018) digs into the findings of psychologists, organizational behavior theorists and his own firsthand knowledge of the contemporary business world to provide answers. What makes a group tick? Why do some teams outperform other seemingly evenly matched competitors? As well-researched as it is practical, this study of group dynamics is packed full of illuminating ideas and considered, hands-on advice about getting the best performance out of groups.

Who should read The Culture Code?

  • Managers and executives looking to hone their leadership skills
  • Employees of large organizations curious about the group dynamics around them
  • Members of sports teams interested in boosting their on-field performance

11
Work Culture Books: Build It by Glenn Elliott and Debra Corey

Build It

Glenn Elliott and Debra Corey
The Rebel Playbook for World-Class Employee Engagement
4.6 (47 ratings)

What's Build It about?

Build It (2018) takes a look at one of the most important yet overlooked secrets behind business success: employee engagement. Drawing on a decade of research into 2,000 companies, Glenn Elliott and Debra Corey explore the tactics of some of today’s best-known firms to shed light on how they keep their workers switched on and productive. One common theme? They all tore up the HR rulebook, and this path-breaking book is designed to help you do just that.

We’re thrilled to announce that the authors have worked together with Blinkist to create this book-in-blinks for you.

Who should read Build It?

  • CEO’s and entrepreneurs looking to improve their businesses
  • HR people looking to engage their employees
  • Managers wanting to improve the performance of their team

12
Work Culture Books: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
4.0 (204 ratings)

What's It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work about?

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work (2019) is a refreshing antidote to dysfunctional work culture. Drawing on real-world examples from the authors’ successful software company, these blinks shine a light on how we can say goodbye to habitual workplace stress and become calm, focused and efficient.

Who should read It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work?

  • High achievers longing for a better work-life balance
  • Managers looking for a fresh perspective
  • Entrepreneurs trying to de-stress

13
Work Culture Books: The Joy of Work by Bruce Daisley

The Joy of Work

Bruce Daisley
30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love With Your Job Again
4.3 (193 ratings)

What's The Joy of Work about?

The Joy of Work (2019) offers tips and techniques for making work less stressful and a lot more fun and productive. It examines many of the productivity pitfalls that can be found in today’s workplace, and provides solutions for both increased efficiency and more peace of mind. It also provides ideas on how to improve the atmosphere in the office and with your colleagues in order to engage in effective and harmonious teamwork. 

Who should read The Joy of Work?

  • Employees
  • Managers and CEOs
  • Coaches and psychologists

14
Work Culture Books: The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson

The Fearless Organization

Amy C. Edmondson
Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth
4.6 (364 ratings)

What's The Fearless Organization about?

The Fearless Organization (2018) delves into psychological safety and how the workplace can become an environment in which everyone feels confident enough to pitch in and do their best. These blinks explain why people hold back on sharing their ideas at work, how this harms businesses, and how leaders can encourage a culture of openness, questioning, and experimentation that leads to learning and innovation. 

Who should read The Fearless Organization?

  • Forward-thinking leaders who want to encourage innovation and learning
  • Human resources managers looking to get the most out of their talent
  • Team players interested in creating a supportive workplace

15
Work Culture Books: The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge

The Fifth Discipline

Peter M. Senge
The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization
4.5 (185 ratings)

What's The Fifth Discipline about?

The Fifth Discipline (1990) is a comprehensive guide to creating learning organizations – workplaces that nurture innovation and personal growth. The author argues that, in our rapidly changing world, companies can only succeed if they change the way in which they deal with problems. In his view, a reactive approach, based on constantly putting out fires, no longer works. Instead, businesses need to adopt what he calls a systems thinking method. This method is proactive, and its purpose is to identify underlying patterns and generate innovative solutions. But this approach only works if you have motivated staff who share the company’s vision. 

Who should read The Fifth Discipline?

  • Entrepreneurs who want to uncover blind spots in their thinking
  • Disgruntled employees seeking satisfaction in their work
  • Team members who want to learn to speak their minds

16
Work Culture Books: Building an Inclusive Organization by Stephen Frost and Raafi-Karim Alidina

Building an Inclusive Organization

Stephen Frost and Raafi-Karim Alidina
Leveraging the Power of a Diverse Workforce
4.4 (167 ratings)

What's Building an Inclusive Organization about?

Building an Inclusive Organization (2019) offers a roadmap for leaders to create organizations that truly celebrate diverse perspectives in the workplace. The authors show that to become truly inclusive, workplaces need to work hard to overcome unconscious bias, create divergent teams where people challenge each other, and implement policies to create a psychologically safe environment for all. 

Who should read Building an Inclusive Organization?

  • Hiring managers who want to learn how to turn good intentions into action
  • Leaders wanting to make their companies more innovative and inclusive
  • Anyone who has suffered systematic discrimination and wants to understand how the system works.

17
Work Culture Books: It's the Manager by Jim Clifton, Jim Harter

It's the Manager

Jim Clifton, Jim Harter
Gallup Finds the Quality of Managers and Team Leaders is the Single Biggest Factor in Your Organization's Long-term Success
4.2 (122 ratings)

What's It's the Manager about?

It’s the Manager (2019) outlines the latest workplace research from Gallup. It explores what good leadership looks like in the modern age, and how managers can get the best out of the people they lead.

Who should read It's the Manager?

  • Human Resources professionals seeking a fresh perspective
  • Managers looking to the future
  • Team leaders wanting to know what makes people tick

18
Work Culture Books: No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

No Rules Rules

Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention
4.6 (412 ratings)

What's No Rules Rules about?

No Rules Rules (2020) sets out the principles of Netflix’s unique company culture, based on employee freedom and responsibility, and optimized for maximum innovation. In doing so, it charts the incredible journey of Netflix, a start-up fairytale.

Who should read No Rules Rules?

  • Anyone who works at a start-up
  • Fans of the film The Social Network
  • Those who are wary of Silicon Valley’s increasing dominance

 


19
Work Culture Books: The Serendipity Mindset by Christian Busch

The Serendipity Mindset

Christian Busch
The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck
4.3 (229 ratings)

What's The Serendipity Mindset about?

The Serendipity Mindset (2020) offers a practical guide to welcoming more positive and fortuitous outcomes in your life. It explains how subtle shifts in your attitude and perception can lead to dramatic differences in your ability to persevere and get positive results.

Who should read The Serendipity Mindset?

  • People eager for more “luck” in their lives
  • Managers and executives who want to create a better company culture
  • Anyone who’d like to get the most out of life

20
Work Culture Books: Inclusify by Stefanie K. Johnson

Inclusify

Stefanie K. Johnson
The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams
4.2 (133 ratings)

What's Inclusify about?

Inclusify (2020) offers some valuable guidance for managers and CEOs who would like to increase the diversity of their workforce. Facts show that diversity is a powerful contributor to success on a variety of levels. Inclusify introduces the proven steps that the biggest and best businesses are taking to be more inclusive and more successful.

Who should read Inclusify?

Who’s it for?

  • Managers who want happier employees
  • People seeking ways to create safer workplaces
  • CEOs who want to create more competitive businesses

21
Work Culture Books: Think Again by Adam Grant

Think Again

Adam Grant
The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
4.6 (1,067 ratings)

What's Think Again about?

Think Again (2021) examines the science behind changing your mind – and persuading others to change theirs. It explores the biases and assumptions that we bring to our decision-making, and outlines how individuals and organizations can build a mindset of lifelong curiosity.

Who should read Think Again?

  • Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights
  • Sales professionals seeking a new angle
  • People managers hoping to improve team performance

22
Work Culture Books: UX for Lean Startups by Laura Klein

UX for Lean Startups

Laura Klein
Faster, Smarter User Experience Research and Design
4.5 (139 ratings)

What's UX for Lean Startups about?

UX for Lean Startups (2013) provides an innovative, cost-effective approach to researching and designing products and services. Geared toward start-ups and companies that want to act like them, it shows that you can provide your customers with an excellent user experience while keeping your time and money expenditures as lean as possible.

Who should read UX for Lean Startups?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Product designers, managers, and engineers
  • Start-up workers and founders

23
Work Culture Books: Can't Even by Anne Helen Petersen

Can't Even

Anne Helen Petersen
How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation
4.3 (170 ratings)

What's Can't Even about?

Can’t Even (2020) is an attempt to explain and defend the generation that became the world’s punching bag: the millennials. Arguing against accusations of laziness and entitlement, it suggests that millennial exhaustion is a natural response to the messed-up world they inherited.

Who should read Can't Even?

  • Millennials dealing with burnout and exhaustion
  • Friends and relatives of this troubled generation
  • Anyone interested in the problems of modern work

24
Work Culture Books: The Upskilling Imperative by Shelley Osborne

The Upskilling Imperative

Shelley Osborne
5 Ways to Make Learning Core to the Way We Work
4.3 (83 ratings)

What's The Upskilling Imperative about?

What’s it about?

The Upskilling Imperative (2020) introduces practical tips for companies to ensure their staff have ample opportunity to learn skills for the future. With industries and technologies changing all the time, it shows business leaders the steps they can take to stay ahead of the curve and establish robust, accessible learning environments.

Who should read The Upskilling Imperative?

Who’s it for?

  • Managers or C-Level executives looking to upskill their teams
  • People interested in Learning and Development or HR

Employees who want to change the way their company views training 


25
Work Culture Books: Great Leaders Have No Rules by Kevin Kruse

Great Leaders Have No Rules

Kevin Kruse
Contrarian Leadership Principles to Transform Your Team and Business
4.6 (230 ratings)

What's Great Leaders Have No Rules about?

Great Leaders Have No Rules (2019) challenges leaders to adopt a contrarian approach to managing people and their time so that they succeed more easily and quickly. By identifying the flaws in traditional or typical leadership practices, it reveals why going against the grain results in better outcomes.

Who should read Great Leaders Have No Rules?

  • Leaders who want to optimize their performance
  • Managers looking for new ways to motivate their teams
  • Entrepreneurs seeking to create a dynamic workplace culture

26
Work Culture Books: Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan

Digital Body Language

Erica Dhawan
How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance
4.4 (230 ratings)

What's Digital Body Language about?

Digital Body Language (2021) is your rulebook to clear online communication. Combining cutting-edge research with personal know-how, it demystifies the digital signals that so often stand in for traditional body language.

Who should read Digital Body Language?

  • Leaders and employees seeking more streamlined digital collaborations
  • Virtual workers who want to improve their online tone and clarity
  • Anyone who’s struggled to convey what they really mean from behind a screen

27
Work Culture Books: A World Without Email by Cal Newport

A World Without Email

Cal Newport
Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload
4.4 (279 ratings)

What's A World Without Email about?

A World Without Email (2021) presents a bold reimagining of the workplace, one in which the days of email and instant messaging are a thing of the past. It argues that while email may seem like an integral part of modern knowledge work, it’s actually making everyone less productive and less focused, not to mention miserable. The solution will require a major paradigm shift –⁠ but it will be well worth the effort.

Who should read A World Without Email?

  • Business leaders who want to root out inefficiencies in their organizations
  • Employees frustrated with the workplace culture of constant communication
  • Freelancers and entrepreneurs looking to improve their workflow

28
Work Culture Books: High-Impact Tools for Teams by Stefano Mastrogiacomo and Alexander Osterwalder

High-Impact Tools for Teams

Stefano Mastrogiacomo and Alexander Osterwalder
5 Tools to Align Team Members, Build Trust, and Get Results Fast
4.2 (169 ratings)

What's High-Impact Tools for Teams about?

High Impact Tools for Teams (2021) offers flexible tools for project planning, assessment, and creating an empowering environment for your team members. At the center is the Team Alignment Map, a simple chart that will transform the way you conduct meetings, track progress, and identify problems before they occur.

Who should read High-Impact Tools for Teams?

  • Leaders and project managers looking for better results
  • Anyone trying to get an ambitious project off the ground
  • Team members who long for a better work environment

29
Work Culture Books: Anxiety at Work by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton with Anthony Gostick

Anxiety at Work

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton with Anthony Gostick
8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done
4.2 (210 ratings)

What's Anxiety at Work about?

Anxiety at Work (2021) explores how the modern workplace contributes to our soaring anxiety levels. It outlines how organizations, and team leaders, can help alleviate their employees’ worries and concerns.

Who should read Anxiety at Work?

  • Anyone interested in organizational psychology
  • Stressed-out employees looking for some perspective
  • Managers hoping to give employee well-being a boost

30
Work Culture Books: How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace by Robert Glazer with Mick Sloan

How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace

Robert Glazer with Mick Sloan
Simple and Effective Tips for Successful, Productive and Empowered Remote Work
4.2 (131 ratings)

What's How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace about?

How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace (2021) is a guide to working remotely. With tips for both organizations and individuals, it covers everything from the benefits of remote work to steps for implementing it successfully, and the tools and tricks that make it easy.

Who should read How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace?

  • Organizational leaders interested in going remote
  • Employees who want a fulfilling remote experience
  • People who are curious about the future of work

31
Work Culture Books: The Long-Distance Teammate by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel

The Long-Distance Teammate

Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel
Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere
4.3 (118 ratings)

What's The Long-Distance Teammate about?

The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere (2021) is a guide to being a quality teammate while working remotely. It helps you navigate all the interpersonal issues that pop up when you’re no longer sharing an office with your coworkers, and gives advice on how to build connections with people you haven’t seen.

Who should read The Long-Distance Teammate?

  • Anyone working remotely
  • Workers unsure where they fit in
  • People seeking a better work-life balance

32
Work Culture Books: Career Fear (and how to beat it) by Somi Arian

Career Fear (and how to beat it)

Somi Arian
Get the Perspective, Mindset and Skills You Need to Futureproof Your Work Life
4.1 (76 ratings)

What's Career Fear (and how to beat it) about?

Career Fear (and how to beat it) (2020) sounds the alarm on how jobs are rapidly changing due to technological advancements. Taking a historical perspective on the evolution of work cultures, it brings to light the necessary mindset and uniquely human skills to thrive in a future defined by artificial intelligence. 

Who should read Career Fear (and how to beat it)?

  • Professionals seeking a new career 
  • People interested in the future of work
  • Anyone worrying about their career path

33
Work Culture Books: Equity by Minal Bopaiah

Equity

Minal Bopaiah
How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives
3.7 (155 ratings)

What's Equity about?

Equity (2021) is your guide to building equitable systems in the twenty-first century. It was designed to help socially conscious leaders with the challenging task of creating fair and inclusive organizations that work for everybody.

Who should read Equity?

  • Leaders who want to embed their values into their business or nonprofit
  • Diversity officers tasked with promoting a diverse and inclusive office culture
  • Anyone who wants to be more mindful of bias in their thinking and behavior

34
Work Culture Books: Just Work by Kim Scott

Just Work

Kim Scott
How to Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Build a Kick-ass Culture of Inclusivity
3.5 (145 ratings)

What's Just Work about?

Just Work (2021) reveals just how damaging unchecked bias and discrimination are in the workplace. Everyone has unconscious biases and prejudices that they bring with them to work. But if these aren’t confronted head-on they can create a toxic work environment with unhappy employees who can’t do their best. Tackling bias is a win for everyone.

Who should read Just Work?

  • CEOs wanting to create thriving workplaces
  • Anyone who’s experienced workplace harassment, and wants tools to address it
  • Workplace bullies who want to confront their prejudices

35
Work Culture Books: Teams That Work by Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas

Teams That Work

Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas
The Seven Drivers of Team Effectiveness
4.5 (102 ratings)

What's Teams That Work about?

Teams That Work (2020) presents the seven drivers that make any team effective. Packed with the latest research and real-world examples, this practical guide draws on the many years of experience of coauthors Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas in helping teams succeed.

Who should read Teams That Work?

  • Managers or leaders who want to boost team performance
  • Anyone who wants to be a better team player
  • Teamwork skeptics who’ve tried it all

36
Work Culture Books: Solving the Productivity Puzzle by Tim Ringo

Solving the Productivity Puzzle

Tim Ringo
How to Engage, Motivate and Develop Employees to Improve Individual and Business Performance
3.8 (145 ratings)

What's Solving the Productivity Puzzle about?

Solving the Productivity Puzzle (2020) is a guide for people management professionals. It covers topics such as learning and development, motivation of the workforce, and planning strategies. It’s essential reading for HR professionals who want to build a culture in which people can thrive.

Who should read Solving the Productivity Puzzle?

  • HR managers interested in change programs
  • Those looking for the perfect job
  • Managers who want to improve their employee productivity

37
Work Culture Books: The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr and George Spafford

The Phoenix Project

Gene Kim, Kevin Behr and George Spafford
A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win
4.5 (199 ratings)

What's The Phoenix Project about?

The Phoenix Project (2013) explores how integrating the Development and IT Operations teams of a company’s IT department can improve communication, accelerate workflow, and increase value. It uses a fictional lens to unpack a common real-life scenario – demonstrating how the DevOps approach enables organizations to deftly adapt to sudden changes, updates, or market pressures.

Who should read The Phoenix Project?

  • Business leaders looking to increase value through their IT department 
  • IT managers seeking to streamline their teams’ workflow
  • Tech employees wondering how different parts of a business interrelate

38
Work Culture Books: Simple Truths of Leadership by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley

Simple Truths of Leadership

Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley
52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust
4.7 (308 ratings)

What's Simple Truths of Leadership about?

Simple Truths of Leadership (2022) explores simple principles that elevate leaders from good to great. It reveals the common mistakes that leaders make – and uncovers the behaviors that result in better team performance and closer working relationships. 

Who should read Simple Truths of Leadership?

  • New managers eager to build strong relationships with their teams
  • Seasoned leaders looking for a fresh perspective
  • Entrepreneurs hoping to brush up on their people skills

39
Work Culture Books: Leading from Anywhere by David Burkus

Leading from Anywhere

David Burkus
Unlock the Power and Performance of Remote Teams
4.3 (177 ratings)

What's Leading from Anywhere about?

Leading from Anywhere (2021) is a guide to leading a remote team, covering everything from building a company culture, managing performance, and running virtual meetings to providing feedback to team members. In addition to setting out the best way to manage a team remotely, it makes a strong case for remote work in general. 

Who should read Leading from Anywhere?

  • CEOs and team leaders
  • Remote workers in dysfunctional organizations
  • Anyone interested in setting up a remote business

40
Work Culture Books: Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman

Masters of Scale

Reid Hoffman
Surprising Truths from the World's Most Successful Entrepreneurs
4.3 (465 ratings)

What's Masters of Scale about?

Masters of Scale (2021) is part fascinating anecdote, part how-to guide for entrepreneurs who are preparing to launch their product or scale up their company. With case studies and stories behind some of the world’s biggest companies, it isolates the principles behind successfully scaling up.

Who should read Masters of Scale?

  • Serial entrepreneurs
  • Investors looking to scale a startup
  • Executives seeking to grow their companies

41
Work Culture Books: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy

Who Not How

Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy
The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork
4.5 (539 ratings)

What's Who Not How about?

Who Not How (2020) introduces a new way of thinking about entrepreneurship, goal setting, and collaboration. Developed by business coach Dan Sullivan, the Who Not How mindset shows the importance of delegating tasks to others. By inviting them to help you achieve your goals, you’ll gain more free time, increase your income, and develop valuable, lasting professional relationships.

Who should read Who Not How?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to realize a business idea
  • Burned-out professionals with a desire for more free time
  • Perfectionists on the hunt for procrastination cures

42
Work Culture Books: Driving Performance Through Learning by Andy Lancaster

Driving Performance Through Learning

Andy Lancaster
Using L&D to Improve Performance, Productivity and Profits
4.2 (184 ratings)

What's Driving Performance Through Learning about?

Driving Performance Through Learning (2019) is a guide to help learning and development professionals understand the full breadth of possibilities for learning in the modern workplace. It explains the benefits of learning during the natural flow of work, encouraging a wide range of innovative methods.

Who should read Driving Performance Through Learning?

  • Learning and development professionals expanding their horizons
  • Managers who want to understand L&D better
  • Workers who love learning new professional skills

43
Work Culture Books: Beat Gender Bias by Karen Morley

Beat Gender Bias

Karen Morley
How to Play a Better Part in a More Inclusive World
4.0 (129 ratings)

What's Beat Gender Bias about?

Beat Gender Bias (2020) explores the beliefs and behaviors that underpin the glass ceiling and that stop women and girls from reaching their full potential. It explores the persistence of workplace sexism and explains how leaders can tackle it.

Who should read Beat Gender Bias?

  • Sociology buffs looking for a different perspective 
  • Feminists hoping to create change in their workplaces
  • Leaders seeking insights into equality and diversity issues

44
Work Culture Books: Strategic Kaizen™ by Masaaki Imai

Strategic Kaizen™

Masaaki Imai
Using Flow, Synchronization, and Leveling Assessment to Measure and Strengthen Operational Performance
4.4 (77 ratings)

What's Strategic Kaizen™ about?

Strategic Kaizen (2021) examines the principles and practices of corporations that have embraced lean thinking – a paired-down, customer-oriented production process pioneered in postwar Japan. Also known as the Toyota Production System, this managerial philosophy is all about maximizing efficiency and reducing waste by making many small changes. 

Who should read Strategic Kaizen™?

  • Managers and leaders
  • Technophiles and car lovers
  • Strategists and planners

45
Work Culture Books: Neurodiversity at Work by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby

Neurodiversity at Work

Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby
Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity With a Neurodiverse Workforce
4.4 (295 ratings)

What's Neurodiversity at Work about?

Neurodiversity at Work (2022) is a practical guide to recruiting neurodiverse employees and creating work environments that allow them to thrive. Thanks to the digital revolution, the world of work has changed dramatically over the last decades. Yet corporate culture has remained trapped in archaic hiring practices that don’t work for the neurodiverse. By updating these practices, you’ll create a more inclusive workplace, which will yield more successful and innovative teams.

Who should read Neurodiversity at Work?

  • Hiring managers seeking to attract neurodiverse candidates
  • Leaders looking to create a communicative, trusting workplace
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to advocate for themselves in a corporate environment

46
Work Culture Books: Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People by Renée Evenson

Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People

Renée Evenson
Over 325 Ready-to-use Words and Phrases for Working with Challenging Personalities
4.2 (549 ratings)

What's Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People about?

Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People (2013) provides practical tactics for navigating tough conversations at work. Along with over 325 phrases, it includes dozens of sample conversations that show the phrases in action.

Who should read Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People?

  • Anyone dealing with difficult coworkers or bosses
  • Employees looking for practical guidance on how to talk to colleagues
  • People interested in conflict management

47
Work Culture Books: The Leader's Guide to Unconscious Bias by Pamela Fuller & Mark Murphy with Anne Chow

The Leader's Guide to Unconscious Bias

Pamela Fuller & Mark Murphy with Anne Chow
How To Reframe Bias, Cultivate Connection, and Create High-Performing Teams
4.4 (176 ratings)

What's The Leader's Guide to Unconscious Bias about?

The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias (2020) is a guide to unconscious bias at work: how to identify it, and what to do about it. Leaders and managers have a particular responsibility to ensure unconscious bias doesn’t harm the careers of their team members.

Who should read The Leader's Guide to Unconscious Bias?

  • Workplace leaders who want to take good care of their teams
  • Workers curious about how unconscious bias affects them
  • People looking to deepen their understanding of bias

48
Work Culture Books: Working Backwards by Colin Bryar

Working Backwards

Colin Bryar
And Other Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon
4.4 (128 ratings)

What's Working Backwards about?

Working Backwards (2021) tells the story of how Amazon changed the way people live. It explores founder Jeff Bezos’ leadership philosophy, and reveals how this philosophy has informed Amazon’s most iconic products and services

Who should read Working Backwards?

  • Executive coaches looking for fresh insights
  • Entrepreneurs hoping to turbo-charge their business
  • Managers wanting to boost their teams’ performance

49
Work Culture Books: Getting Along by Amy Gallo

Getting Along

Amy Gallo
How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)
3.2 (214 ratings)

What's Getting Along about?

Getting Along (2022) describes the importance of workplace interactions and their effects on productivity and creativity.

Who should read Getting Along?

  • Managers who want to create positive work environments
  • People unhappy with their colleagues
  • Anyone interested in workplace relationships

50
Work Culture Books: Meetings That Get Results by Terrence Metz

Meetings That Get Results

Terrence Metz
A Facilitator's Guide to Building Better Meetings
4.2 (190 ratings)

What's Meetings That Get Results about?

Meetings That Get Results (2021) is a practical guide to the art of running more effective and efficient meetings. Designed for leaders tasked with facilitating meetings and group discussions, it emphasizes collaborative approaches to decision-making and problem-solving. 

Who should read Meetings That Get Results?

  • Leaders and organizers 
  • Tinkerers and optimizers 
  • Team players

51
Work Culture Books: Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas

Humor, Seriously

Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
Why Humor Is a Superpower at Work and in Life (And How Anyone Can Harness It. Even You.)
4.1 (425 ratings)

What's Humor, Seriously about?

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the value of a human-centered approach to business, and of the funny that can be found and created in any environment. It relies on science, psychology, and humorous anecdotes from experts in the field to show how using humor can create a culture of levity, build trust, and unlock creativity.

Who should read Humor, Seriously?

  • Leaders looking to build trust
  • Managers who want to enhance creativity
  • Anyone seeking more joy in work and life

52
Work Culture Books: Leading with Love and Laughter by Zina Sutch and Patrick Malone

Leading with Love and Laughter

Zina Sutch and Patrick Malone
Letting Go and Getting Real at Work
4.3 (152 ratings)

What's Leading with Love and Laughter about?

Leading with Love and Laughter (2021) explores how a love-and-laughter approach to leadership can lead to better team performance, improved morale, trust, creativity, and improved health. It provides the information needed for leaders to show love and to navigate the potential problems of humor in the workplace.

Who should read Leading with Love and Laughter?

  • Leaders who want to show their team some love
  • Laughter-lovers who want to bring humor to the workplace
  • Managers looking for new ideas to get the most out of their team

53
Work Culture Books: Learning Agile by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene

Learning Agile

Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene
Understanding Scrum, XP, Lean, and Kanban
4.4 (314 ratings)

What's Learning Agile about?

Learning Agile (2015) is a no-nonsense guide to an often misunderstood concept – agile. The reason for that misunderstanding is simple: all too often, agile is bandied about as a one-size-fits-all solution to every conceivable organizational difficulty. Longtime agile practitioners Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene don’t see it that way. For them, agile is a great tool, but you have to know how – and when and why – to use it. And that starts with getting a grasp on agile’s underlying principles. 

Who should read Learning Agile?

  • Software developers
  • Team leaders 
  • Project managers

54
Work Culture Books: Positively Energizing Leadership by Kim Cameron

Positively Energizing Leadership

Kim Cameron
Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance
4.6 (360 ratings)

What's Positively Energizing Leadership about?

Positively Energizing Leadership (2022) offers organization leaders and workers a practical guide to understanding and harnessing the power of positively energizing characteristics and interpersonal approaches. With empirical data and how-to advice, it aims to boost innovation, profits, and compassion in the workplace and at home. 

Who should read Positively Energizing Leadership?

  • Anyone working as part of a team 
  • Managers who want to increase interpersonal richness in their organization 
  • Leaders looking for strategies to deal with a “black hole” of a worker 

55
Work Culture Books: Management Mess to Leadership Success by Scott Jeffrey Miller

Management Mess to Leadership Success

Scott Jeffrey Miller
30 Challenges to Become the Leader You Would Follow
4.4 (231 ratings)

What's Management Mess to Leadership Success about?

Management Mess to Leadership Success (2019) is a guide to renovating and polishing your management skills. Through relatable, personal anecdotes of fumbles, missteps, and what not to do, it offers applicable challenges for you to revamp your team by providing a step-by-step guide on how to lead yourself and others and deliver results.

Who should read Management Mess to Leadership Success?

  • Team managers
  • HR professionals
  • Leaders in and beyond the corporate office

56
Work Culture Books: Trust and Inspire by Stephen M.R. Covey

Trust and Inspire

Stephen M.R. Covey
How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others
4.6 (107 ratings)

What's Trust and Inspire about?

Trust & Inspire (2022) provides a new leadership model. Instead of the traditional “Command and Control” approach, Covey proposes one that focuses on collaboration, trust and personal growth. It offers a new set of tools for inspiring and unlocking the massive potential of a modern workforce. 

Who should read Trust and Inspire?

  • CEOs and executives looking to create a better workplace environment
  • Managers and supervisors who want to be more hands-off
  • Parents and educators who want a more empowering approach to childcare

57
Work Culture Books: The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety

Timothy R. Clark
Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation
4.3 (275 ratings)

What's The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety about?

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety (2020) is a practical handbook for creating and maintaining psychological safety in the workplace. In order for employees to take risks, ask questions, challenge the status quo, and make mistakes – all while learning and growing – they have to feel included and safe. This book shows how leaders can reduce social friction while encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Who should read The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety?

  • Managers and CEOs trying to boost employee well-being and productivity
  • Leaders tired of dusty corporate hierarchies
  • Anyone interested in practical approaches to workplace inclusion

58
Work Culture Books: Jerks at Work by Tessa West

Jerks at Work

Tessa West
Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them
4.1 (262 ratings)

What's Jerks at Work about?

Jerks at Work (2022) provides a handbook for how to deal with difficult people at work. Identifying seven types of jerks, it informs you about what kind of behaviors to look out for and how to deal with them in a pragmatic, positive way.

Who should read Jerks at Work?

  • Anyone who is struggling with a jerk at work
  • Those who have a friend or loved one who won’t stop complaining about a jerk at work 
  • People who are interested in how social psychology applies to the workplace

59
Work Culture Books: Smart Work by Jo Owen

Smart Work

Jo Owen
The Ultimate Handbook for Remote and Hybrid Teams
4.4 (88 ratings)

What's Smart Work about?

Smart Work (2022) is a handbook for leaders navigating the post-pandemic transition into a world of remote and hybrid work. These are challenging times for managers, argues author Jo Owen. What worked in the office won’t necessarily work in remote teams. But if there’s one thing Covid-19 showed us, it’s that we can adapt – fast. And change is a good thing, he insists. Why? Well, mastering these challenges isn’t just about future-proofing your job – it’ll also make you a better leader. 

Who should read Smart Work?

  • Leaders and managers 
  • Team players 
  • Self-starters

60
Work Culture Books: The Heart of Transformation by Michael J. Leckie

The Heart of Transformation

Michael J. Leckie
Build the Human Capabilities That Change Organizations for Good
4.6 (167 ratings)

What's The Heart of Transformation about?

The Heart of Transformation (2021) is a how-to guide for changing an organization. It focuses on six specific capabilities that leaders can adopt to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

Who should read The Heart of Transformation?

  • Anyone working in management or leadership
  • Entrepreneurs or small business owners 
  • Anyone curious about how to change a workplace for the better

61
Work Culture Books: Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback by Allan H. Church, David W. Bracken, John W. Fleenor, Dale S. Rose

Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback

Allan H. Church, David W. Bracken, John W. Fleenor, Dale S. Rose
3.7 (127 ratings)

What's Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback about?

The Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback is a guide to the pros and cons of 360 Feedback, including detailed guidance on how to implement the process as well as how to avoid pitfalls such as unconscious bias or people who try to game the system. 

Who should read Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback?

  • Company leaders
  • HR managers
  • Team leaders

62
Work Culture Books: Workstyle by Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst

Workstyle

Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst
A revolution for wellbeing, productivity and society
3.8 (211 ratings)

What's Workstyle about?

Workstyle: A revolution for wellbeing, productivity and society (2022) introduces the concept of workstyle: the freedom to choose when and where we work. By examining the outdated history of the standard 9 to 5 working week in the light of the modern digital age, the authors lay the foundation for an individualized and autonomous way of working. 

Who should read Workstyle?

  • Career-optimizers who feel that our current way of working is inefficient or unnecessary.
  • People with disabilities or challenges which exclude them from the regular 9 to 5.
  • Visionaries who dare to dream of a better world.

63
Work Culture Books: The WEIRDest People in the World by Joseph Henrich

The WEIRDest People in the World

Joseph Henrich
How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous
4.1 (135 ratings)

What's The WEIRDest People in the World about?

The WEIRDest People in the World (2020) describes why Westerners think and behave so differently from most other people. It also explains how the policies of the Western Church in the realms of marriage and kinship have helped cultivate these odd cultural attributes, transforming the world and helping the West flourish in the process. 

Who should read The WEIRDest People in the World?

  • Anyone interested in the confluence of history, anthropology, culture, and economics
  • Westerners seeking a greater understanding of cross-cultural differences
  • Fans of experimental psychology

64
Work Culture Books: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz

The Pumpkin Plan

Mike Michalowicz
A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field
4.4 (203 ratings)

What's The Pumpkin Plan about?

The Pumpkin Plan (2012) presents a simple yet powerful strategy to help you grow your business and stand out in any industry. Through real-life examples and practical tips, you’ll learn how to identify and focus on your most profitable clients, streamline your operations, and create a company culture that fuels growth.

Who should read The Pumpkin Plan?

  • Owners of small businesses looking to grow
  • Entrepreneurs seeking sustainable success
  • Startup founders needing a roadmap

65
Work Culture Books: Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud

Trust

Dr. Henry Cloud
Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken
4.6 (286 ratings)

What's Trust about?

Trust (2023) is a sensitive and practical guide to this essential part of human relationships. It reveals the deep significance of trust as a factor in our lives and outlines the five essential elements for building and maintaining it.

Who should read Trust?

  • Leaders who wish to create trust within organizations
  • Those looking to establish deeper personal and familial relationships
  • People who want to rebuild trust after it has been broken

66
Work Culture Books: The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox

The Goal

Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
A Process of Ongoing Improvement
3.6 (205 ratings)

What's The Goal about?

The Goal (1984) is a trailblazing example of the “business novel” genre, seamlessly blending fictional storytelling with practical business advice in a revolutionary manner. Experience the corporate journey of Alex Rogo as he endeavors to rescue his struggling company from going bust. Through Alex’s perspective, uncover valuable insights into topics like streamlining manufacturing operations and enhancing team productivity.

Who should read The Goal?

  • The ‘newbie’ manager
  • The experienced pro seeking a new perspective
  • General learners curious about the manufacturing world

67
Work Culture Books: The Devops Handbook by Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois & John Willis

The Devops Handbook

Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois & John Willis
How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, & Security in Technology Organizations
4.1 (154 ratings)

What's The Devops Handbook about?

The DevOps Handbook (2016) offers a roadmap on how to catapult your technology operations into a realm of world-class agility, reliability, and security. Dive deep into the heart of the DevOps philosophy, equipping you with insights to bridge gaps between development and operations, while fostering unmatched efficiency.

Who should read The Devops Handbook?

  • Technology professionals seeking to enhance organizational efficiency
  • Business leaders navigating digital transformation initiatives
  • Aspiring IT managers and DevOps enthusiasts

68
Work Culture Books: The Future of the Office by Peter Cappelli

The Future of the Office

Peter Cappelli
Work from Home, Remote Work, and the Hard Choices We All Face
3.9 (155 ratings)

What's The Future of the Office about?

The Future of the Office (2021) takes an analytical look at the current state of the traditional working office and what recent changes and developments may mean for the future. Drawing on research, anecdotes, and case studies of businesses responding to the global pandemic, it highlights the unique and exciting opportunities that we now have to fundamentally change the nature of where and how we work.

Who should read The Future of the Office?

  • White-collar workers wondering if the shift to working from home is here to stay
  • Managers considering the pros and cons of changing up the traditional office environment
  • Big thinkers who want to see how one of the fundamental aspects of our work lives has been brought down by the global pandemic

69
Work Culture Books: The Song of Significance by Seth Godin

The Song of Significance

Seth Godin
A New Manifesto for Teams
4.6 (252 ratings)

What's The Song of Significance about?

The Song of Significance (2023) is business thinker and creativity expert Seth Godin’s manifesto for leveraging teamwork and collaboration to build radically meaningful workplaces. Traditional models of work are under threat from encroaching AI technologies – why not dismantle them altogether, Godin asks, and build something better in their place? 

Who should read The Song of Significance?

  • Employees feeling disillusioned by the 9-to-5 grind
  • Bosses who want to inspire their teams but don’t know how
  • Thoseready to carve out space for significance in their professional lives

70
Work Culture Books: The Voltage Effect by John A. List

The Voltage Effect

John A. List
How to Make Good Ideas Great and Great Ideas Scale
3.9 (129 ratings)

What's The Voltage Effect about?

The Voltage Effect (2023) will show you help how to thrive in the rapidly changing business landscape through the hidden power behind scaling. Unlock the four secrets that are your key to scalability success.

Who should read The Voltage Effect?

  • Ambitious entrepreneurs seeking exponential growth
  • Seasoned business leaders navigating scaling challenges
  • Curious minds exploring organizational dynamics

71
Work Culture Books: Accelerating Performance by Colin Price & Sharon Toye

Accelerating Performance

Colin Price & Sharon Toye
How Organizations Can Mobilize, Execute, and Transform with Agility
3.6 (16 ratings)

What's Accelerating Performance about?

Accelerating Performance (2017) dives deep into the META framework, a cutting-edge approach for businesses navigating rapid change. Discover essential skills like ripple intelligence and liquid leadership, and learn how to foster a culture that balances speed with strategy. Through gripping case studies and fresh insights, you'll grasp how to unlock your organization's full potential and fuel sustainable growth.

Who should read Accelerating Performance?

  • Business leaders seeking to drive organizational growth and agility
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs aiming for strategic excellence
  • Management consultants looking for innovative business insights

72
Work Culture Books: The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff

The Good Enough Job

Simone Stolzoff
Reclaiming Life from Work
4.1 (247 ratings)

What's The Good Enough Job about?

The Good Enough Job (2023) is a radical guide to reclaiming your life beyond the corporate walls. Through a series of anecdotes and actionable advice, you’ll learn to break free from burnout and find true work-life balance. 

Who should read The Good Enough Job?

  • Recovering workaholics
  • People healing from burnout spells
  • Anyone fighting against pointless corporate restraints

73
Work Culture Books: Amp It Up by Frank Slootman

Amp It Up

Frank Slootman
Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity
3.8 (154 ratings)

What's Amp It Up about?

Amp It Up (2022) uncovers the transformative leadership principles essential for unlocking unparalleled enterprise growth. By revealing strategies for sidestepping common pitfalls and costly restructures, it emphasizes the power of aligning teams with critical goals, shattering the chains of mediocrity, and fostering a culture of urgency and intensity. It’s an essential playbook for leaders aiming to elevate their organization to unparalleled success without the need for external consultants or drastic overhauls.

Who should read Amp It Up?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to scale their startups and find invaluable insights for fostering exponential growth
  • Corporate leaders seeking to reinvigorate their teams and discover strategies to break through stagnant performance barriers
  • Business students aiming to understand real-world applications of growth principles and benefit from a tech industry titan’s experiences

74
Work Culture Books: The Motive by Patrick M. Lencioni

The Motive

Patrick M. Lencioni
Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities
4.2 (17 ratings)

What's The Motive about?

The Motive (2020) dives into the importance of leaders having a strong and clear drive for their work. Centered around two fundamental motives, it guides leaders to recognize their genuine intentions and adopt responsibility-driven leadership for the good of their organizations.

Who should read The Motive?

  • Aspiring leaders wanting to know the essence of genuine leadership.
  • Managers seeking self-improvement
  • Advocates for selfless, service-oriented leadership.

75
Work Culture Books: How to Work with (Almost) Anyone by Michael Bungay Stanier

How to Work with (Almost) Anyone

Michael Bungay Stanier
Five Questions for Building the Best Possible Relationships
4.0 (55 ratings)

What's How to Work with (Almost) Anyone about?

How to Work with (Almost) Anyone (2023) is a compelling guide to mastering workplace dynamics and nurturing professional relationships. It shows how you can enable more effective collaboration by facilitating open dialogue, nurturing curiosity, and fostering trust.

Who should read How to Work with (Almost) Anyone?

  • Leaders who manage projects or coordinate teams
  • Employees who want to boost their workplace relationships
  • Young adults learning to interact with varying personalities in academic and professional environments

76
Work Culture Books: Remote, Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti

Remote, Not Distant

Gustavo Razzetti
Design a Company Culture That Will Help You Thrive in a Hybrid Workplace
3.9 (99 ratings)

What's Remote, Not Distant about?

Remote but not Distant (2022) explores the many facets of remote work and its impact on teams and individual employees. It delves into how technology, mindset, and leadership strategies can be used to create a more effective and human-centered remote-working environment, and provides practical tips and insights for managers and employees alike. 

Who should read Remote, Not Distant?

  • Managers and entrepreneurs who want to shift to a flexible remote-working model
  • Office workers who want to convince their bosses to switch to a hybrid work model
  • Remote workers who feel their current work model needs an overhaul

77
Work Culture Books: Elevate Your Team by Robert Glazer

Elevate Your Team

Robert Glazer
Empower Your Team To Reach Their Full Potential and Build A Business That Builds Leaders
4.5 (51 ratings)

What's Elevate Your Team about?

Elevate Your Team (2023) presents a framework to optimize team performance and drive company growth, while safeguarding employees against burnout. By implementing this strategy, leaders can guide their teams to reach their full potential, so that both they – and their company – thrives.   

Who should read Elevate Your Team?

  • Leaders seeking sustained business growth
  • Managers wanting to optimize team performance
  • Directors looking for a new framework for success

78
Work Culture Books: The Purpose Effect by Dan Pontefract

The Purpose Effect

Dan Pontefract
Building Meaning in Yourself, Your Role, and Your Organization
4.2 (169 ratings)

What's The Purpose Effect about?

The Purpose Effect (2016) combines motivational psychology, organizational culture, and the pursuit of meaning to explore how shared purpose can change the world. What happens when company and employee goals align? How can we foster a culture where we pursue work that really has an impact? This deep-dive is your guide to finding the sweet spot of shared purpose.

Who should read The Purpose Effect?

  • Leaders wanting to build meaningful businesses
  • Employees seeking purpose in their career
  • Managers and coaches looking to optimize performance

79
Work Culture Books: Unworking by Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross

Unworking

Jeremy Myerson & Philip Ross
The Reinvention of the Modern Office
3.8 (20 ratings)

What's Unworking about?

Unworking (2022) delves into the transformation of workspaces and the changing nature of work in the twenty-first century, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal values. The book examines the shift from traditional office settings to more flexible, people-centric environments. Through diverse case studies and insights, it underscores the need for adapting to a new work landscape where collaboration, creativity, and well-being take center stage.

Who should read Unworking?

  • Professionals exploring modern workplace design
  • Enthusiasts of technological impacts on work
  • CEOs, HR heads, or business leaders struggling to find the balance between office and remote-friendly workplaces

80
Work Culture Books: Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia

Conscious Capitalism

John Mackey & Raj Sisodia
Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business
3.3 (160 ratings)

What's Conscious Capitalism about?

Conscious Capitalism (2013) outlines a new vision of enlightened business built on higher purpose that serves all major stakeholders, not just shareholders. It provides insights and examples for creating passionate, value-driven corporate cultures that bring out the best in people.

Who should read Conscious Capitalism?

  • Business leaders seeking purpose
  • Executives wanting to inspire employees
  • Entrepreneurs aiming for positive impact

81
Work Culture Books: The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker

The Toyota Way

Jeffrey K. Liker
14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer
4.5 (163 ratings)

What's The Toyota Way about?

The Toyota Way (2003) delves into Toyota's unique approach to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. It shares the foundational principles that drive Toyota's exceptional operational and organizational culture, emphasizing long-term thinking, respect for people, and problem-solving. These principles have revolutionized business, and have been adapted and applied beyond manufacturing to various sectors and industries.

Who should read The Toyota Way?

  • Anyone curious about Lean Manufacturing 
  • Business leaders seeking process improvement strategies
  • Management students and professionals studying best practices

82
Work Culture Books: The Infinite Leader by Chris Lewis & Pippa Malmgren

The Infinite Leader

Chris Lewis & Pippa Malmgren
Balancing the Demands of Modern Business Leadership
3.5 (20 ratings)

What's The Infinite Leader about?

The Infinite Leader (2020) presents the crisis afflicting modern leadership as a problem of balance, and proposes solutions to keeping the wholesome leader centered. Working from this position opens up boundless opportunities and restores people’s faith in leadership.

Who should read The Infinite Leader?

  • Anyone leading a team, business, organization or community
  • People learning how to choose and follow their leaders
  • Anyone trying to live a more balanced and fulfilling life

83
Work Culture Books: Rewired by Eric Lamarre & Kate Smaje & Rodney Zemmel

Rewired

Eric Lamarre & Kate Smaje & Rodney Zemmel
The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI
3.8 (145 ratings)

What's Rewired about?

Rewired (2023) presents a transformative roadmap crafted by the world's foremost management consultancy. It guides businesses on enhancing customer experiences, streamlining costs, and harnessing the immense potential of digital and AI. Dive in, and position your company for unparalleled long-term success.

Who should read Rewired?

  • Business leaders navigating digital transformation
  • Teams spearheading AI-driven enterprise initiatives
  • Consultants seeking proven digital strategy blueprints

84
Work Culture Books: One from Many by Dee Hock

One from Many

Dee Hock
VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization
4.3 (3 ratings)

What's One from Many about?

One from Many (2005) details the birth and evolution of “chaordic” organizational theory, which was key to Visa's meteoric rise. Delving into the concept of chaordic systems, it highlights the value of collaboration and decentralization above traditional hierarchical institutions.

Who should read One from Many?

  • Aspiring innovators
  • Business story lovers
  • Chaos-order enthusiasts

85
Work Culture Books: Team Topologies by Matthew Skelton & Manuel Pais

Team Topologies

Matthew Skelton & Manuel Pais
Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow
3.2 (21 ratings)

What's Team Topologies about?

Team Topologies (2019) offers a framework for organizing IT and business teams for optimal software delivery. It introduces four fundamental team structures and their interaction patterns to improve speed, autonomy, and alignment with business needs. This approach emphasizes dynamically adjusting team structures based on evolving requirements.

Who should read Team Topologies?

  • Organizational leaders seeking strategies to improve team efficiency and streamline software delivery processes.
  • IT managers looking to align business goals with technology team dynamics and interactions.
  • Software architects interested in how team topologies can influence system design and vice versa.

86
Work Culture Books: Leading from the Middle by Scott Mautz

Leading from the Middle

Scott Mautz
A Playbook for Managers to Influence Up, Down, and Across the Organization
3.6 (30 ratings)

What's Leading from the Middle about?

Leading from the Middle (2021) unveils the transformative power of middle leadership, connecting top tiers to the operational core. You’ll gain actionable insights on fostering adaptability, influence, and compromise to infuse your teams with engagement and purpose. It’s your route to navigating organizational change, resolving conflicts, and building a growth-oriented culture effortlessly.

Who should read Leading from the Middle?

  • Aspiring middle managers seeking organizational influence
  • Executives desiring enhanced interdepartmental synergy
  • Team leaders aiming for elevated group engagement

87
Work Culture Books: Change Proof by Adam Markel

Change Proof

Adam Markel
Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience
4.6 (40 ratings)

What's Change Proof about?

Change Proof (2022) offers strategies for developing resilience to thrive in an uncertain world. Through insightful stories and practical frameworks, it reveals how to build the mental fortitude, self-care routines, and leadership principles that empower individuals and organizations to recover, adapt, and find opportunity in disruption.

Who should read Change Proof?

  • Leaders overseeing change 
  • Professionals in fast-moving industries 
  • Anyone who wants to build resilience

88
Work Culture Books: Humanocracy by Gary Hamel & Michele Zanini

Humanocracy

Gary Hamel & Michele Zanini
Creating Organizations As Amazing As the People Inside Them
3.0 (12 ratings)

What's Humanocracy about?

Humanocracy (2020) explores the constraints of traditional bureaucratic organizational structures and proposes a shift toward more human-centric models. Based on the idea that bureaucracies stifle innovation and alienate employees, it argues for a system that unleashes human potential and creativity. Through real-world examples and strategies, it guides organizations in restructuring to foster empowerment, adaptability, and resilience.

Who should read Humanocracy?

  • Leaders looking to transform organizational cultures and structures for increased innovation and adaptability
  • HR professionals wanting to integrate employee-centric policies and practices for enhanced workplace satisfaction and productivity
  • Business students seeking to understand new organizational models and management strategies

89
Work Culture Books: The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly & Caroline Lambert

The Heart of Business

Hubert Joly & Caroline Lambert
Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism
4.2 (13 ratings)

What's The Heart of Business about?

The Heart of Business (2021) recounts how former Best Buy CEO, Hubert Joly, led the electronics retailer to a remarkable turnaround by building a people-centric culture focused on a higher purpose. It provides a roadmap for value-driven leadership that engages employees, serves customers, and creates sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Who should read The Heart of Business?

  • Leaders seeking purpose-driven business approaches
  • Struggling business owners or entrepreneurs seeking transformation
  • Students of modern management principles

90
Work Culture Books: The Blueprint by Douglas R. Conant

The Blueprint

Douglas R. Conant
6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights
3.6 (82 ratings)

What's The Blueprint about?

The Blueprint (2020) is a transformative journey and a practical manual for aspiring leaders. It offers six manageable and incremental steps designed to fit within the hustle of modern life, aimed at revolutionizing leadership approaches. It explores the paths of envisioning, reflecting, studying, planning, practicing, and improving to achieve career success, joy, and fulfillment. These steps, coupled with realistic and practical exercises, provide a foundation for meaningful change in various organizational settings.

Who should read The Blueprint?

  • Aspiring leaders aiming to develop foundational leadership skills.
  • Management students seeking real-world leadership insights and strategies.
  • Personal development enthusiasts focusing on self-improvement and leadership growth.

91
Work Culture Books: The Stakeholder Strategy by Ann Svendsen

The Stakeholder Strategy

Ann Svendsen
Profiting from Collaborative Business Relationships
3.5 (2 ratings)

What's The Stakeholder Strategy about?

The Stakeholder Strategy (1998) provides a business case for building for transitioning from transactional, profit-maximizing models to a "Third Way" approach built on mutually beneficial partnerships across stakeholders. It makes the research-backed case that stakeholder-oriented companies leading with higher purpose outperform rivals in the long run, and offers a framework for building stronger and more impactful stakeholder relationships. 

Who should read The Stakeholder Strategy?

  • Executives wanting a more purpose-driven approach
  • Mission-driven entrepreneurs 
  • Leaders across all business functions

92
Work Culture Books: The Mind of the Leader by Rasmus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter

The Mind of the Leader

Rasmus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter
How to Lead Yourself, Your People, and Your Organization for Extraordinary Results
4.3 (74 ratings)

What's The Mind of the Leader about?

The Mind of the Leader (2018) explores how leaders can cultivate critical inner capacities like mindfulness, selflessness, and compassion to become more effective guides. Supported by research conducted by The Potential Project, it draws on psychology, neuroscience, and case studies of global organizations to provide science-based tools for strengthening these core leadership skills. 

Who should read The Mind of the Leader?

  • Managers looking to improve their leadership skills
  • Emerging leaders 
  • Entrepreneurs and founders wanting to develop a purpose-based leadership approach

93
Work Culture Books: Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei & Anne Morriss

Move Fast and Fix Things

Frances Frei & Anne Morriss
The Trusted Leader's Guide to Solving Hard Problems and Accelerating Change
2.9 (27 ratings)

What's Move Fast and Fix Things about?

Move Fast and Fix Things (2023) dives into the art of addressing core challenges in organizational landscapes. Emphasizing the interplay of genuine curiosity and steadfast trust, it reveals the blueprint for navigating business dynamics and turning challenges into stepping stones – paving the way for enduring success.

Who should read Move Fast and Fix Things?

  • Aspiring leaders seeking strategic insights
  • Management professionals aiming for transparency and trust-building
  • Business consultants focused on organizational problem-solving

94
Work Culture Books: Going Infinite by Michael Lewis

Going Infinite

Michael Lewis
The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon
4.0 (27 ratings)

What's Going Infinite about?

Going Infinite (2023) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scandal surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried and the epic collapse of his cryptocurrency companies. It aims to answer the question: How can a man go from earning billions of dollars in a matter of years to losing it all in a matter of months?

Who should read Going Infinite?

  • News junkies interested in current financial events
  • Anyone who likes a good rise-and-fall story
  • People curious about the Sam Bankman-Fried trial

95
Work Culture Books: Nine Lies About Work by Marcus Buckingham & Ashley Goodall

Nine Lies About Work

Marcus Buckingham & Ashley Goodall
A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World
3.7 (30 ratings)

What's Nine Lies About Work about?

Nine Lies About Work (2019) challenges common beliefs and practices in the workplace, proposing that many widely accepted truths about work are actually misconceptions. It aims to shift our understanding of work, advocating for a focus on individual strengths, the importance of the team, and the intrinsic love of work.

Who should read Nine Lies About Work?

  • Managers seeking to improve team dynamics and performance
  • Employees looking to enhance their work experience and productivity
  • Anyone interested in reevaluating and challenging traditional workplace practices and beliefs

96
Work Culture Books: The Essential Drucker by Peter F. Drucker

The Essential Drucker

Peter F. Drucker
The Best of Sixty Years of Peter Drucker's Essential Writings on Management
4.0 (5 ratings)

What's The Essential Drucker about?

The Essential Drucker (2001) distills key lessons from decades of management consulting. It covers how to set ambitious yet achievable goals, hire for organizational fit, develop knowledge workers, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and craft strategies for growth. 

Who should read The Essential Drucker?

  • Managers of businesses and nonprofits seeking to unlock team potential
  • Entrepreneurs aiming to build enduring organizations
  • Leaders charting a course through uncertainty

97
Work Culture Books: Human + Machine by Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson

Human + Machine

Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson
Reimagining Work in the Age of AI
3.3 (22 ratings)

What's Human + Machine about?

Human + Machine (2018) explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, presenting a vision where human and machine collaboration enhances innovation, efficiency, and productivity. It delves into the changing landscape of various industries due to AI integration, emphasizing the new skills and roles that will become essential.

Who should read Human + Machine?

  • Business leaders looking to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations
  • Technology enthusiasts 
  • Students and recent graduates looking to prepare for and navigate the future job market

98
Work Culture Books: 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times by Tom Ziglar

10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times

Tom Ziglar
Coaching Your Team Through Immense Change and Challenge
5.0 (1 ratings)

What's 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times about?

10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times (2021) provides a framework for leaders navigating major change, concentrating on core virtues such as kindness, humility, and respect. Ziglar’s insights advocate for a Coach Leadership style that cultivates each team member’s unique dreams and abilities, ensuring that businesses thrive even in difficult times.

Who should read 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times?

  • Modern motivators
  • Team-centric visionaries
  • Digital desk directors

99
Work Culture Books: Relationships at Work by Rachel B. Simon

Relationships at Work

Rachel B. Simon
How to Authentically Network within Your Company
3.4 (5 ratings)

What's Relationships at Work about?

Relationships at Work (2023) is an actionable guide on how to authentically build professional connections within the company. It provides practical tips on networking, from introducing yourself when you first start a job to sustaining ties when transitioning roles. 

Who should read Relationships at Work?

  • Professionals seeking to build connections
  • Introverts looking to network more effectively 
  • Anyone wanting to improve their work relationships

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