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Can you recall this scenario?
You’re sitting in your office. The weight of a thousand decisions is on your shoulders. Your team looks to you for direction, innovation, and results. Amidst the whirlwind of meetings and deadlines, you find a moment of quiet. You reach for a recommended book, and suddenly, a spark of insight changes everything. AHA moment envigorates your day and sets in motion something new and fresh.
That’s the power of a great business book.
In this listicle, we bring you 15 such game-changers—books that have inspired people inside Net Group and driven change. Our employees vouch for each title as it brings different value — it’s up to you to make the right choice.
PS This time, we hope it’s not the office where you get a grand idea!
For 21st-Century Organizations
Hacking Growth by Sean Ellis & Morgan Brown
Rating on Amazon: 4.4/5 ★★★★✬
“Hacking Growth” is the playbook for those who want to transform their businesses from the ground up. Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown pull back the curtain on the innovative growth strategies behind the success of today’s most explosive companies. They don’t just talk theory; they give you a practical, step-by-step guide on how to execute these strategies within your own organization. Straight facts, no fluff.
It’s a manual for disruption. It encourages a culture of rapid experimentation and cross-functional teamwork. Ellis and Brown tell you why and how to involve every member of your company in the growth process. Their real-world examples and actionable steps make this book a top-shelf contender.
For Aspiring Leaders and Sales Reps
Sizing People Up by Robin Dreeke
Rating on Amazon: 4.5/5 ★★★★✬
Who better to teach behavior than someone who’s observed thousands, right?
In “Sizing People Up,” former FBI agent Robin Dreeke reveals the art and science of reading people. This isn’t about guesswork; it’s about understanding the subtle cues and signals that can predict human behavior. Dreeke provides a practical toolkit for leaders who need to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, trust, and reliability. He reveals a straightforward six-step system to predict anyone’s future behavior by analyzing their words, goals, actions, and context.
Lastly, drawing from his years of field experience and research, Dreeke’s insights aim to teach you to be a leader only after you’ve mastered being yourself. How about that for a treat?
For Big Companiers That Want To Stay Nimble
Creative Construction: The DNA of Sustained Innovation by Gary P. Pisano
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5 ★★★★✬
Large companies can leverage their size to achieve the scalability of startups — yeah, you wish… And your wish may just be granted!
With over three decades of research and hands-on experience with both large corporations and rapidly growing companies, Pisano provides perspective on leveraging scale for competitive advantage.
He begins with a simple truth: big companies are different. Expecting them to mimic Uber is as unrealistic as teaching your dog to speak French. They need unique management practices focused on strategic planning, robust systems, and a culture that fosters continuous innovation.
Discover how to make “big” beautiful and avoid the common pitfalls of stagnation and creative destruction.
For Curious Wallets
A Mathematician Plays The Stock Market by John Allen Paulos
Rating on Amazon: 4.0/5 ★★★★✬
“Yeah, fugayzi, fugazi. It’s a whazy, it’s a woozie. It’s…fairy dust. It doesn’t exist, it’s never landed, it is no matter, it’s not on the elemental chart. It’s not f***** real. Right?”
Know the line? It’s Matthew McConaughey’s iconic quote from The Wolf of Wall Street — his depiction of stock market rules. And who would argue otherwise, right?
Well, a mathematician would.
John Allen Paulos dared to outwit the stock market and tickle everyone’s curiosity with this one. Paulos’s analytical approach is both entertaining and enlightening, providing readers with an understanding of the principles that govern financial markets. His insights into risk, probability, and market behavior are invaluable for anyone looking to make more informed investment decisions.
For Peace of Mind
The Feel Good Effect by Robyn Conley Downs
Rating on Amazon: 4.5/5 ★★★★✬
Calm, clarity, and joy. If these are just wishful thoughts and not your life recipe, then you might want to pick this one up. The book is a breath of fresh air in the wellness space, focusing on the compounding effect of small changes.
It won’t make you feel overwhelmed. It won’t force a big life shift. It won’t feed you with new-age fluff. By all means, her refreshingly realistic approach may bring you just the opposite — peace of mind.
Gentle is the new perfect, as Robyn wisely puts it. So, you might as well gently click the link below.
For Big-Picture Leadership
Leadership’s Footprint by Ivar Raav
In “Leadership’s Footprint,” Ivar Raav argues that true leadership is not about maintaining power but about recognizing the temporary nature of all leadership roles. Drawing from his extensive career in the corporate world, Raav presents a compelling case for “leadership without leading.”
This book explores the idea that effective leadership involves creating an environment where others can thrive and lead in their turn. Raav uses real-world examples, including his experiences working with 60 leaders and 2000 specialists, to illustrate how embracing the transience of leadership can solve the leadership crisis.
For Mindset Voyagers
Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5 ★★★★✬
It wasn’t the engines; mindset propelled humanity to the moon. Ozan Varol, a former rocket scientist, understands this. This is why he explores the space of breakthrough moments.
You don’t need a PhD in physics to benefit from Varol’s insights. In “Think Like a Rocket Scientist,” he shares nine key strategies that can help you tackle complex problems. They can also bring innovation in your career, and propel you in achieving your most ambitious goals. Whether you’re looking to nail down that project, launch a new product, or simply navigate life’s challenges with more confidence, these principles will give you the tools you need.
For Human Beings
A Manual for Being Human by Dr. Sophie Mort
Rating on Amazon: 4.4/5 ★★★★✬
In this practical and insightful book, Dr. Sophie Mort unravels the complexities of our emotions and how past experiences, societal pressures, and daily influences shape our mental health. From childhood impacts to social media effects, Dr. Soph covers it all with clarity and compassion.
Her three-step methodology, developed through years of therapy, helps you:
- Identify issues rooted in past and present experiences.
- Recognize negative patterns and habits.
- Use proven techniques like mindfulness, journaling, and relaxation to manage your emotions.
Packed with accessible advice and actionable steps, this book is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern life. Dr. Soph’s warm and reassuring style offers support and practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges and enhance your mental health.
For Rare Bread of Listeners
The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols and Martha B. Straus
Rating on Amazon: 4.7/5 ★★★★✬
This updated edition tackles the modern challenges of digital communication and social media, showing you how to connect deeply despite the noise. With engaging stories and practical advice, you’ll learn to navigate tricky emotional landscapes and build bridges where there were once divides.
What you’ll discover inside:
- How to hear what people mean, not just what they say.
- Techniques for expressing your opinions without alienating others.
- Strategies to encourage even the most reserved individuals to open.
- Methods to ensure your voice is heard, even in heated debates.
- Tips for effective communication in the age of texts and tweets.
Whether dealing with a silent partner, a stubborn coworker, or a politically charged family dinner, this book equips you with the tools to turn any conversation into a meaningful connection.
For Workaholics
The Man Who Mistook His Job for His Life by Naomi Shragai
Rating on Amazon: 4.3/5 ★★★★✬
Ever felt like your job has morphed into your entire identity? You’re not alone.
In “The Man Who Mistook His Job for His Life,” Naomi Shragai delves deep into the psychology of work and how it shapes, and sometimes distorts, our sense of self. This isn’t your typical career advice book. Shragai, a seasoned psychotherapist, combines real-life case studies with psychological insights to reveal why we get so entangled in our jobs.
There are deeper forces at play in your work life. Consider this book your wake-up call. Shragai looks beyond the problem; she offers practical steps to reclaim your identity, balance your life, and find genuine fulfillment beyond your job title.
For Problem Solvers
Upstream by Dan Heath
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5 ★★★★✬
Why do we wait for crises to hit before we take action? In “Upstream,” Dan Heath tackles this age-old problem. We keep tackling one problem after another, but we never go upstream to check the source of all problems. This isn’t just a book; it’s a call to arms for proactive problem-solving in our work and personal lives.
Heath takes you on a journey through eye-opening stories and practical examples: from healthcare to business to everyday life, showing how leaders and individuals alike can prevent problems before they occur. Heath’s writing is engaging and enlightening. It’s filled with the kind of aha moments that make you rethink your entire approach to challenges. He provides a clear roadmap to shift your focus upstream — to anticipate and prevent problems. Whether you’re a leader looking to drive change or someone tired of dealing with the same old, “Upstream” gives you the tools to transform your thinking and your results.
For Those Who Finally Want to Win Over Bad Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Rating on Amazon: 4.8/5 ★★★★✬
The idea is simple — small changes, big results. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear goes one small habit at a time. Forget grand resolutions and sweeping changes. Clearly shows you how tiny tweaks can lead to big breakthroughs.
Bad habits stick around not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. Packed with compelling stories, research-based evidence, and practical advice, this book is a must for anyone looking for the ‘right way’. Clear’s genius lies in his simplicity — he breaks down the science of habits into bite-sized, actionable steps that anyone can follow.
For Innovators
Loonshots by Safi Bahcall
Rating on Amazon: 4.5/5 ★★★★✬
The craziest ideas turn into world-changing innovations. Likewise, ‘crazy people’ end up being those who change the narrative and set a new path.
“Loonshots” by Safi Bahcall takes you on a ride through history’s craziest people — sorry, groundbreaking discoveries. This book isn’t just about thinking outside the box—it’s about shattering the box entirely.
Bahcall, a physicist turned entrepreneur, unveils the science and strategy behind nurturing those wild, seemingly impractical ideas that ultimately reshape industries and even nations. Through captivating stories and sharp insights, he shows you how to foster an environment where loonshots can thrive and turn into reality.
Whether you’re a leader aiming to drive innovation, or an individual with a bold vision, “Loonshots” offers a blueprint. It may just end up turning the improbable into the inevitable.
For Strategic Go-Getters
The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5 ★★★★✬
Ever watched a major initiative die out at work? It’s a common problem in many organizations. Enter “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” (4DX) by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling—a game-changer for turning your strategic priorities into reality amidst daily demands.
4DX provides a proven formula: Focus on the wildly important, act on lead measures, keep a compelling scoreboard, and create a cadence of accountability. This method transforms chaotic busywork into focused action and breakthrough results.
Tested in hundreds of organizations, 4DX is practical and effective. Whether you’re a leader, manager, or someone with big goals, this book is your guide to achieving success.
For Critical-thinking Leaders
The Harvard Business Review Leader’s Handbook by Ron Ashkenas and Brook Manville
Rating on Amazon: 4.6/5 ★★★★✬
If you’re not the type of best-sellers and listicles, then HBRs Leder’s Handbook is for you. The book focuses on the core leadership practices that truly make a difference. It distills proven frameworks and insights from Harvard Business Review and top executives to help you lead with impact.
Learn how to create a vision, inspire your team, make strategic choices, and drive innovation. The handbook provides step-by-step guidance on six essential leadership practices: building a unifying vision, developing a strategy, getting great people on board, focusing on results, innovating for the future, and leading yourself.
Packed with case studies and practical advice, it will prove to be an invaluable resource for any leader looking to excel.
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