My interest in business and leadership continues to grow, and with that has come an increase in reading around the topic. This has led to me reading three new books around the topic of leadership over the past three months, and as with my previous post 5 books I read on leadership and productivity, I wanted to share them with you.
Get a Grip
The first book, Get a Grip was recommended to me a while ago from an industry peer, and I cannot believe it has taken me so long to read it.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this has been the most valuable book for me to date. Written as a story rather than dry business speak, Gino Wickman & Mike Paton talk you through their Entrepreneurial Operating System(R) (EOS) to help improve your business.
Throughout the book the authors tell the story of how an established business implemented EOS to develop and commit to a clear vision, establish focus, build discipline, and create a healthier and more cohesive team.
Based on reading this book, I have made some significant changes to the way I handle myself and conduct meetings during my working day. Using some of the systems that Gino & Mike discuss has led to an improved and more process driven understanding of the business.
One tip, so you do not make the same mistake I did! Do not start creating the materials in the book whilst you are still reading, the authors provide you with a handy download so you do not need to waste time.
How Google Works
I stumbled across this book after seeing Will Critchlow (Distilled.net Co-founder) talking about it on Twitter. Being a huge fan of what Google does and how they do it, meant that this book was a must read for me.
The book is put together by two of Google’s most senior members of staff, and Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg talk about the lessons that they have learnt whilst helping Google grow from a young start-up to a global monster.
Throughout How Google Works Eric and Jonathan cover everything that you need to know to be a successful manager in the digital age:
- Corporate culture
- Talent acquisition
- Business strategy
- Decision making
- Communication
- Innovation
- Dealing with disruption
After reading How Google Works, I have added some of the ideas presented by Eric & Jonathan into my daily routine, whilst working on implementing other items such as Google’s interview process.
Although a global business with ~40,000 employees, Google continues to adhere to the traditions that it setup during it’s start-up phase including TGIF meetings hosted by the owners. This goes to show that if you truly believe in a way of working, then it will still be applicable regardless of your business size.
The Marketing Agency Blueprint
The Marketing Agency Blueprint has been a book I have wanted to read for a long time. With great reviews from established business owners including Dharmesh Shah and Rand Fishkin, I hoped I wasn’t going to be let down, and I was not.
Challenging what many seem to be the norm, the marketing agency blueprint, and Paul Roetzer provides a practical and candid guide that presents 10 rules for building a hybrid agency. Those rules include:
- Eliminate billable hours
- Transform into a hybrid
- Think talent and team
- Build scalable infrastructure
- Devise an inbound marketing gameplan
- Control the sales funnel
- Commit to clients
- Deliver results
- Embrace failure
- Pursue purpose
Upon reading the marketing agency blueprint, I have gone on to encourage change in the way that my employer operates. Looking at the way certain items are implemented or valued, with the aim to constantly improve the way things are done.
Although not as easy to read as the previous two, I would strongly recommend that you read this if you are an existing owner of an agency, or looking to start something yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Check out the Marketing Agency Blueprint
I would love to hear your thoughts about these books, and any others that you would suggest reading in the comments below. I am now off to start the next one Work Rules!
Flick credit – Matt Clements