Here are 100 books that In Search of Excellence fans have personally recommended if you like In Search of Excellence. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of A Guide to Rational Living

Howard M. Guttman Author Of When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization

From my list on managing those "keep you up at night" organizational issues.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the principal of Guttman Development Strategies (GDS), an organization development firm that works with senior executives and their teams in major corporations globally to build horizontal, high-performance teams, provide leadership coaching, and develop leadership skills. I am a speaker and author of three acclaimed management books and dozens of articles in business publications.

Howard's book list on managing those "keep you up at night" organizational issues

Howard M. Guttman Why Howard loves this book

We all make ourselves. How well we do it is our choice!

This book has had a profound impact on my approach to executive coaching and organizational change, where a key difficulty that compromises performance centers on self-limiting and misguided beliefs. Drs. Ellis and Harper focus on self-management techniques that shift the focus from “them” to “you.” We can change negative emotions and behaviors that stem from our own thinking. It’s our choice as to what we think and emote.

This book, based on clinical research, provides readers with insights and techniques to permanently shift their game.

By Albert Ellis ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Guide to Rational Living as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Direct, get-to-the-heart-of-the-problem methods to teach you what you do to needless upset yourself and make yourself emotionally stronger by the creators of the most popular forms of therapy in the world.

From the foreword by publisher Melvin Powers:
Years ago, after two decades of burning the midnight oil, reading manuscripts which professed to have all the virtues this one actually possesses, I found the original New Guide to Rational Living—a gem that has become a classic in the field of psychology.

Since then, I am delighted to say, I have sold 1.5 million copies of this book in previous editions.…


If you love In Search of Excellence...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Good to Great

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved solving problems. Over 30 years ago, I worked for a company that had high employee turnover and an inability to recruit. The problem was the worst in the company backbone—the employees who made us money. I moved from Finance to HR even though I didn’t know anything about HR. Quickly, I identified the root causes of our turnover, developed plans, and implemented them. Within six months, we’d shut down the exodus, which immediately made recruiting easier. Over the years I’ve worked with a wide variety of firms in many industries. I have demonstrated my process with continued success while moving beyond much of HR’s dogma.

Clark's book list on understanding the infinite power found in the alignment of employees and organizations

Clark Ingram Why Clark loves this book

I loved this book because it put the onus of building a well-run organization right where it belongs—on management.

I’ve had the opportunity to see multiple organizations work through this book with varied results. The results were based exclusively on how management individuals responded to the challenges presented in the book. 

By Jim Collins ,

Why should I read it?

18 authors picked Good to Great as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

________________________________
Can a good company become a great one? If so, how?

After a five-year research project, Jim Collins concludes that good to great can and does happen. In this book, he uncovers the underlying variables that enable any type of organisation to make the leap from good to great while other organisations remain only good. Rigorously supported by evidence, his findings are surprising - at times even shocking - to the modern mind.

Good to Great achieves a rare distinction: a management book full of vital ideas that reads as well as a fast-paced novel. It is widely regarded…


Book cover of The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done

Patrick Forsyth Author Of Successful Time Management: How to be Organized, Productive and Get Things Done

From my list on common sense to help you succeed in business.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having begun my career in publishing, I worked for many years as a management consultant and trainer; alongside that, I have written and published many books offering advice on management, marketing, and job skills, like the time management book shown above, a bestseller now in its sixth edition. I have always thought management often fails by overlooking the importance of issues rather than finding things difficult; I hope my business writing helps identify priorities and shows that the deployment of various techniques and skills can be manageable–and useful.

Patrick's book list on common sense to help you succeed in business

Patrick Forsyth Why Patrick loves this book

This was perhaps the first bestselling business book and became a classic. Drucker coined many maxims, for example, saying that if you don’t know where you are going, any road will do. This is obvious, but how many flounder for lack of clear objectives?

Good, sound common sense is here that stands a new look in the present day, even if it comes from a time when legislation and political correctness made things more straightforward while leaving some current issues unaddressed.

By Peter F. Drucker ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Effective Executive as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What makes an effective executive?

The measure of the executive, Peter F. Drucker reminds us, is the ability to "get the right things done." This usually involves doing what other people have overlooked as well as avoiding what is unproductive. Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge may all be wasted in an executive job without the acquired habits of mind that mold them into results.

Drucker identifies five practices essential to business effectiveness that can, and must, be learned: Managing time Choosing what to contribute to the organization Knowing where and how to mobilize strength for best effect Setting the right priorities…


If you love Thomas J. Peters...

Book cover of I, Robot Alien

I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt,

“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025

BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!

EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!

I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.

I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…

Book cover of The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?

Ron Elsdon Author Of Business Behaving Well: Social Responsibility, from Learning to Doing

From my list on purpose leadership organizations and community.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about integrating individual, organizational, and community needs to create a better world for the benefit of us all. I am an author and founder of organizations in the career and workforce development fields. My four books (Affiliation in the Workplace, Building Workforce Strength, Business Behaving Well, and How to Build a Nontraditional Career Path) and much of my career explored bringing work to life for those close to us, for ourselves, for our organizations, and for our communities. My social activism has been expressed through community volunteer work and promoting a range of social causes. I hope you enjoy the books I have chosen for you!

Ron's book list on purpose leadership organizations and community

Ron Elsdon Why Ron loves this book

Sometimes, a book brings such a perceptive view that it elicits in me a response of gratitude and respect for the author. It surfaces ideas I long suspected were there but were just beyond grasp.

This is such a book. It shines a bright light on false meritocracy and what that means. I found this book profoundly moving and reaffirming about the important principles inherent in a just society. 

By Michael J. Sandel ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Tyranny of Merit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A TLS, GUARDIAN AND NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

The new bestseller from the acclaimed author of Justice and one of the world's most popular philosophers

"Astute, insightful, and empathetic...A crucial book for this moment" Tara Westover, author of Educated

These are dangerous times for democracy. We live in an age of winners and losers, where the odds are stacked in favour of the already fortunate. Stalled social mobility and entrenched inequality give the lie to the promise that "you can make it if you try". And the consequence is a brew of anger and frustration that has…


Book cover of Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved solving problems. Over 30 years ago, I worked for a company that had high employee turnover and an inability to recruit. The problem was the worst in the company backbone—the employees who made us money. I moved from Finance to HR even though I didn’t know anything about HR. Quickly, I identified the root causes of our turnover, developed plans, and implemented them. Within six months, we’d shut down the exodus, which immediately made recruiting easier. Over the years I’ve worked with a wide variety of firms in many industries. I have demonstrated my process with continued success while moving beyond much of HR’s dogma.

Clark's book list on understanding the infinite power found in the alignment of employees and organizations

Clark Ingram Why Clark loves this book

When I moved into HR from Finance, the biggest obstacle for a typical employee was a lack of awareness of who they were.

What I’ve found is that the vast majority of employees have taken a personality survey. But they’ve never had anyone explain what the survey actually said. I believe every employee and manager would benefit from reading Goleman’s book.      

By Daniel Goleman ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Emotional Intelligence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The groundbreaking bestseller that redefines intelligence and success Does IQ define our destiny? Daniel Goleman argues that our view of human intelligence is far too narrow, and that our emotions play major role in thought, decision making and individual success. Self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, motivation, empathy and social deftness are all qualities that mark people who excel: whose relationships flourish, who are stars in the workplace. With new insights into the brain architecture underlying emotion and rationality, Goleman shows precisely how emotional intelligence can be nurtured and strengthened in all of us.


Book cover of The New One Minute Manager

Patrick Forsyth Author Of Successful Time Management: How to be Organized, Productive and Get Things Done

From my list on common sense to help you succeed in business.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having begun my career in publishing, I worked for many years as a management consultant and trainer; alongside that, I have written and published many books offering advice on management, marketing, and job skills, like the time management book shown above, a bestseller now in its sixth edition. I have always thought management often fails by overlooking the importance of issues rather than finding things difficult; I hope my business writing helps identify priorities and shows that the deployment of various techniques and skills can be manageable–and useful.

Patrick's book list on common sense to help you succeed in business

Patrick Forsyth Why Patrick loves this book

This is a short book, a revised version of another classic, and I like its focus on the fact that the only sensible definition of management is achieving results through other people.

This demands a constructive approach, constructive criticism, and development, helping people achieve excellent performance. It is sound common sense in an area so often overpowered and neglected in today’s hectic, time-poor world.

By Ken Blanchard , Spencer Johnson ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The New One Minute Manager as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A revised edition of the timeless business classic—updated to help today’s readers succeed more quickly in a rapidly changing world.

For decades, The One Minute Manager® has helped millions achieve more successful professional and personal lives. While the principles it lays out are timeless, our world has changed drastically since the book’s publication. The exponential rise of technology, global flattening of markets, instant communication, and pressures on corporate workforces to do more with less—including resources, funding, and staff—have all revolutionized the world in which we live and work.

Now, Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson have updated The One Minute Manger…


If you love In Search of Excellence...

Book cover of An Heir of Realms

An Heir of Realms by Heather Ashle,

An Heir of Realms tells the tale of two young heroines—a dragon rider and a portal jumper—who fight dragon-like parasites to save their realms from extinction. 

Rhoswen is training as a Realm Rider to work with dragons and burn away the Narxon swarming into her realm. Rhoswen’s dream is to…

Book cover of Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Ron Elsdon Author Of Business Behaving Well: Social Responsibility, from Learning to Doing

From my list on purpose leadership organizations and community.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about integrating individual, organizational, and community needs to create a better world for the benefit of us all. I am an author and founder of organizations in the career and workforce development fields. My four books (Affiliation in the Workplace, Building Workforce Strength, Business Behaving Well, and How to Build a Nontraditional Career Path) and much of my career explored bringing work to life for those close to us, for ourselves, for our organizations, and for our communities. My social activism has been expressed through community volunteer work and promoting a range of social causes. I hope you enjoy the books I have chosen for you!

Ron's book list on purpose leadership organizations and community

Ron Elsdon Why Ron loves this book

Some books reach me on an emotional level, while with others, it is in their intellectual reach and research rigor. This book is of the latter kind.

I was captivated by the breadth of ideas presented and the depth of research involved. It affirmed for me the dangerous trajectory of growing financial inequality that is unfolding and why that is important. This book is a monumental work. 

By Thomas Piketty , Arthur Goldhammer (translator) ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Capital in the Twenty-First Century as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times #1 Bestseller
An Amazon #1 Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Sunday Times Bestseller
A Guardian Best Book of the 21st Century
Winner of the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
Winner of the British Academy Medal
Finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award

What are the grand dynamics that drive the accumulation and distribution of capital? Questions about the long-term evolution of inequality, the concentration of wealth, and the prospects for economic growth lie at the heart of political economy. But satisfactory answers have been hard…


Book cover of Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used

Lester Olmstead-Rose Author Of The Nonprofit Business Plan: The Leader's Guide to Creating a Successful Business Model

From my list on nonprofit leaders to keep at their fingertips.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became a nonprofit consultant because I could use my best skills in writing and facilitating and apply them for good. I continue in this work because nothing is more exciting than helping people who have dedicated their lives to making the world better in some specific way actually take the next step to do better. The books I’ve recommended have made me far better at what I do.

Lester's book list on nonprofit leaders to keep at their fingertips

Lester Olmstead-Rose Why Lester loves this book

Whenever I get stuck with a problem, I return to this book. It is especially useful for consultants, but the depth of insight and clarity Block brings on every leadership issue is astounding. Be prepared, though—I find this book to be pretty dense, so don’t expect to breeze through it. Instead, live with it bit by bit like a fine wine. It’s the best reference—I use it as my professional Bible.

By Peter Block ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Flawless Consulting as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An expert discussion of the timeless fundamentals and latest tools that form the foundation of successful influencing

Renowned consultant and author Peter Block delivers the latest and fourth edition of his best-selling Flawless Consulting, an intuitive and insightful step-by-step guide to the five phases of effective consulting. The book offers a deep exploration of the skills, tools, and behaviors required to successfully influence others. You'll see exactly what you need to say and do to help others achieve their goals, whether you are an internal or external consultant or anyone in a leadership position who wants to build effective…


Book cover of Killer Presentations: Power to the Imagination to Visualise Your Point - with PowerPoint

Patrick Forsyth Author Of Successful Time Management: How to be Organized, Productive and Get Things Done

From my list on common sense to help you succeed in business.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having begun my career in publishing, I worked for many years as a management consultant and trainer; alongside that, I have written and published many books offering advice on management, marketing, and job skills, like the time management book shown above, a bestseller now in its sixth edition. I have always thought management often fails by overlooking the importance of issues rather than finding things difficult; I hope my business writing helps identify priorities and shows that the deployment of various techniques and skills can be manageable–and useful.

Patrick's book list on common sense to help you succeed in business

Patrick Forsyth Why Patrick loves this book

Presentation is a skill that, love it or hate it, is necessary for so many in the corporate world, and many books are setting out how to go about it. This is different, and I love it because it is based on research and highlights not only what makes for a ‘good’ presentation but also what makes one truly persuasive.

What is more, I like it because it does it in a way that embraces the modern ways of PowerPoint, pitches, and a competitive world—no ‘death by PowerPoint’ here; quite the reverse.

By Nicholas B. Oulton ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Killer Presentations as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This second edition has completely a new chapter on Web Presenting and links to several online seminars as well as a chapter on how to make your presentation content more memorable by using m62's Passive Mnemonic Processing techniques. The book illustrates its approach clearly and in detail: using real company examples and a series of 40 colour-images to show how such slides can work. Additionally, the book provides unique links to web sites where you can see more about this sort of presentation in action. Contents: Introduction, a new approach; Section one: Powerpoint; Section two: Messaging; Objective setting; Presentational intentions:…


If you love Thomas J. Peters...

Book cover of The Tao of Poison

The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook,

A poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency.

The polyandrous Yan family in China's rural Shaanxi Province takes in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family's rumored polyandry and extorts…

Book cover of 100 Great Cost Cutting Ideas

Patrick Forsyth Author Of Successful Time Management: How to be Organized, Productive and Get Things Done

From my list on common sense to help you succeed in business.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having begun my career in publishing, I worked for many years as a management consultant and trainer; alongside that, I have written and published many books offering advice on management, marketing, and job skills, like the time management book shown above, a bestseller now in its sixth edition. I have always thought management often fails by overlooking the importance of issues rather than finding things difficult; I hope my business writing helps identify priorities and shows that the deployment of various techniques and skills can be manageable–and useful.

Patrick's book list on common sense to help you succeed in business

Patrick Forsyth Why Patrick loves this book

I like this because you can easily pick from its one hundred separate sections. In a world where pressure on costs is so strident, it is easy to overlook ideas that might make a positive difference to any organization's financial status.

Many people in organizations suffer from what might be called a ‘numeracy shortfall’ and need some help in this area. This book is clear and understandable and could make the difference between profit and loss. Who would not like that?

By Anne Hawkins ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 100 Great Cost Cutting Ideas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every company is now in the business of reducing costs wherever and whenever they can. No business owner or manager can avoid cost-cutting if they are to succeed, or indeed survive.

This book contains 100 great ideas to reduce and save costs in business organisations. Researched from leading companies around the world, each idea is described in a succinct way. You are then shown how to apply that idea to your own business situation. A simple formula which has the potential to reap great rewards.


Book cover of A Guide to Rational Living
Book cover of Good to Great
Book cover of The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done

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