Reading List
Design and User Experience:
"The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" by Edward Tufte
Summary: This book is a classic on the subject of data visualization. Tufte presents a deep dive into the best practices for displaying quantitative information in a way that is clear, informative, and aesthetically pleasing. It showcases various graphs, charts, and maps, illustrating both exemplary and flawed examples, with detailed analysis of each.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: A significant portion of product management revolves around making data-driven decisions and conveying complex information in a digestible manner to stakeholders. This book offers invaluable techniques and principles for presenting information visually, ensuring that it's both compelling and clear.
"User Story Mapping" by Jeff Patton
Summary: Patton's book introduces the technique of user story mapping, which helps teams understand user needs, prioritize features, and get a clear picture of the entire product. The method involves visualizing user stories (descriptions of a software feature from an end-user perspective) on a board, arranging them to reflect user journeys through the product.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: User story mapping is a practical tool for product managers to align teams around a shared understanding of user needs and the product's direction. This technique aids in prioritizing features, making it easier to plan releases and iterative development cycles.
"Emotional Design" by Donald A. Norman
Summary: While Norman's other works often delve into usability, "Emotional Design" focuses on the connection between emotions and design. The book discusses how objects can evoke emotions in users and the significant impact this has on user experience, going beyond mere functionality.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: In the tech world, it's not just about making something work; it's about making users love it. Understanding the emotional impact of design can be the difference between a product that's merely functional and one that's delightful and retains users.
"The Design of Everyday Things" by Donald A. Norman
Summary: A foundational text in the field of user-centered design, this book emphasizes the importance of intuitive and accessible product design. Norman provides a thorough analysis of the psychology behind user behaviors and expectations, introducing concepts like "affordances" and "signifiers" that have since become standard terminology in the design world.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: Every product manager needs a foundational understanding of good design principles. Norman's insights into user psychology and his illustrative examples of good (and bad) design provide invaluable knowledge for anyone involved in the creation or management of products, ensuring they meet user needs and expectations.
Product Management and Strategy:
"The Product Manager Interview" by Lewis C. Lin
Summary: This book offers an in-depth view of the PM interview process, complete with real interview questions from top tech companies and insights into what interviewers really look for. Lin provides strategies and frameworks for tackling these questions effectively.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: Whether you're looking for a PM job or hiring for one, this book gives a comprehensive understanding of the hiring landscape, ensuring you're prepared to ace or evaluate interviews.
"Cracking the PM Career" by Jackie Bavaro and Gayle Laakmann McDowell
Summary: An extensive guide to what it takes to thrive as a product manager in the tech industry. It covers everything from roles and responsibilities to career growth strategies.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: It’s a roadmap for PMs at all stages of their careers, helping them understand the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to excel and advance.
"Decode and Conquer" by Lewis C. Lin
Summary: Lin provides a blueprint for answering the toughest interview questions for product management roles. It breaks down the different types of questions and offers proven strategies for approaching them.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: This book complements "The Product Manager Interview" and equips PMs with targeted strategies for specific types of questions, maximizing their chances of interview success.
"Hooked" by Nir Eyal
Summary: Eyal explores the mechanics of habit-forming products, describing how companies can build products that people come back to again and again.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: In today's competitive tech landscape, user retention is crucial. Understanding the psychology behind habit-forming products can be key to creating truly engaging products.
"Zero to One" by Peter Thiel
Summary: Thiel discusses how startups can innovate and create entirely new markets, rather than just iterating on existing products.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: For PMs at startups or those looking to bring disruptive innovation to larger organizations, this book offers unique insights into building products that define new categories.
"High Output Management" by Andrew S. Grove
Summary: A classic management book, Grove, the former CEO of Intel, provides his insights on productivity, management, and leadership.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: PMs often find themselves in leadership roles, managing cross-functional teams. The principles in this book provide a solid foundation for effective management.
"Measure What Matters" by John Doerr
Summary: Doerr introduces the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: OKRs are now widely adopted in tech. This book helps PMs set, communicate, and measure goals effectively.
"Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey A. Moore
Summary: Moore addresses the challenges startups face when moving from early adopters to a broader audience.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: It’s essential for PMs to understand the market dynamics and strategies needed to gain widespread product adoption.
"Blitzscaling" by Reid Hoffman & Chris Yeh
Summary: The book explores the strategy of scaling at a blistering pace, even if it means taking big risks.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: For PMs in rapidly growing companies, understanding the principles and challenges of blitzscaling can be essential.
"The Marketing Interview" by Lewis C. Lin
Summary: Similar to his PM interview book, Lin tackles the marketing interview, breaking down types of questions and effective strategies for answering them.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: PMs often work closely with marketing, and having an understanding of this adjacent domain can broaden a PM's skill set.
"The Innovator's Solution" by Clayton M. Christensen and Michael E. Raynor
Summary: This book provides actionable insights on how companies can drive growth and innovation.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: It builds on "The Innovator's Dilemma" and offers PMs tools and strategies for fostering innovation within their organizations.
"The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen
Summary: Christensen explores why big, successful companies can fail in the face of disruptive innovation.
Why a Product Manager Should Read It: It’s crucial for PMs to understand the challenges and pitfalls that come with innovation, especially in established companies. This book offers invaluable lessons on navigating and fostering change.
Leadership and Organizational Behavior:
"Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Summary: This book, penned by former Navy SEAL leaders, promotes the idea that leadership is the most pivotal factor in team and organizational success. It emphasizes taking "extreme ownership" of one's actions and their outcomes.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs often find themselves leading without formal authority, coordinating between various departments. Embracing "extreme ownership" empowers PMs to take full responsibility for their products, ensuring alignment and accountability.
"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
Summary: Sinek articulates that the most successful organizations begin by understanding their "why" – their purpose or belief.
Why a PM Should Read It: The essence of a product often revolves around its "why". PMs can benefit from this perspective, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with users and stakeholders alike.
"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
Summary: Sinek highlights how the best leaders prioritize their team's well-being, cultivating a culture of trust and cooperation.
Why a PM Should Read It: Success in product management is anchored in the trust and collaboration of cross-functional teams. PMs can learn how to put the needs of their teams first, fostering cohesion and motivation.
"The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins
Summary: This book is a guide for leaders in transition, detailing strategies to successfully navigate the initial three months in a new role.
Why a PM Should Read It: Transition phases—whether between products, roles, or companies—are crucial. PMs can use Watkins' strategies to handle change effectively and set the stage for long-term success.
"The Ride of a Lifetime" by Robert Iger
Summary: Iger recounts lessons from his tenure as Disney's CEO, covering major acquisitions and managerial insights.
Why a PM Should Read It: Gaining insights from Iger's leadership at Disney, PMs can learn about strategic decision-making, risk evaluation, and managing products in evolving landscapes.
"Team of Teams" by Gen. Stanley McChrystal
Summary: McChrystal shares his experience transforming a traditionally hierarchical military organization into a flexible, adaptive network.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs can glean insights on how to adapt and structure their product teams for faster decision-making and greater agility in a rapidly changing environment.
"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz
Summary: Horowitz provides candid insights from his journey as a founder, CEO, and venture capitalist.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs can prepare for inevitable challenges in product life cycles, gaining knowledge on how to make tough decisions and navigate complex situations.
"The Alliance" by Reid Hoffman, Ben Casnocha, & Chris Yeh
Summary: The book introduces a new managerial framework emphasizing mutual trust and aligning company-employee goals.
Why a PM Should Read It: Building and maintaining robust relationships with team members and stakeholders is crucial. PMs can discover novel ways to foster these relationships, leading to more aligned and motivated teams.
"The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership" by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp
Summary: A roadmap for leaders aspiring for a leadership style marked by awareness, integrity, and openness.
Why a PM Should Read It: Leading with awareness and intention is pivotal in product management. PMs can harness tools from this book to evolve their leadership styles, better aligning with modern team dynamics.
"The Moment of Lift" by Melinda Gates
Summary: Gates narrates stories of women she's encountered and the transformative lessons from her philanthropic endeavors.
Why a PM Should Read It: It serves as a reminder of the broader societal impacts of products, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse and underserved user bases.
"Originals" by Adam Grant
Summary: Grant delves into how individuals can champion novel ideas and how leaders can stimulate originality within organizations.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs are often at the forefront of innovation. Grant's insights can guide PMs in nurturing and championing original ideas, both theirs and their teams'.
Entrepreneurship and Business Strategy:
"The Startup of You" by Reid Hoffman & Ben Casnocha
Summary: The authors emphasize that just as startups pivot, iterate, and adapt, so should individuals in their careers.
Why a PM Should Read It: A PM’s role often involves adapting to market changes, user needs, and technological shifts. The book promotes a mindset of adaptability and resilience that's invaluable for PMs in the fast-paced tech world.
"The Virgin Way" by Richard Branson
Summary: Branson sheds light on his unique style of leadership and his approach to business.
Why a PM Should Read It: Embracing unconventional thinking can lead to innovative product decisions. Branson's experiences can inspire PMs to think outside the box and take calculated risks.
"Range" by David Epstein
Summary: Epstein discusses the power of broad experience and how generalists are often better positioned to innovate.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs juggle various aspects of a product, from technical to business to design. Understanding the value of a broad skill set can help PMs appreciate cross-functional collaboration and foster innovation.
"The 4-Hour Work Week" by Timothy Ferriss
Summary: Ferriss introduces strategies for maximizing efficiency and escaping the traditional work routine.
Why a PM Should Read It: While the literal 4-hour work week might be unattainable for most PMs, the book's techniques for optimizing productivity can be valuable in a role that requires managing multiple tasks and stakeholders.
"Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future" by Ashlee Vance
Summary: A deep dive into the life of Elon Musk and his ventures.
Why a PM Should Read It: Musk’s ventures constantly push the boundaries of what's possible. PMs can gain insights into visionary thinking, long-term goal setting, and tackling ambitious projects.
Communication, Influence, and Personal Perception:
"Pitch Anything" by Oren Klaff
Summary: Klaff introduces a novel method for delivering high-stakes pitches, backed by insights from neuroscience.
Why a PM Should Read It: Effective pitching is a core aspect of rallying stakeholders, securing resources, or getting buy-in for new features. Klaff's framework can help PMs present their ideas in a compelling and influential manner.
"Captivate" by Vanessa Van Edwards
Summary: Van Edwards reveals the science of what makes people tick and offers techniques to connect better, communicate more persuasively, and decode those around you.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs often navigate a maze of interpersonal relations. Understanding behavioral cues can significantly improve collaboration, negotiation, and team dynamics.
"Cues" by Vanessa Van Edwards
Summary: A guide to the subtle, often overlooked signals that people send, allowing readers to understand intentions and emotions more accurately.
Why a PM Should Read It: Reading and interpreting subtle cues can be crucial in stakeholder management and user interviews, helping PMs gain deeper insights and manage relationships more effectively.
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
Summary: Carnegie's timeless advice on effective communication, building rapport, and influencing others without coming off as manipulative.
Why a PM Should Read It: PMs work cross-functionally, making relationship-building vital. Carnegie's principles aid in fostering positive relationships and influencing product-related decisions.
"Principles" by Ray Dalio
Summary: Dalio shares the unconventional principles he developed, refined, and implemented over his career as the founder of Bridgewater Associates.
Why a PM Should Read It: Principles guide decision-making. PMs can learn from Dalio's systematic approach to design their decision-making frameworks, especially in complex product environments.
"Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
Summary: Gladwell explores the subconscious processes that drive our decision-making abilities, including the strengths and pitfalls of intuitive judgment.
Why a PM Should Read It: Products often need rapid decisions. Understanding the science behind quick judgments can help PMs make better intuitive choices and design products that cater to users' instinctual reactions.
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
Summary: Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success, suggesting it's not just about individual prowess but also cultural, familial, and idiosyncratic factors.
Why a PM Should Read It: Understanding the myriad factors that contribute to success can shape how PMs nurture their careers, teams, and products.
"Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss
Summary: Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, Voss provides negotiation techniques that you can use in both high-stakes and everyday situations.
Why a PM Should Read It: Negotiation is a daily reality for PMs, be it with stakeholders, developers, or even users. Voss' insights can drastically improve a PM's negotiation tactics, ensuring more favorable outcomes for their products.
Mental Health and Self-improvement:
"The Anxious Truth" by Drew Linsalata
Summary: Linsalata presents a comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming anxiety disorders, based on personal experience and research.
Why a PM Should Read It: Managing stress and anxiety is crucial for PMs, given the demands of their role. Understanding anxiety can lead to better personal well-being and improved team dynamics, especially during challenging product cycles.
"Grit" by Angela Duckworth
Summary: Duckworth delves into the power of perseverance and passion in achieving success, emphasizing that effort often outweighs natural talent.
Why a PM Should Read It: The path to product success is rarely smooth. A PM with grit can persevere through setbacks and drive their team to persistent and long-term success.
"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson
Summary: Manson offers a counterintuitive approach to living a good life, underscoring the importance of embracing limitations and facing life's challenges head-on.
Why a PM Should Read It: In the world of product management, not all battles are worth fighting. Manson's philosophy helps PMs prioritize their efforts and focus on what truly impacts product success.
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear
Summary: Clear illustrates how small behavioral changes can lead to significant personal and professional transformations.
Why a PM Should Read It: Building and maintaining productive habits can significantly enhance a PM's effectiveness. This book provides actionable steps to establish such habits.
"The High 5 Habit" by Mel Robbins
Summary: Robbins introduces a simple habit to boost confidence, positivity, and self-belief.
Why a PM Should Read It: Confidence and a positive outlook are essential for PMs to inspire their teams and face challenges. Robbins' approach offers an accessible method to boost these traits.
"The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman
Summary: A daily devotional of Stoic philosophy, offering wisdom and guidance for modern living.
Why a PM Should Read It: Stoicism provides tools for mental resilience and clarity—both crucial for PMs facing the daily challenges and stresses of product development.
"Letters from a Stoic" by Seneca
Summary: A collection of letters from the Stoic philosopher Seneca, filled with wisdom on life, adversity, and virtue.
Why a PM Should Read It: The timeless insights on resilience, virtue, and life's challenges are invaluable for PMs striving for both professional success and personal well-being.
"The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek
Summary: Sinek contrasts two types of games—finite and infinite—and argues that businesses should play the infinite game, emphasizing long-term vision.
Why a PM Should Read It: This perspective helps PMs shift from short-term wins to long-term product strategy and sustainable success.
"Find Your Why" by Simon Sinek
Summary: Sinek offers a guide to discovering personal and organizational purpose, which he argues is crucial for true success.
Why a PM Should Read It: Understanding the "why" behind a product can guide its development, align stakeholders, and resonate deeply with users.
"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss
Summary: Ferriss presents strategies to escape the 9-5 grind, automate tasks, and live life on your own terms.
Why a PM Should Read It: While the PM role is demanding, efficiency techniques can help in achieving a work-life balance and ensure that one's focus is on truly impactful tasks.
Philosophy & Thought Leadership:
"How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" by Donald Robertson
Summary: Donald Robertson dives into the life and rule of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, blending history with practical Stoic philosophy lessons. The book provides readers with insights into Marcus Aurelius' use of Stoicism to overcome personal and political challenges and offers guidance on how modern readers can apply these principles in their own lives.
Why a PM Should Read It: Stoicism is a philosophy centered around understanding what we can control, accepting what we can't, and focusing on reasoned judgment. For Product Managers, who often operate in environments filled with uncertainty, shifting priorities, and stakeholder demands, adopting a Stoic mindset can lead to improved decision-making, better stress management, and more effective interpersonal relationships. By understanding how one of history's great leaders applied Stoicism in his life and rule, PMs can gain valuable insights into leading teams and navigating challenges with resilience and equanimity.
Economics and Broad Business Concepts:
"Good Economics for Hard Times" by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo
Summary: Banerjee and Duflo, both Nobel Prize-winning economists, tackle a range of modern global issues and present research-driven solutions. They explore topics like immigration, inequality, and globalization, debunking many myths along the way.
Why a PM Should Read It: A well-rounded PM is aware of the broader socioeconomic landscape, and this book provides insights into pressing global challenges. Understanding these dynamics can inform decisions, especially for products with a global user base or those aiming to address pressing societal issues.
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
Summary: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman presents decades of research to help readers understand what really goes on inside their heads. He describes two systems of thought: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberate.
Why a PM Should Read It: Understanding human cognition is essential for PMs as it impacts user behavior, decision-making processes, and interactions with products. Kahneman's insights can guide product design, user experience, and even stakeholder communication.
"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Summary: Taleb discusses the extreme impact of rare and unpredictable events (which he calls "Black Swans") and humans' tendency to find simplistic explanations for these events retrospectively.
Why a PM Should Read It: In the unpredictable world of product development, unforeseen challenges or opportunities can emerge. This book equips PMs to think differently about uncertainty, risks, and the unknown, making them better prepared for surprises in the product lifecycle.
"The Long Fix" by Vivian Lee
Summary: Dr. Vivian Lee provides an insightful critique of the U.S. healthcare system and proposes a roadmap for achieving better care at lower costs by transitioning from "fee-for-service" to "fee-for-value" models.
Why a PM Should Read It: For PMs in the healthcare sector or those building health tech products, understanding the systemic challenges of healthcare can inform product decisions. Even outside health tech, the book's emphasis on value creation offers valuable lessons.
"The Cold Start Problem" by Andrew Chen
Summary: Andrew Chen, a veteran in Silicon Valley, tackles one of the most significant challenges for digital products and platforms: how to get users onboarded and engaged when starting from scratch.
Why a PM Should Read It: Every PM will, at some point, face the challenge of launching a new feature or product and ensuring user adoption. Chen's insights provide strategies for overcoming initial inertia, making it essential reading for anyone looking to grow and scale a digital product.