Following on from our recent blog, the top five books we recommend to business leaders, we’ve created another list of four must-read books for anyone looking to create and nurture success.
It’s definitely not just a matter of luck when it comes to building a profitable, growing business and developing your skills as a leader. And, these books prove just that.
Those with the right know-how, who take the time to actively and strategically grow their business see the most reward. It’s something we talk about at Ascentis Business Club, and these books offer their own take on how to make it happen for you.
So here we have it, our second instalment of books we recommend to all business leaders.
How the Mighty Fall – Jim Collins
“How the Mighty Fall” offers a compelling exploration of the five stages that lead to the decline of successful companies. Jim Collins’ framework equips business leaders with a roadmap to identify warning signs early on, fostering a proactive approach to challenges before they become real, lasting problems. The book underscores the importance of humility, encouraging leaders to remain self-aware during periods of success, and highlights the need for strategic discipline in decision-making.
By studying the stories of fallen companies, business leaders gain insights into crisis management and effective decision-making in times of trouble. The book advocates for a focused approach on core competencies and warns against undisciplined pursuits that can dilute an organisation’s resources and focus. Furthermore, it emphasises the significance of fostering an open and accountable organisational culture to address potential issues constructively.
In essence, “How the Mighty Fall” is valuable for business leaders seeking sustained success as it provides a strategic framework for recognising and navigating the challenges that can lead to organisational decline. We recommend it as it serves as a guide for leaders to cultivate humility, make disciplined decisions, and foster a culture that embraces transparency and accountability, ultimately helping them navigate the complexities of the business landscape with resilience and foresight.
Traction – Gion Wickman
“Traction” introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive and practical methodology designed to help businesses achieve their vision and gain traction in their industries. The book is structured around six key components – Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. Wickman emphasises the importance of implementing and reinforcing these components systematically to create a cohesive and well-functioning organisation.
Wickman advocates for clarity in defining the company’s vision and values, aligning its people with the right roles, establishing clear processes and priorities, and utilising data-driven insights to make informed decisions. The book outlines specific tools and techniques, such as the Level 10 Meeting and the Accountability Chart, to streamline communication, resolve issues, and ensure accountability within the organisation.
The EOS methodology provides a structured framework that enables leaders to identify and address the root causes of issues, streamline operations, and foster a culture of accountability and discipline. By emphasising the importance of consistent processes and clear communication, the book equips leaders with the tools needed to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and ultimately achieve their business objectives.
For business leaders looking to grow their businesses and achieve success, “Traction” offers a tried and tested methodology to create a well-organised and efficient organisation. The emphasis on processes helps leaders establish a strong foundation for their companies, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the vision, processes are streamlined, and issues are systematically addressed. By implementing the principles outlined in “Traction,” business leaders can foster a healthy and productive organisational culture.
The Chimp Paradox – Professor Stephen Peters
This transformative book delves into the complexities of the human mind, introducing the concept of the “Chimp” as a metaphor for the emotional, impulsive part of the brain. Peters, a psychiatrist, presents a powerful model that helps individuals understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that might come from this chimp.
The book explores the conflict between the logical, rational Human and the emotional, reactive Chimp, offering insights into how individuals can gain control over their minds for improved decision-making and overall well-being.
We’ve found that, for business leaders, “The Chimp Paradox” provides a practical framework to enhance emotional intelligence and self-awareness. By understanding the interplay between the logical and emotional aspects of the mind, leaders can better navigate challenging situations, manage stress, and make more informed decisions. The book’s emphasis on self-control and mastering the psychological aspects of leadership equips you with tools to enhance personal effectiveness and leadership capabilities.
The benefits of “The Chimp Paradox” extend to the business realm as well. Leaders who apply the principles from the book are better equipped to handle interpersonal dynamics within their teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment. By mastering your own Chimp and helping others do the same, business leaders can improve communication, build stronger relationships, and create a culture that promotes resilience and effective collaboration. Ultimately, the book serves as a guide for leaders seeking to optimise their own mental processes and, by extension, enhance the overall performance and success of their businesses.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
This bestselling book explores the transformative power of small habits and their cumulative impact on personal and professional success.
Clear introduces the concept of atomic habits, tiny changes that, when compounded over time, lead to results. The book is structured around the four laws of behaviour change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. Clear emphasises the importance of focusing on systems and processes rather than goals, and he provides practical strategies for building positive habits and breaking detrimental ones.
For business leaders, the principles outlined in “Atomic Habits” offer a valuable framework for not only self development as a leader, but also fostering growth within your business too. By applying the idea of small, incremental changes, you can create a culture of continuous improvement. This could involve refining internal processes, encouraging employees to adopt productive habits, and implementing systematic changes that contribute to the overall success of the business. The emphasis on making habits obvious and attractive can be particularly beneficial for leaders looking to instil a shared vision and values within their teams.
Furthermore, the book advocates for the power of compounding in habits, showcasing how consistency over time leads to substantial results. Business leaders can leverage this concept by implementing sustainable practices and routines that contribute to the long-term success of their organisations. Ultimately, the book encourages leaders to focus on the processes and habits that drive success, leading to a more sustainable and resilient business over time.
Using this expertise
Here at Ascentis, not only do we offer accounting services, but we use our skill and expertise to help you grow your business.
Over the years we’ve developed business growth strategies and skills, utilising the tried and tested methods found in these books (and more!), to help take our clients to new heights, both as entrepreneurs and as individuals too.
We can help you explore new avenues with peace of mind, develop more efficient financial processes that save you time and money, and change your mindset to take a strategic approach towards the development of your business, and yourself as a business leader.
So, if you’re looking for advice and guidance on how to create growth in your business, work less and spend more time on the things you love, get in touch with our team of experts today.