Decades of Wisdom: Top 19 Books for IT Managers
Knowledge of successful IT strategies and innovations can inspire new ideas and approaches, fostering a motivated culture within the IT department. There are countless IT management resources available with valuable insights.
Regularly reading IT management books contributes to professional development, keeping IT managers competent and competitive in their careers. Check out my picks for the best books for IT managers.
Overview of the 19 Best Books for IT Managers
I've curated this shortlist of 17 essential IT manager books—each carefully selected to address your specific challenges and needs:
- The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
- ITIL 4 Foundation Study Guide by Harold Kerzner
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Lean IT by Steven C Bell, Michael A Orzen
- Everyone Deserves a Great Manager by Scott Jeffrey Miller, Todd Davis, Victoria Roos Olsson
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
- Continuous Delivery by Jez Humble, David Farley
- Lean Six Sigma for Dummies by John Morgan
- Team Geek by Brian Fitzpatrick, Ben Collins-Sussman
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, Jeff Cox
- Measure What Matters by John Doerr, Larry Page
- Modern Management and Leadership by Mark Tarallo
- The Carrot Principle by Adrian Gostick, Chester Elton
Overview of the 19 best books for IT managers
1. The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
Summary:
"The Phoenix Project" is an engaging narrative that presents an unconventional perspective on comprehending DevOps methodologies.
What You'll Learn:
So, you'll gain valuable insights into identifying and effectively eliminating bottlenecks in your IT processes.
Why You Should Read It:
"DevOps is not a goal, but a never-ending process of continual improvement." - Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford, The Phoenix Project
Quote From The Book:
"Any improvements made anywhere besides the bottleneck are an illusion." - Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford, The Phoenix Project
About The Authors:
Gene Kim is recognized for his expertise in DevOps, and you can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his personal website. Kevin Behr is renowned for his contributions to IT management, and you can find him on LinkedIn as well, and also on his personal website. George Spafford is a cybersecurity expert, and you can follow him on LinkedIn.
2. ITIL 4 Foundation Study Guide by Harold Kerzner
Summary:
The "ITIL 4 Foundation Study Guide" is an essential resource for IT managers looking to understand and implement ITIL 4.
What You'll Learn:
However, you will learn how to align IT services seamlessly with your organization's overarching business objectives.
Why You Should Read It:
"If you can't describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you're doing." - Harold Kerzner, ITIL 4 Foundation Study Guide
Quote From The Book:
"The primary goal of ITIL 4 is to help organizations deliver value to their customers." - Harold Kerzner, ITIL 4 Foundation Study Guide
About The Author:
Authored by Harold Kerzner, a renowned expert in project management and IT service management. Follow Harold on Twitter and explore his insights on his personal website.
3. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Summary:
Firstly, in "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek, the book delves deeply into the intricacies of leadership.
What You'll Learn:
Next, this guide underscores the paramount importance of cultivating a culture deeply rooted in trust and cooperation.
Why You Should Read It:
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last
About The Author:
Learn more about Simon Sinek on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Visit his personal website for additional resources and insights.
4. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Summary:
Simon Sinek's book, "Start with Why," delves into the influence of purpose and vision when it comes to leadership.
What You'll Learn:
However, this insightful guide delves into the profound concept of the Golden Circle and emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding and communicating the "why" behind your organization's existence.
Why You Should Read It:
"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." - Simon Sinek, Start with Why
Quote From The Book:
"Great leaders are those who trust their gut. They are those who understand the art before the science." - Simon Sinek, Start with Why
About The Author:
Learn more about Simon Sinek on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Visit his personal website for additional resources and insights.
5. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Summary:
In "Drive," Daniel H. Pink explores the science of motivation, revealing that traditional carrot-and-stick approaches often fail to inspire creativity and excellence. Lastly, this is also a big addition to the best books for IT managers.
What You'll Learn:
Moreover, this comprehensive guide explores the three intrinsic motivators that serve as powerful drivers for individuals striving for excellence in their work.
Why You Should Read It:
"Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement." - Daniel H. Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Quote From The Book:
"The joy that comes from finding something that excites you—that you can really sink your teeth into—is unparalleled." - Daniel H. Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
About The Author:
Learn more about Daniel H. Pink on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Explore his insights and resources on his personal website.
6. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
Summary:
"Crucial Conversations" by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan offers a practical framework for handling high-stakes conversations effectively.
What You'll Learn:
Within the realm of effective communication, this guide offers valuable techniques for preserving open and constructive dialogue during crucial conversations.
Why You Should Read It:
"The more crucial the conversation, the less likely we are to handle it well." - Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan, Crucial Conversations
Quote From The Book:
"The more skilled we are at dialogue under stress, the more likely we can maintain the free flow of meaning and information essential to our mental health." - Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan, Crucial Conversations
About The Authors:
Connect with authors and explore their insights further, visit their LinkedIn profiles: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler. You can also access valuable resources and information on their respective websites: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler.
7. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Summary:
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman takes you on a journey through the two systems that drive the way we think.
What You'll Learn:
This guide delves into the intriguing concept of cognitive biases and their significant impact on the choices we make.
Why You Should Read It:
"The world makes much less sense than you think. The coherence comes mostly from the way your mind works." - Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow
Quote From The Book:
"We can be blind to the obvious, and we are also blind to our blindness." - Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow
About The Author:
Learn more about Daniel Kahneman on LinkedIn and explore his work further on his personal website.
8. Lean IT by Steven C Bell, Michael A Orzen
Summary:
"Lean IT" offers a practical guide to applying Lean principles to IT processes.
What You'll Learn:
This insightful guide as part of best books for IT manager dives into the essential knowledge and techniques required for identifying and eradicating inefficiencies within IT operations.
Why You Should Read It:
"The heart of Lean is to 'ask why until we understand the root causes of problems and can create lasting solutions." - Steve Bell and Mike Orzen, Lean IT
Quote From The Book:
"Lean thinking requires a change in mindset from 'That's how we've always done it' to 'How should we do it?'" - Steve Bell and Mike Orzen, Lean IT
About The Authors:
To connect with authors and explore their wealth of knowledge, visit their LinkedIn profiles: Steven C. Bell, Michael A. Orzen. You can also access their informative resources and stay updated on their work through their respective websites: Steven C. Bell and Michael A. Orzen.
9. Everyone Deserves a Great Manager by Scott Jeffrey Miller, Todd Davis, Victoria Roos Olsson
Summary:
"Everyone Deserves a Great Manager" is a practical guide to effective leadership and management.
What You'll Learn:
Firstly, in this comprehensive guide as part of best books for IT managers, you will discover the fundamental principles that underpin effective leadership and management.
Why You Should Read It:
"Great managers elevate the potential in others, making the impossible become possible." - Scott Miller, Everyone Deserves a Great Manager
Quote From The Book:
"Leadership is not a talent you are born with; it is a skill you develop." - Scott Miller, Everyone Deserves a Great Manager
About The Authors:
Connect with authors on LinkedIn to explore their extensive expertise: Scott Jeffrey Miller, Todd Davis, Victoria Roos Olsson. Additionally, you can access their valuable resources and stay updated on their work through their respective websites: Scott Jeffrey Miller, Todd Davis, and Victoria Roos Olsson.
10. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Summary:
In "The Lean Startup," Eric Ries presents a methodology for building successful startups. Learn how to create innovative products and services that meet customer needs.
What You'll Learn:
Within the realm of entrepreneurship and business development, this guide as part of best books for IT managers delves into the core principles of the lean startup methodology.
Why You Should Read It:
"Success is not delivering a feature; success is learning how to solve the customer’s problem." - Eric Ries, The Lean Startup
Quote From The Book:
"A startup is a human institution designed to create a new product or service under conditions of extreme uncertainty." - Eric Ries, The Lean Startup
About The Author:
Connect with Eric Ries on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Explore more about his work and resources on his personal website.
11. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Summary:
In "The Making of a Manager," Julie Zhuo takes readers on a journey through the multifaceted world of management.
What You'll Learn:
Next, this comprehensive guide on best books for IT managers explores the fundamental skills and mindset necessary for successful management. It provides strategic insights into effective team leadership.
Why You Should Read It:
"Being a manager is a constant exercise in improvement. It’s about progress, not perfection." - Julie Zhuo, The Making of a Manager
Quote From The Book:
"The best managers figure out how to get great outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by trying to control their people." - Julie Zhuo, The Making of a Manager
About The Author:
Connect with Julie Zhuo on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter, and explore her thoughts and insights on her personal website. Julie Zhuo is an experienced leader in the tech industry, and her expertise shines through in this book.
12. Continuous Delivery by Jez Humble, David Farley
Summary:
Authored by Jez Humble and David Farley, "Continuous Delivery" is your guide to building a software delivery pipeline that allows for rapid and reliable releases.
What You'll Learn:
Moreover, within the realm of software development and delivery, this guide, as part of the best books for IT managers delves into the foundational principles and practices of continuous delivery, an approach aimed at achieving faster, more reliable software deployment.
Why You Should Read It:
"Continuous delivery is the logical evolution of agile." - Jez Humble and David Farley, Continuous Delivery
Quote From The Book:
"The goal of continuous delivery is to make software production routine." - Jez Humble and David Farley, Continuous Delivery
About The Authors:
Connect with Jez Humble and David Farley on LinkedIn. Follow Jez on Twitter and explore more about their work on the Continuous Delivery website.
13. Lean Six Sigma for Dummies by John Morgan
Summary:
"Lean Six Sigma for Dummies" by John Morgan and Martin Brenig-Jones is a practical guide to improving business. Learn how to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
What You'll Learn:
Next, in this comprehensive guide which is part of best books for IT managers, you will delve into the principles of Lean and Six Sigma, powerful methodologies known for their efficiency and effectiveness in process improvement.
Why You Should Read It:
"Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to process improvement that can deliver significant cost savings and quality improvements." - John Morgan and Martin Brenig-Jones, Lean Six Sigma for Dummies
Quote From The Book:
"Continuous improvement isn't about the things you do well — that's work. Continuous improvement is about removing the things that get in the way of your work." - John Morgan and Martin Brenig-Jones, Lean Six Sigma for Dummies
About The Authors: Connect with John Morgan on LinkedIn and explore more about Martin Brenig-Jones on LinkedIn as well.
14. Team Geek by Brian Fitzpatrick, Ben Collins-Sussman
Summary:
"Team Geek" by Ben Collins-Sussman, Brian W. Fitzpatrick, and Michael Pilato provides insights into building and leading effective software development teams. It addresses the challenges of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in the tech world.
What You'll Learn:
Next, within the realm of software development, this guide explores a spectrum of strategies aimed at fostering a cohesive and high-performing team.
Why You Should Read It:
"Developers are not machines—they are people. And people are complicated." - Ben Collins-Sussman, Brian W. Fitzpatrick, and Michael Pilato, Team Geek
Quote From The Book:
"Your job as a manager is to create a safe place for everyone else to perform at their peak." - Ben Collins-Sussman, Brian W. Fitzpatrick, and Michael Pilato, Team Geek
About The Authors:
Explore more about Ben Collins-Sussman and Brian W. Fitzpatrick on LinkedIn.
15. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Summary:
In "Deep Work," Cal Newport explores the importance of focused, undistracted work in an increasingly distracted world. This book offers strategies to achieve deep concentration and maximize productivity, being one of the best books for IT managers.
What You'll Learn:
Moreover, this insightful guide delves into the concept of deep work and its profound impact on professional success. Next, it explores the benefits of engaging in deep work, such as heightened productivity and improved quality of output.
Why You Should Read It:
"Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task." - Cal Newport, Deep Work
Quote From The Book:
"To produce at your peak level, you need to work for extended periods with full concentration on a single task free from distraction." - Cal Newport, Deep Work
About The Author:
Learn more about Cal Newport and explore his other works on his personal website. Connect with him on LinkedIn as well.
16. The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, Jeff Cox
Summary:
In Eliyahu M. Goldratt's "The Goal," a business narrative unfolds, introducing the Theory of Constraints—a potent strategy for enhancing organizational procedures.
What You'll Learn:
Next, this comprehensive guide explores the Theory of Constraints and its valuable applications in the realm of business. It delves into the principles behind identifying and addressing bottlenecks within processes.
Quote From The Book:
"Productivity is not about doing more faster. It is about doing the right things, which is all about priorities." - Eliyahu M. Goldratt, The Goal
About The Author:
Learn more about Eliyahu M. Goldratt on LinkedIn. Explore additional insights on his official website. To delve into Jeff's extensive knowledge and stay connected with his work, you can follow him on LinkedIn and explore his insightful resources through his website, Jeff Cox's Website.
17. Measure What Matters by John Doerr, Larry Page (Foreword)
Summary:
In "Measure What Matters," John Doerr introduces the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Discover how OKRs can drive focus, alignment, and results. Also, discover how the best books for IT managers can change your thinking.
What You'll Learn:
Next, in this comprehensive guide, you'll explore the foundational principles offered by the OKR. Additionally, the guide provides strategies for effectively tracking progress, within the list of best books for IT managers.
Why You Should Read It:
"Accurate information enables precise control." - John Doerr, Measure What Matters
Quote From The Book:
"What you measure affects what you do." - John Doerr, Measure What Matters
About The Author:
Learn more about John Doerr on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Explore additional insights and resources on his personal website.
18. Modern Management and Leadership by Mark Tarallo
Summary:
Within the pages of "Modern Management and Leadership," authored by Mark Tarallo, you'll discover an all-encompassing manual on current management and leadership techniques.
What You'll Learn:
This book delves into the strategic approach required to address the ever-evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Why You Should Read It:
"Effective leadership in the realm of cybersecurity is not just about technology" - Mark Tarallo, Modern Management and Leadership
Quote From The Book:
"Success in the world of cybersecurity requires a deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of security." - Mark Tarallo, Modern Management and Leadership
About The Author:
Connect with Mark Tarallo on LinkedIn and explore more about his work on his personal website.
19. The Carrot Principle by Adrian Gostick, Chester Elton
Summary:
In "The Carrot Principle," authored by Adrian Gostick, the book delves into the significance of acknowledgment and gratitude within the work environment.
What You'll Learn:
Moreover, this insightful guide underscores the crucial importance of acknowledging and rewarding employees for their dedication and contributions.
Why You Should Read It:
"Great managers recognize that their success comes from the success of their people." - Adrian Gostick, The Carrot Principle
Quote From The Book:
"Recognition is the fuel that powers the engine of great organizations." - Adrian Gostick, The Carrot Principle
About The Authors:
Learn more about Adrian Gostick on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Explore his insights and resources on his personal website. You can Chester Elton follow him on LinkedIn and explore his resources on his website, Chester Elton's Website.
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