"Reading taught Elon Musk to build a rocket,
and showed Tony Robbins how to build a better life.
How reading makes you a better leader too."
While I won't promise results on the level of Elon Musk or Tony Robbins, the books that follow are most likely to add value to your career. So say the business experts. So say the readers.
For the 13th year in a row Beantown Web has conducted a quasi-scientific meta-search to identify the best business books published during the calendar year. This year's search began by identifying 15 "Best of" lists. This resource list is available upon request. The final results are presented here.
A total of 199 unique books were mentioned on at least one "Best of" list. Among the unique books, 161 were mentioned only once and 38 received multiple recommendations.
The Honorable Mention Shelf
Of the 38 multiple recommendations, 28 books were mentioned on two lists. These books comprise the Honorable Mention list.
The Must-Read Shelf
Of the 10 remaining book recommendations, four were mentioned on three lists. These books comprise the Must-Read list:
- A World Without Work
- Competing in the Age of AI
- Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
- The Future is Faster Than You Think
The Top Shelf
Of the six remaining book recommendations, two were recognized on four lists:
One was recognized on five lists:
Two were recognized on six lists:
One was recognized on eight lists:
Personal Recommendations
If 10 books are too many to chose from, then check out the following Short List. The four highest rated books on Goodreads (of the 10 pictured here) are as follows:
- No Rules Rules (4.34 rating out of 5.00)
- The Future Is Faster Than You Think (4.23)
- No Filter (4.13)
- Leadership Is Language (4.10)
I have read none of the six Top Shelf books and one from the four on the Must-Read Shelf. As I work through this reading list, I will post my reviews at Goodreads.com and share links here.
You can access more than 100 Leadership and Strategy books I have read at Pinterest.
Suggested Success Strategy
Regardless of your professional discipline, business is the engine that drives economic growth. The economy continues to improve and job growth continues to look promising in 2021. You can help enhance your personal economic prospects by learning more about the business of business.
Goal: Select one business book from the 10 pictured above, read it, practice its principles and shift your career into a higher gear in 2021. Of course, you can select all 10 books, read one per month, and receive a guaranteed seat in business class!
NOTE: The 28 Honorable Mention Books of 2020 -- those recognized on two "Best of" lists -- are being counted down on Twitter @genebabon. You can also follow Beantown Web on Facebook @beantownweb.
View ALL annual Best Business Books blog postings.
