Essential Reads for Strategic Excellence — 10 Books Every Business Leader Should Master

Published On - October 2, 2024

Ted Bonel 1. PEOPLE, 2. STRATEGY, 3. EXECUTION, 4. CASH, BLOG
 “The best leaders don’t just build companies — they build knowledge.”

In today’s fast-moving business world, strategy isn’t about reacting fast. It’s about thinking deeply, planning smartly, and executing relentlessly.

Great leaders are great learners. They study what works, adapt what fits, and build organisations that last.

Here’s a curated list of 10 essential reads that will sharpen your strategic thinking, strengthen your leadership, and help you scale sustainably.

  1. The New One Minute Manager — Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

A timeless classic, reimagined for today’s fast-paced workplace.
Learn to motivate and manage with simplicity: one-minute goals, one-minute praise, and one-minute feedback.

Key takeaway: Small, consistent actions build trust, accountability, and results — fast.

  1. The Goal — Eliyahu M. Goldratt

Told as a story, this book introduces the Theory of Constraints: how to identify bottlenecks that limit performance.

Key takeaway: Every system has a weakest link — fix that, and you unlock exponential improvement.

  1. Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman

Goleman proves that EQ often outweighs IQ. Self-awareness, empathy, and social skill are not “soft skills” — they’re leadership multipliers. 

Key takeaway: You can’t lead others well if you don’t lead yourself first.

  1. Competitive Strategy — Michael Porter

Porter’s framework for analysing competition remains essential. His Five Forces model helps you understand how industries evolve and where your advantage lies.

Key takeaway: Sustainable advantage is built on insight, not imitation.

  1. Built to Last — Jim Collins & Jerry Porras

This research-backed classic explores what makes visionary companies endure. It’s not just great ideas — it’s disciplined values, culture, and long-term thinking.

Key takeaway: Purpose and profit aren’t opposites; they’re partners in longevity.

  1. 2 Second Lean — Paul Akers

A brilliant, accessible take on Lean thinking. Focus on small, daily improvements that save seconds but compound into massive gains.

Key takeaway: Continuous improvement doesn’t require complexity — just commitment.

  1. On Becoming a Leader — Warren Bennis

Leadership starts with authenticity. Bennis reminds us that great leaders don’t follow formulas — they develop self-awareness, vision, and courage. 

Key takeaway: True leadership is about becoming, not performing.

  1. Good to Great — Jim Collins

Why do some companies make the leap while others stay average? Collins distils decades of data into concepts like Level 5 Leadership, The Hedgehog Concept, and The Flywheel Effect.

Key takeaway: Greatness isn’t luck — it’s built through disciplined people, thought, and action.

  1. The E-Myth Revisited — Michael E. Gerber

Most entrepreneurs get stuck in the work instead of on the business. Gerber teaches how to build systems and processes that scale.

Key takeaway: Work on the business, not in it — or it will own you.

  1. Scaling Up — Verne Harnish

The playbook for growth. Harnish breaks business success into four decisions — People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash.

It’s the ultimate roadmap for leaders ready to scale with structure.

Key takeaway: Scaling isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things, better and faster.

 

Applying What You Learn — From Insight to Execution

Reading these books will deepen your strategic mindset — but knowledge alone doesn’t create growth. Execution does.

That’s where strategy and execution advisors add value. We help leaders translate these ideas into actionable frameworks, scalable systems, and measurable outcomes.

 

Ready to scale your business from strategy to execution?

Take our Scaling Up / Four Decisions Needs Assessment to benchmark your company’s growth capability.
Or email tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au for a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

Great leaders learn from the best — and act on what they learn.

To Scale Up your business! Take our Scaling Up/Four Decisions Needs Assessment to discover how your business measures against other Scaled Up companies. We’ll contact you.

Strategy and Execution Business Advisors and Scaling Up Coaches in Brisbane & Australia

TED BONEL, SCALING PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Ready to scale your business from strategy to execution?
Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

 

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops