Essential Reads for Strategic Excellence

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just quick thinking. It requires strategy—deep, thoughtful planning that informs every decision a business makes. Below is a curated list of some of the most impactful books on strategy, designed to help leaders sharpen their skills and drive their organisations forward.

1. The New One Minute Manager

By Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

A modern update of the classic bestseller, The New One Minute Manager introduces simple yet effective management techniques that focus on three core strategies: one-minute goals, one-minute praisings, and one-minute reprimands. It’s a must-read for leaders who want to develop quick, actionable plans while keeping their team motivated and accountable.

2. The Goal

By Eliyahu M. Goldratt

The Goal uses a novel-like structure to explore the Theory of Constraints—a concept that helps managers identify the most significant limitations in their operations. Goldratt provides valuable insights into how businesses can overcome bottlenecks and improve efficiency, making it a critical resource for strategists focused on operational excellence.

3. Emotional Intelligence

By Daniel Goleman

While not strictly a strategy book, Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence makes a case for the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership and decision-making. Goleman demonstrates that self-awareness, empathy, and social skills are integral to not only managing people but also crafting and executing successful strategies in business.

4. Competitive Strategy

By Michael Porter

Considered one of the seminal works on strategy, Michael Porter’s Competitive Strategy dissects the competitive forces that shape industries. Porter’s five forces framework is an essential tool for understanding how businesses can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. This book is invaluable for anyone looking to dive deep into the mechanics of strategic positioning and competition.

5. Built to Last

By Jim Collins and Jerry Porras

This business classic investigates why some companies endure for decades while others fade away. Through rigorous research, Collins and Porras identify core principles and practices that help companies remain visionary and sustainable. Built to Last offers valuable lessons for strategic leaders on building resilient organisations with long-term visions.

6. 2 Second Lean

By Paul Akers

2 Second Lean simplifies the often-complex Lean manufacturing methodology. Akers’ approach revolves around small, continuous improvements that can be made in as little as two seconds. His insights make this book a powerful resource for leaders looking to implement lean principles in their strategy to boost efficiency and cut waste.

7. On Becoming a Leader

By Warren Bennis

Bennis delves into the personal development of leaders, arguing that leadership is more about becoming oneself than following a rigid set of rules. On Becoming a Leader is essential for strategists who understand that self-awareness and personal growth are as important as strategic knowledge when leading an organisation toward success.

8. Good to Great

By Jim Collins

Jim Collins’ Good to Great is a deep dive into what separates mediocre companies from those that make the leap to greatness. With rigorous research, Collins identifies key strategies and principles—such as the importance of disciplined people and culture—that lead to exceptional, sustained success. This book is an essential read for strategic leaders aiming for long-term impact.

9. The E-Myth Revisited

By Michael E. Gerber

Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited explores why most small businesses fail and how to develop strategies for long-term success. The book introduces the concept of working on your business rather than in it—building systems and processes that enable scalability. It’s a vital resource for leaders developing strategies for growth, particularly in smaller or entrepreneurial businesses.

10. Scaling Up

By Verne Harnish

Scaling Up offers a practical guide for leaders who are ready to take their business to the next level. Focusing on four key areas—people, strategy, execution, and cash—Harnish provides actionable tools and insights for scaling a business effectively. His approach makes this book indispensable for leaders focused on growth strategies.

These books collectively provide a rich library of insights and approaches for strategic leaders. From managing people and processes to building sustainable organisations and scaling up, these works cover the breadth of what it takes to excel in today’s competitive business environment. Whether you’re new to strategy or a seasoned leader, these reads will empower you to craft thoughtful, actionable plans that can propel your business forward.

Incorporating insights from these essential reads into your business strategies is a powerful way to drive sustained success. However, even with the best tools and knowledge at your disposal, the complexity of executing these strategies effectively can still pose significant challenges. 

This is where strategy and execution business advisors come in. By partnering with experienced advisors, you can translate these principles into tailored action plans that align with your specific goals and market conditions. Whether it’s refining your competitive positioning, optimising operational efficiency, or scaling your business, our experts provide the guidance and support needed to turn strategy into tangible results. With our help, your business won’t just survive—it will thrive. Contact us today.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP COACH – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Need assistance to help your team achieve your objectives to grow your business? Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

We have been providing organisations and their leaders with facilitation support and executive education focused on strategy development and strategy execution for more than 20 years. Using business models such as Scaling Up, Exponential Organizations, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker etc, we support organisations seeking to create or refine excellent strategies and execute them quickly and effectively.

Our expertise is based on a mixture of wide business experience, effective tools as well as a great deal of consulting and executive education. Our approach to working with clients is as unique as our specialist focus. We always seek to challenge our clients’ thinking – but equally are unafraid to roll up our sleeves and help execute the ideas we help generate. Learn more about us here or view our upcoming workshops and events.

If you are preparing for strategy development and/or a strategy implementation challenge and are committed to creating value for your organisation, we look forward to hearing from you. Contact us now