Project Management Fundamentals: Books and Resources

Thank you for participating in the Project Management Fundamentals workshops! You'll recall there are many books and resources mentioned and recommended during the program. Well, here's the list, including links to interviews where available. 

While you're here, keep up with the latest podcast episodes by using one of the free subscription options below.

Subscribe on iTunes
Subscribe via email

Let me know what questions you have. Enjoy!

Resource Author Comment Link
Be Excellent at Anything: The Four Keys to Transforming the Way We Work and Live Tony Schwartz When it was first released, this book had a much more interesting title: The Way We're Working Isn't Working. Regardless, it's filled with excellent insights on improving personal productivity, including taking breaks every 90 minutes or less and getting more sleep.
Know What You Don't Know: How Great Leaders Prevent Problems Before They Happen Michael Roberto Great coverage on how to become a better problem finder instead of problem solver. I've interviewed Mike twice on this book, including a separate one on filters used within organizations.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion Robert Cialdini The classic book on influencing skills. You need to read it (or at least the companion book below).
Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive Steve Martin Easy, engaging read on influence. Average chapter is 3 pages long. Great companion to or alternative to Cialdini's other book on influence.
The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work Amabile and Kramer These two research the daylights out of what motivates (and demotivates) our teams.
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work Chip & Dan Heath Engaging, practical insights on how to make better decisions. Before reading the book, listen to Dan Pink's interview with the Heath brothers using the link to the right.
Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes for an Answer: Managing for Conflict and Consensus Michael Roberto An academic yet engaging dive into decision-making. Great content on making sure you encourage cognitive conflict while avoiding affective conflict.
Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes Tom Rath A very practical book by one of the most successful business non-fiction writers of our time. Want to fuel your ability to be more effective? Tom tells you how to better eat, move, and sleep.
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success Adam Grant Ground-breaking book on the differences between givers, matchers, and takers, with practical application based on research.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Susan Cain One of the best books I've read when it comes to understanding yourself (if you are introverted) or managing those on your team. Check out Susan's well regarded TED Talk.
Invisibles: The Power of Anonymous Work in an Age of Relentless Self-Promotion David Zweig What if you could love your job because of the work, not for the applause? Dave shares stories that inspire you to not settle for pretty good. This is an easy book to miss but that I think you'll really enjoy reading!
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well Stone/ Heen We've tried to help people do a better job of giving feedback. But we still struggle. What if we could get better at receiving it? That's what this excellent book is about.
Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact Nick Morgan Insightful book on how body language can work for--and against--us as we try to communicate.
Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It Jim Kouzes A remarkably practical book to help you get unstuck so you can influence the seemingly impossible stakeholder.
The Corporate Culture Survival Guide Ed Schein Learn about corporate culture from the guy who invented the term!
I Hear You: Repair Communication Breakdowns, Negotiate Successfully, and Build Consensus . . . in Three Simple Steps Donny Ebenstein A remarkably practical book to help you get unstuck so you can influence the seemingly impossible stakeholder.
Now You See It: How Technology and Brain Science Will Transform Schools and Business for the 21st Century Cathy Davidson Intriguing book on attention, learning, and how to survive in a hyper-multitasking world. Publisher’s Weekly named it one of the top 10 science books of the season it was published. For an intriguing video that underscores Cathy’s book, check out this video.
The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny Pete McGraw and Joel Warner An irreverent unpacking of what makes us laugh, with lessons that can be applied in business.
Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us and To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others Dan Pink Two great books, about motivation and influence. A great overview of Drive can be found here.
Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst Bob Sutton Bob Sutton is an entertaining source for fresh, at times irreverent, insights on being the boss.  
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Eli Goldratt This is a classic business novel that covers the Theory of Constraints and Critical chain.  
"The Expert" video Lauris Beinerts 7 perpendicular lines! How about in the shape of a kitten?
XMind Xmind, Ltd. This is the mindmapping software demoed during the class. You can't beat the price! Check it out!

Essentials of Project Management: Books and Resources

Thank you for participating in our Essentials of Project Management workshop! You'll recall there are many books and resources mentioned and recommended during the program. Well, here's the list, including links to interviews where available. 

While you're here, keep up with the latest podcast episodes by using one of the free subscription options below.

Subscribe on iTunes
Subscribe via email

Let me know what questions you have. Enjoy!

Resource Author Comment Link
Be Excellent at Anything: The Four Keys to Transforming the Way We Work and Live Tony Schwartz When it was first released, this book had a much more interesting title: The Way We're Working Isn't Working. Regardless, it's filled with excellent insights on improving personal productivity, including taking breaks every 90 minutes or less and getting more sleep.
The Procrastination Equation Piers Steel One of my favorite books from 2014. Insightful and entertaining look at why we procrastinate (and what to do about it)
Know What You Don't Know: How Great Leaders Prevent Problems Before They Happen Michael Roberto Great coverage on how to become a better problem finder instead of problem solver. I've interviewed Mike twice on this book, including a separate one on filters used within organizations.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion Robert Cialdini The classic book on influencing skills. You need to read it (or at least the companion book below).
Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive Steve Martin Easy, engaging read on influence. Average chapter is 3 pages long. Great companion to or alternative to Cialdini's other book on influence.
The Year Without Pants: WordPress.com and the Future of Work Scott Berkun You'll enjoy Scott's lessons on project management and leadership while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the firm behind WordPress.com and the unique work culture that contributes to its amazing success.
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work Chip & Dan Heath Engaging, practical insights on how to make better decisions. Before reading the book, listen to Dan Pink's interview with the Heath brothers using the link to the right.
Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes for an Answer: Managing for Conflict and Consensus Michael Roberto An academic yet engaging dive into decision-making. Great content on making sure you encourage cognitive conflict while avoiding affective conflict.
Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes Tom Rath A very practical book by one of the most successful business non-fiction writers of our time. Want to fuel your ability to be more effective? Tom tells you how to better eat, move, and sleep.
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success Adam Grant Ground-breaking book on the differences between givers, matchers, and takers, with practical application based on research.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Susan Cain One of the best books I've read when it comes to understanding yourself (if you are introverted) or managing those on your team. Check out Susan's well regarded TED Talk.
Invisibles: The Power of Anonymous Work in an Age of Relentless Self-Promotion David Zweig What if you could love your job because of the work, not for the applause? Dave shares stories that inspire you to not settle for pretty good. This is an easy book to miss but that I think you'll really enjoy reading!
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well Stone/ Heen We've tried to help people do a better job of giving feedback. But we still struggle. What if we could get better at receiving it? That's what this excellent book is about.
Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact Nick Morgan Insightful book on how body language can work for--and against--us as we try to communicate.
I Hear You: Repair Communication Breakdowns, Negotiate Successfully, and Build Consensus . . . in Three Simple Steps Donny Ebenstein A remarkably practical book to help you get unstuck so you can influence the seemingly impossible stakeholder.
Now You See It: How Technology and Brain Science Will Transform Schools and Business for the 21st Century Cathy Davidson Intriguing book on attention, learning, and how to survive in a hyper-multitasking world. Publisher’s Weekly named it one of the top 10 science books of the season it was published. For an intriguing video that underscores Cathy’s book, check out this video.
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands (The Best Selling Guide to Doing Business in More than 60 Countries) Terri Morrison The classic book on how to do business in over 60 countries. How do they look at time? Authority? Negotiate? This book will give you insights.  
The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny Pete McGraw and Joel Warner An irreverent unpacking of what makes us laugh, with lessons that can be applied in business.
Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst Bob Sutton Bob Sutton is an entertaining source for fresh, at times irreverent, insights on being the boss.  
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Eli Goldratt This is a classic business novel that covers the Theory of Constraints and Critical chain.  
"The Expert" video Lauris Beinerts 7 perpendicular lines! How about in the shape of a kitten?
XMind Xmind, Ltd. This is the mindmapping software demoed during the class. You can't beat the price! Check it out!
HabitRPG HabitRPG Want to improve your ability to reach goals or change habits? Or just want a fun way to manage your to-do list? Check out this innovative way of gamifying habits!

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