Leading business people have many keys to their success but most will admit that reading has played a major part in their achievements.

Finding out how, what, when, and why, other entrepreneurs and senior executives developed their leadership skills and talents provides all of us with the knowledge and confidence to reach our own goals and make our dreams a reality.

Here, in no particular order, are five business books in the Yello Book Club which you should definitely consider adding to your reading list.

‘The Lean Startup’ – by Eric Ries

“The Lean Startup provides a scientific approach to creating and managing startups and get a desired product to customers’ hands faster.”

Ries published his method on how to create a successful startup in 2011. The book has since been described as “invaluable” for entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools they need to “work smarter, not harder.”

New firms are encouraged to develop a model which revolves around “measurement and learning” so that no time is lost through long-winded business practices, and instead time is fully maximised, to create a business that works.

Visit ‘The Lean StartUp’ website for more information.

‘The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America’ – by Warren Buffett, edited by Lawrence Cunningham (fourth edition)

Warren Buffett is one of the world’s most respected businessmen and investors, so any book he’s written based on his valuable experience, has to be worth reading.

This collection of correspondences, which is now on its fourth edition, features some of his best annual letters to the shareholders of the company he has led for more than 50 years – Berkshire Hathaway.

Readers will be treated to Buffett’s thoughts on basic business practices, as well as countless pearls of wisdom on money and investing.

‘Good to Great’ – by Jim Collins

Jim Collins and his research team spent five years studying 28 elite corporations to determine how they transitioned from good companies to great companies.

The resulting management book has been cited by business leaders, since it was first published in 2001, as being a major influence.

‘Good to Great’ outlines various best business practices including the so-called ‘Flywheel Effect over the Doom Loop’.

The ‘Flywheel Effect’ advocates “steadfast discipline over the quick fix”, staying the course and gaining slow and steay momentum rather than zig-zagging between strategies and changing direction when results don’t come quickly.

Visit Jim Collins’ website for more information.

‘The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building A Business When There Are No Easy Answers’ – by Ben Horowitz

Horowitz, who is the co-founder of renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, has been praised for his honest approach in this book which aptly demonstrates that there is no easy road to success.

Every entrepreneur who has tried and failed is bound to be uplifted by Horowitz’s story, which details his own failings and shortcomings, while offering nuggets of sound advice along with anecdotes about the countless harsh lessons he has learned along the way.

This book has been described as ‘essential reading’ for anyone who is, or wants to be, a chief executive, founder or senior leader in an organisation.

‘The 4-hour Workweek’ – by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is well known for his business podcasts but ‘The 4-hour Workweek’, which was his first book, has sold well over a million copies worldwide since it was published in 2007 and was the most highlighted book across Amazon in 2017.

The title, which is not meant to be taken literally, reflects Ferriss’ goal of finding the workflows and tricks that can maximise a person’s efficiency.

The book provides a step-by-step guide for readers and gives them the tools they need to enhance their professional and personal lives by ensuring that they work in the most effective way possible.

Visit ‘The 4-hour Workweek’ website.

Sources: Business Insider / Fortune / Amazon / Goodreads