12 Unexpected Books that Offer Valuable Lessons in Business Strategy
To uncover unconventional books that offer valuable business strategy lessons, we asked CEOs and business service directors for their top reads. From learning that adversity is a choice in Man’s Search for Meaning to staying focused on your vision with lessons from The Alchemist, here are twelve insightful recommendations these leaders shared. Dive in to discover how these unexpected reads can transform your strategic thinking.
- Man’s Search for Meaning
- Meditations
- The Little Engine That Could
- The Little Prince
- Eat That Frog!
- Siddhartha
- The Art of War
- Sapiens
- The War of Art
- Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
- STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut
- The Alchemist
Man’s Search for Meaning
One book that most people wouldn’t associate with business strategy, yet taught me a valuable lesson, is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. This powerful memoir chronicles Frankl’s experience as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II and his profound insights into finding purpose and meaning amidst unimaginable suffering.
While it may seem like an unlikely source of business wisdom, Frankl’s ideas about the human spirit’s ability to endure and transcend even the most brutal circumstances have profoundly shaped my approach to strategic consulting. In the corporate world, we often face daunting challenges, intense competition, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It’s easy to become discouraged or paralyzed by fear.
Frankl’s message reminds me that adversity is inevitable, but how we respond to it is a choice. By cultivating a sense of purpose, maintaining an unwavering focus on our goals, and drawing strength from our core values, we can overcome even the most formidable barriers. This mindset has been invaluable in helping my clients navigate turbulent market conditions, pivot their strategies, and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Moreover, Frankl’s emphasis on finding meaning in our work and lives has reinforced my belief that sustainable business success is inextricably linked to a higher purpose beyond mere profit. The most enduring companies are those that are driven by a genuine desire to create value for their customers, employees, and society at large.
In an age of constant disruption and uncertainty, Man’s Search for Meaning has been a powerful reminder that true strategic leadership requires not only analytical rigor and data-driven insights but also the courage, resilience, and moral compass to navigate uncharted territory with purpose and conviction.
Justin Abrams
Founder & CEO, Aryo Consulting Group
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. The most famous Stoic philosophy text in existence will not only make you a better individual person, but help you become better at business. Stoicism teaches leaders to concentrate on their actions, not emotions.
Business is won by those who know how to manage their emotions and spend their energy on what they can control, not what’s out of their control. Personally, Meditations has taught me to accept the fact that change happens, with or without me, and this has helped me adapt to the constantly changing landscape of business.
Layton Cox
Sr. Director of Business Services, Sedulo Group
The Little Engine That Could
One book that might surprise people for its business-strategy insights is The Little Engine That Could. While it’s a children’s story, its core message about perseverance and belief in oneself is a powerful lesson for entrepreneurs. When I first started my publishing company, I faced numerous setbacks and moments where it felt like giving up was the easier option.
Just like the little engine that kept chugging along despite the odds, I learned that persistence and a positive mindset are crucial in overcoming business challenges. It’s a reminder that even when you’re small and your resources are limited, the right attitude can help you achieve big goals. Plus, who knew a children’s book could serve as such a motivational business guide?
Mike Fallat
Owner, DreamStarters Publishing
The Little Prince
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is probably the last book you’d expect to offer business wisdom, but it’s taught me the importance of seeing with the heart, not just the eyes. In business, like in the story, what’s essential can often be invisible.
At our company, this philosophy has led us to value the intangible aspects of our work—the relationships we build with clients and the team culture we nurture. These elements might not show up directly in analytics or reports, but they’re crucial to our long-term success. The book’s emphasis on the simplicity and purity of the prince’s outlook has inspired me to approach leadership and client relations with transparency and sincerity. It’s a reminder that in the digital age, where everything is quantified, the human element is still the most vital.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Eat That Frog!
One book that many people might not associate with business strategy, yet it taught me some valuable lessons in the field, is Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy. This book isn’t a typical business book filled with complex business theories. Instead, it focuses on time management and productivity, which are crucial skills in any business setting.
Eat That Frog! is based on the idea that if you tackle your most challenging task (your “frog”) first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be more productive and less stressful. Brian Tracy provides 21 practical tips to help stop procrastination and start getting more done in less time.
One of the key lessons from the book is the importance of prioritizing tasks. Tracy emphasizes that not all tasks are created equal. By identifying and focusing on the most important tasks that will have the greatest impact on your goals, you can achieve more significant results. This lesson is invaluable in business strategy, where prioritizing initiatives and focusing on what truly matters can make the difference between success and failure.
Another valuable lesson is the concept of breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes daunting projects less overwhelming and more achievable, helping to maintain momentum and stay on track. In the context of business, I’ve used this strategy for many of our large projects, as well as strategic planning and goal-setting, ensuring that progress is made consistently and efficiently.
Tracy also stresses the importance of self-discipline and developing good habits. He encourages readers to create a routine that includes regular review and adjustment of their goals and priorities. This practice has paid major dividends in our business strategy, as it ensures that we remain focused and adaptable in a constantly changing environment.
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy may not be a traditional business strategy book, but it’s offered me valuable lessons on time management, prioritization, and productivity that are directly applicable to my business strategy. By applying these principles, we’ve enhanced our ability to strategize effectively and achieve our business goals.
Joe Forte
Co-Founder, D-MAK Productions
Siddhartha
One book that you might not immediately link to business strategy but taught me a valuable lesson is Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
This novel, which tells the story of a man’s journey to find himself, offers powerful lessons about finding balance and understanding the deeper meaning behind our actions. In business, it’s important to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. The book shows that true success is about achieving our goals and finding personal fulfillment along the way.
Siddhartha has shaped how I lead and plan by teaching me the value of patience, self-reflection, and continuous learning. It reminds me that business isn’t just about external achievements but also about personal growth and understanding.
Alex Shekhtman
CEO & Founder, LBC Mortgage
The Art of War
One book that might not immediately come to mind for business strategy but taught me a crucial lesson is The Art of War by Sun Tzu. At first glance, it’s a military treatise, not a business guide, but its principles are surprisingly applicable to business strategy.
One key lesson from the book is the importance of understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your competitors. Sun Tzu emphasizes knowing yourself and your adversaries to effectively navigate and win battles. In business, this translates to conducting thorough market research and competitive analysis. For instance, by analyzing competitors’ weaknesses, I was able to identify opportunities to differentiate my services and target gaps in the market.
Applying these insights, I developed a strategy that leveraged our unique strengths while capitalizing on areas where competitors were less effective. This approach led to a notable increase in our market share and client satisfaction.
To integrate this into your own business strategy, study your competition, understand your own capabilities, and adapt your approach based on this analysis. It’s a timeless strategy that can give you a significant edge in achieving your business goals.
Abirami Pillai
Content Strategist
Sapiens
A book that is not associated with business strategy but has provided valuable insights is Sapiens. Written by Yuval Noah Harari, it showcases a brief history of humankind. In the book, the author discusses the development of civilization, economics, and political systems throughout human history.
One valuable lesson for business strategy relates to the concept of fiction, the shared beliefs, and narratives that have shaped the evolution of our species. The book also highlights the power of narrative in shaping human behavior, which can be useful for crafting persuasive marketing messages and driving innovation.
The book serves as a reminder that effective business marketing strategy involves capturing the collective imagination and shaping the narrative that drives human behavior, which can be a key to success in the competitive marketplace.
Faizan Khan
Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Australia
The War of Art
During my undergraduate studies, I stumbled upon a book titled The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. At first glance, it may not seem like a typical business-strategy book. However, as I delved into its pages, I realized that the lessons within were incredibly relevant to the field of business.
Pressfield’s main message is centered around the concept of resistance and how it holds us back from pursuing our dreams and achieving success. He argues that this resistance comes in many forms, such as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and distractions. As someone who was planning to enter the business world after graduation, this message resonated with me.
In business, we are constantly faced with challenges and obstacles that can easily derail us from our goals. It takes creativity and innovation to overcome these hurdles and find new ways to succeed. The War of Art taught me the value of pushing through resistance and thinking outside the box in order to achieve success in business. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me to always embrace my creativity and think innovatively when faced with difficult situations.
Jonathan Carcone
Principal, 4 Brothers Buy Houses
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell is a book that may not be commonly associated with business strategy, but it taught me an important lesson about decision-making in the field.
Gladwell discusses the concept of “thin-slicing,” which refers to our ability to make quick and accurate decisions based on limited information. He argues that this skill is crucial in business settings where time is often limited and critical decisions must be made under pressure.
I found this concept particularly valuable as it reminded me to trust my instincts and not overthink every decision. In business, there will always be uncertainties and imperfect information, but by honing our thin-slicing abilities, we can make effective decisions with confidence. This book reinforced the importance of both intuition and rational thinking in business strategy.
Keith Sant
Founder & CEO, Kind House Buyers
STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut
Dan Lyons’ book, STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut, doesn’t immediately jump out at one as being a business book, yet it holds real wisdom. When we allow people to speak and actively listen to what they’re saying, not focused on what we’re going to say next, we gain clarity on what their real goals and needs are.
We also gain the respect of the people we interact with—no one enjoys trying to converse with someone who constantly interrupts and doesn’t listen. People don’t want to do business with people who love the sound of their own voice above all other sounds. Listening is good business advice because business is about relationships, and all relationships need a two-way conversation.
Delia McCabe, PhD
Consultant, Lighter Brighter You!
The Alchemist
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is the book that taught me a valuable lesson related to business strategy. While many may see The Alchemist as a simple fable or story about following one’s dreams, it actually holds powerful lessons in business strategy. The main character, Santiago, faces numerous obstacles and setbacks on his journey to fulfill his Personal Legend. However, he never loses sight of his goal and remains resilient in the face of challenges.
This book taught me the importance of having a clear vision and staying focused on it despite any roadblocks that may come my way. In the fast-paced world of business, it can be easy to get distracted by new opportunities or discouraged by failures. But just like Santiago, we must keep our eyes on the prize and stay determined to achieve our goals. The Alchemist also teaches the importance of continuous learning and adapting, as Santiago gains valuable knowledge and experience throughout his journey.
Danny Colacicco
Founder & CEO, Panda Pro Home Buyers