Small business owners must embody two very important qualities: management skills and leadership capability. At Global Resources LLC, we have met a number of interesting small business owners over the years who have spectacularly possessed these qualities. These are not skills people are necessarily born with; they must be harnessed and honed. Our management consultants strongly recommend incorporating some reading into your daily schedule to become a better small business executive. Here are some of the books we recommend:

“No Jerks on the Job: Who They are, the Harm They Do and Ridding Them from Your Workplace,” by Ron Newton

Every small business owner knows how the difficult or “eccentric” people can ruin the workplace ethic for everyone. This book is the definitive guide on how to manage difficult employees and build an office culture that drives productivity. It’s detailed and easy to read even after a particularly hectic day.

 “Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT,” by Paul Marciano

Productivity and efficiency at workplaces are a result of stable internal culture. No business owner wants the employees slacking off or offering subpar work. To drive excellence, the workplace culture must prepare employees for it. This book explores how employers can motivate workers to be more productive. It explains various theories behind what drives workplace culture, and ultimately provides great solutions on how to keep employees both happy and working hard.

 “Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters,” by Michael Bungay Stanier

Employees are not the only ones that need to be productive. The small business owner or the manager must be the most productive one of all. This is the best regarded book in the field that teaches productivity principles to managers. The book is very practical in the solutions it offers. Read this book if you feel overwhelmed and get right back on track.

“Awesomely Simple Essential Business Strategies for Turning Ideas Into Action,” by John Spence

Thinking about growing and scaling your business? We highly recommend reading this book first, which gives small business managers a roadmap on how to plan for growth.

The management consultants at GR-US.com are always available to give your small business valuable advice for a better functioning company. Contact us to arrange a business review or receive professional advice.