Top 30 books on workplace culture
The Culture Code
What is The Culture Code about?
“The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle decodes the intricate world of organizational culture. The book reveals the essential elements that foster a thriving work environment. Delving deep into successful teams and organizations, Coyle unveils the core principles that drive cohesiveness, creativity, and success.
Start with Why
What is Start with Why about?
“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” delves into the significance of understanding and articulating the “Why,” which is the core purpose and belief behind actions. It reveals how this understanding is crucial for compelling leadership and innovation and provides insights into how “Why” shapes the way leaders inspire and align their teams toward collective aspirations.
Delivering Happiness
What is Delivering Happiness about?
“Delivering Happiness” is an inspiring story of Tony Hsieh and his path to launching a prosperous business. The entrepreneur shares his insights on how the business sphere is connected with happiness science, providing examples of Zappos.
Creativity, Inc.
What is Creativity, Inc. about?
“Creativity Inc.” by Ed Catmull is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to work in a creative and ingenious environment. Ed Catmull, President of Pixar Animation, shares his worldview and way of tackling problems. Through engaging stories from Pixar, Catmull tells about timeless business principles, a creative approach to problem-solving, and leadership skills.
No Rules Rules
What is No Rules Rules about?
“No Rules Rules” (2020) delves into the dynamic work culture and entrepreneurial strategies that have propelled Netflix to its esteemed status. Emphasizing talent acquisition, transparency, and decentralized leadership, the company stays resilient in a constantly evolving industry. Through exploring Netflix's commitment to innovation and candid feedback, readers gain insight into the modern approaches that redefine traditional business norms.
Work Rules!
What is Work Rules! about?
What if your workplace could feel as innovative and inspiring as Google? In "Work Rules!," Laszlo Bock reveals surprising secrets, like why you should give employees more vacation days and why traditional performance reviews are a thing of the past. This isn't just a book for HR professionals. It’s a guide for anyone who wants to rethink leadership, unlock creativity, and make work feel more meaningful.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
What is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team about?
Experienced executives, hardworking staff, and a great business plan—and your team still doesn't show the needed results? There must be some kind of dysfunction, or maybe more than one. To find a solution, read “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni and make your team invincible!
Leaders Eat Last
What is Leaders Eat Last about?
In “Leaders Eat Last”, Simon Sinek explains why some companies do better than others by outlining every aspect of leadership. In many companies, self-interest, grit for money, and cynicism are the driving forces. Yet, the most impressive ones cultivate authentic leadership, collaboration, and empathetic relations.
Change the Culture, Change the Game
What is Change the Culture, Change the Game about?
Culture eats strategy for breakfast, but what if you could design a culture that actually delivers results? Connors and Smith in their "Change the Culture, Change the Game" introduce a powerful framework for transforming any organization by focusing on accountability and mindset. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn big ideas into big wins, this book holds the cheat codes.
We Can’t Talk About That at Work!
What is We Can’t Talk About That at Work! about?
Discussions about sensitive topics take place in the workplace every day. Unfortunately, they can create division and discord among team members if not handled properly. However, there is a solution. Mary-Frances Winters' book We Can't Talk about That at Work! guides how to navigate these sensitive conversations to promote unity and understanding within the team.
Radical Candor
What is Radical Candor about?
Are you a person who is struggling with leading a team or a leader who wants to get better at what you are doing? Then, you are lucky as “Radical Candor” will provide you with guidance about leading a team and shed light on the concept of Radical Candor. It can help you establish a culture of openness, direct communication, and trust in your team.
Good to Great
What is Good to Great about?
In “Good to Great”, Jim Collins delves into the anatomy of businesses that leap beyond mediocrity to excellence. He identifies the transformative decisions and practices that enable top-tier companies to stand out. This is a blueprint for the organizations aiming to shift from fleeting success to enduring greatness.
An Everyone Culture
What is An Everyone Culture about?
Imagine a workplace where vulnerability isn't just allowed — it’s celebrated. In "An Everyone Culture," Kegan and his team explore organizations that prioritize personal growth as much as professional success. These “deliberately developmental organizations” push boundaries by helping employees confront their fears, embrace challenges, and thrive as whole individuals.
Dare to Lead
What is Dare to Lead about?
“Dare to Lead” is an outstanding book that provides an in-depth analysis of behavior patterns, values, and strategies for the growth of a courageous leader. The author, Brené Brown, draws on her extensive research and personal experiences to explore the concept of leadership, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity.
The No Asshole Rule
What is The No Asshole Rule about?
Nobody wants to work with a jerk. In his brutally honest book, "The No Asshole Rule," Robert Sutton outlines why toxic behavior costs companies millions and what to do about it. From spotting the warning signs of “asshole behavior” to creating a workplace where civility reigns, Sutton makes the case for zero tolerance toward bad vibes. Bonus: It includes a quiz to find out if you’re the problem.
Remote Not Distant
What is Remote Not Distant about?
Remote work isn’t going anywhere, but thriving in a hybrid workplace requires a whole new approach. In his book "Remote Not Distant," Gustavo Razzetti offers a roadmap for designing a culture where connection, collaboration, and creativity flourish — even when employees are miles apart. If you’re tired of awkward online meetings and want to turn “remote” into an advantage, this book is your how-to-do-it guide.
The Best Place to Work
What is The Best Place to Work about?
What makes some offices buzz with energy while others feel like a creativity desert? Ron Friedman combines psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to uncover the secrets of exceptional workplaces. His strategy is not just about ping-pong tables and free snacks. From the power of natural light to the surprising benefits of friendly competition, "The Best Place to Work" is packed with tips you can use whether you're an intern or a CEO.
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
What is The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace about?
What if a little gratitude could go a long way at work? In "The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace," Gary Chapman and Paul White apply the wildly popular framework of love languages to professional relationships. It turns out that not everyone feels valued the same way — some need words of affirmation, while others thrive on quality time or acts of service. Say goodbye to awkward gift cards and hello to a happier, more motivated team.
Emotional Intelligence
What is Emotional Intelligence about?
“Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman is a fascinating book about how feelings are vital in our lives. It teaches us how understanding and controlling our emotions can help us build relationships and attain our goals.
Culture Is the Way
What is Culture Is the Way about?
Think company culture is just a buzzword everyone is talking about? Think again. In "Culture Is the Way," Matt Mayberry reveals how every leader, regardless of rank, can drive an organization toward greatness by focusing on its cultural DNA. Using inspiring stories and actionable insights, Mayberry shows that creating a culture of speed, impact, and excellence isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage.
Humanocracy
What is Humanocracy about?
Does your organization feel like it’s running on autopilot, bogged down by bureaucracy? Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini think it’s time for a revolution. In "Humanocracy," they argue that most companies are stuck in outdated systems that crush creativity and innovation. What is their solution? Build organizations that are as dynamic and adaptable as those working in them.
Better Allies
What is Better Allies about?
Want to make your workplace more inclusive but don’t know where to start? "Better Allies" is the practical, no-nonsense guide you’ve been waiting for. Karen Catlin breaks down how everyday actions, like amplifying underrepresented voices or addressing microaggressions, can create a culture where everyone feels they belong. The book is perfect for anyone who wants to be a better ally without awkward missteps.
The Challenge Culture
What is The Challenge Culture about?
Imagine a workplace where speaking up isn’t just allowed — it’s expected. Nigel Travis, former CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, introduces "The Challenge Culture," a framework that encourages pushback at every level of an organization. If you’re tired of “yes-men” environments and want to foster open conversations, this book will change how you see leadership.
The Fearless Organization
What is The Fearless Organization about?
How do you create a workplace where people aren’t afraid to share ideas or admit mistakes? Amy Edmondson’s "The Fearless Organization" dives into the concept of psychological safety — a must-have for innovation and growth. Edmondson’s research reveals why employees often hold back and how leaders can cultivate an environment where risks are rewarded, not punished.
Drive
What is Drive about?
“Drive” by Daniel H. Pink illustrates what success and satisfaction from life and work are all about. You will learn why autonomy is so important in your decisions and actions. The author will teach you strategies to improve your motivation and abilities and to transform your life.
The Innovator’s Dilemma
What is The Innovator’s Dilemma about?
Have you ever wondered why some companies succeed in implementing new technologies while others fail terribly? What does it take to build a high-profit company through innovation? “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen tells you all about it.
Who Not How
What is Who Not How about?
Imagine a world where the question isn't "How can I do this?" but rather "Who can help me achieve this?". This is what the book “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan reveals. Sullivan is a renowned entrepreneurial coach who introduces a paradigm shift to both business and life. The book challenges the traditional self-reliant approach and explains the benefits of collaboration and delegation.
The Long-Distance Leader
What is The Long-Distance Leader about?
“The Long-Distance Leader” by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel is a guidebook for remote team leaders. It offers practical advice on how to build trust and strong relationships with remote team members. If you want to overcome common challenges, such as time zone differences and cultural barriers, move on to reading.
Just Listen
What is Just Listen about?
“Just Listen” by Mark Goulston explains the value of listening through examples. In this book, you will learn how to communicate effectively, build rapport with them, and establish trust with others. It also provides a medical perspective on how people's behavior is influenced by their perception of information.
The Insider's Guide to Culture Change
What is The Insider's Guide to Culture Change about?
Culture change sounds daunting, but Siobhan McHale makes it surprisingly accessible in "The Insider's Guide to Culture Change." Drawing on her experience as a corporate culture expert, McHale offers a step-by-step guide to transforming your workplace into a space that delivers, grows, and adapts. Whether you’re dealing with resistance to change or aiming to build a thriving organization, her insights will leave you feeling empowered and ready to act.
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