{"title":"Dylan from Book Hero - Top 5 business books","description":"\u003cp\u003eI've worked in eCommerce for nearly 20 years, and coming up 2 years running Book Hero. Strangely, I still don't really consider myself a business person and I've always found business books a little dry. Here are some of the books that shaped my thinking when building a team, empowering a team and building a culture around your customers (the most important thing!).\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"turn-the-ship-around","title":"Turn The Ship Around!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTurn The Ship Around!\u003c\/em\u003e by L. David Marquet is an inspiring account of how one man transformed the way leadership functions in one of the most high-pressure environments imaginable—a nuclear-powered submarine. Captain David Marquet, assigned to the USS Santa Fe, a vessel plagued with poor morale and abysmal performance, was determined to make a change. Faced with a challenging situation, Marquet decided to break with the traditional leader-follower model that the US Navy had long adhered to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRather than issuing orders to his subordinates, Marquet adopted a revolutionary leadership approach: he gave control to his crew. By empowering his sailors to take ownership and responsibility for their actions, he created an environment where everyone was deeply invested in the success of the submarine. Under his leadership, the USS Santa Fe underwent a remarkable transformation, rising from the worst-performing submarine in the fleet to the best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book goes beyond the gripping story of a naval captain's journey. It offers a new paradigm for leadership that can be applied in various fields, from the boardroom to the classroom. Marquet’s approach is centred on developing a workplace where responsibility is shared, individuals are motivated, and each team member is capable of leading. The result is a healthier, happier, and more productive environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eTurn The Ship Around!\u003c\/em\u003e, readers will find practical guidance on how to implement these leadership principles in their own lives. Marquet provides actionable steps and insightful anecdotes that underscore the effectiveness of his methodologies. Whether you're an experienced leader looking for fresh insights or someone new to management, this book provides valuable lessons that are easy to understand and implement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, \u003cem\u003eTurn The Ship Around!\u003c\/em\u003e is much more than just a tale of military prowess. It is a blueprint for developing a culture of leadership and accountability, transforming not only organizations but the lives of individuals within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45598717378796,"sku":"9780241250945","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241250945_1.jpg?v=1723543587"},{"product_id":"good-to-great","title":"Good To Great","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eGood to Great\u003c\/em\u003e by Jim Collins is an authoritative guide that investigates what takes a company from mere mediocrity to exceptional greatness. This acclaimed work is based on a five-year research project comparing teams that made that leap to those that didn’t. Collins and his research team examined financial performance, management practices, and corporate culture to distill the essential factors that drive lasting success.\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eGood to Great\u003c\/em\u003e, Collins explores a wholly new concept supported by the meticulous research standards that provided his earlier work, \u003cem\u003eBuilt to Last\u003c\/em\u003e, with such substantial impact. The book begins with the provocative declaration that “Good is the Enemy of Great”, setting the tone for an in-depth analysis of what it takes to elevate an organisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is structured around key principles:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLevel 5 Leadership\u003c\/em\u003e - Collins introduces the idea of 'Level 5 Leaders', who combine personal humility with professional will. These leaders are ambitious first and foremost for the cause, the organisation, and its purpose, rather than themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirst Who...Then What\u003c\/em\u003e - Before setting a new vision or strategy, great companies make sure they have the right people on board. They focus on getting the right team in place before deciding what direction to take.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConfront the Brutal Facts (Yet Never Lose Faith)\u003c\/em\u003e - Great organisations are able to face their stark realities without losing faith in their ability to succeed. This duality is critical to making sound decisions and maintaining morale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Hedgehog Concept\u003c\/em\u003e - Drawing from the ancient Greek parable, Collins emphasises that great companies understand what they can be the best in the world at, what drives their economic engine, and what they are deeply passionate about. This focus generates clarity and success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Culture of Discipline\u003c\/em\u003e - Great companies create a culture of discipline, where employees are given responsibility but also clear systems and expectations. This allows for freedom within a framework, fostering high performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTechnology Accelerators\u003c\/em\u003e - Companies that go from good to great do not use technology as the main driver of transformation. Instead, they pioneer the wise use of carefully selected technology to accelerate progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Flywheel and the Doom Loop\u003c\/em\u003e - Sustained greatness is created through a cumulative process of pushing a giant, heavy flywheel in one direction, turn by slow turn, building momentum until a point of breakthrough. Conversely, failed companies fall into the 'doom loop', making radical changes without understanding the underlying issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, the book discusses how these principles not only help companies achieve greatness but also sustain it over time through the concept of \u003cem\u003eFrom Good to Great to Built to Last\u003c\/em\u003e. The book provides comprehensive appendices addressing how these principles can be applied in diverse sectors including the new economy, non-profits, government, and for international contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eComplete with four rigorous research appendices, \u003cem\u003eGood to Great\u003c\/em\u003e is an invaluable resource for leaders, managers, and students, offering timeless insights into what truly makes a company great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45641158820076,"sku":"9780712676090","price":54.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780712676090.jpg?v=1724554726"},{"product_id":"rework","title":"ReWork","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson revolutionises the way we approach business in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. This eye-catching Vermilion Life Essentials edition brings the authors' radical insights to a wider audience of forward-thinking readers. The book challenges conventional wisdom, urging entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and even those stuck in mundane day jobs to reimagine the fundamentals of running a business. Fried and Hansson advocate for stripping everything back to the essentials, removing unnecessary complexities, and focusing on what truly matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e, readers will find a playbook for entrepreneurship that emphasises simplicity and efficiency. The authors, founders of the innovative software company 37signals, draw from their own experiences to provide practical advice on how to start and manage a business without falling into the pitfalls of overwork and over-complication. They argue that anyone can start a business today due to the accessibility of tools and technology that used to be prohibitively expensive. No longer do you need a detailed business plan, extensive meetings, or an elaborate office space to succeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book covers crucial topics such as how to get started with minimal investment, leveraging the resources you already have, determining the optimal time to launch, and effective promotion strategies. It also addresses essential aspects of business growth, including when and whom to hire to keep your operations running smoothly. By emphasising a minimalist yet highly effective approach, \u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e offers a refreshing perspective that is profoundly practical in an era where doing more with less is often a necessity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e is hailed by notable figures in the business world for its straightforward, inspirational guidance. Seth Godin, a New York Times bestselling author, commends the book, stating, \"Every once in a while, a book comes out that changes just about everything. This is one of those books. Ignore it at your peril.\" Similarly, Scott Rosenberg, Co-Founder of Salon.com, describes it as a \"minimalist manifesto that's profoundly practical,\" highlighting its relevance in today's demanding business environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReader reviews further attest to the impact of \u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e:\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\"Filled with excellent plain English advice, it's one of the best books out there for business productivity.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\"Every word is well-crafted, well-chosen, and easy to both digest and engage with.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\"Thought-provoking and truthful.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\"A must-read for today's managers.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for fans of Tim Ferriss's \u003cem\u003eThe 4-Hour Work Week\u003c\/em\u003e, Seth Godin's \u003cem\u003ePurple Cow\u003c\/em\u003e, and Chris Anderson's \u003cem\u003eThe Long Tail\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eReWork\u003c\/em\u003e is an indispensable guide for anyone looking to rethink their approach to work and business.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658040565996,"sku":"9781785043024","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781785043024.jpg?v=1724848371"},{"product_id":"it-doesn-t-have-to-be-crazy-at-work","title":"It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIt Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work\u003c\/i\u003e by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson is a timely manifesto offering a refreshing alternative to the high-stress, burnout-inducing culture that dominates so many modern workplaces. The plot of this influential guide revolves around the concept of \"the calm company,\" a model developed and proven successful by the authors over twenty years at their company, Basecamp. The book lays out actionable strategies and a philosophical foundation for creating a work environment characterised by tranquility, efficiency, and respect for personal time. Rather than promoting the chaotic hustle culture, Fried and Heinemeier Hansson advocate for a saner approach, putting forward ideas that challenge conventional management wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFried and Heinemeier Hansson, who previously brought us the New York Times bestseller \u003ci\u003eRework\u003c\/i\u003e, return with a compelling argument against the chaos, anxiety, and stress that afflict countless workplaces and their employees. It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work builds on the principles of \u003ci\u003eRework\u003c\/i\u003e, showing readers a different way to achieve success without succumbing to the pressures of overwork and perpetual distraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book directly addresses the damaging practice of celebrating perpetual busyness and long working hours, which have sadly become modern badges of honour. The authors argue that this mindset is not only unhealthy but also unproductive. This toxic work culture affects not just large corporations but also freelancers, contractors, and solopreneurs, pushing them towards burnout with the misguided belief that more hours equal greater success. Fried and Heinemeier Hansson propose a radical yet simple solution: less waste and fewer activities that cause distraction and stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of glorifying overwork, the book advocates for calm—an approach that has been the cornerstone of Basecamp's culture from the beginning. This calm work environment prioritises focus, sustainability, and employee well-being, resulting in higher productivity and greater job satisfaction. With practical advice and real-world examples, the authors demonstrate how any manager or executive, regardless of industry or company size, can implement these principles to transform their workplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIt Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work\u003c\/i\u003e is more than just a management guide; it is an inspiring call to action. By sharing their own experiences and the proven strategies implemented at Basecamp, Fried and Heinemeier Hansson offer readers a clear pathway to better, healthier, and more fulfilling work life. This book is destined to become an essential resource for anyone looking to create a more balanced, less frenetic professional environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686087975148,"sku":"9780008323448","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/71mi85s-gTL._SL1500.jpg?v=1763936259"},{"product_id":"delivering-happiness","title":"Delivering Happiness","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSuccessfully grow your business and improve customer and employee happiness with this \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestseller, written by the CEO of Zappos.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eDelivering Happiness\u003c\/i\u003e by Tony Hsieh explores a visionary approach to achieving both personal and professional fulfilment. Beginning with his early entrepreneurial ventures, Hsieh draws on his experiences, starting from a humble worm farm business during his childhood to creating a pizza enterprise in college, culminating in his remarkable journey at Zappos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the CEO of Zappos, Hsieh transformed the company into an e-commerce giant renowned for its outstanding customer service and unique corporate culture. His leadership philosophy centres on the radical idea that prioritising happiness — for employees, customers, and business partners — can lead to astounding success. Under his guidance, Zappos was acquired by Amazon for over $1.2 billion, a testament to the company's innovative approach and thriving work environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHsieh shares his insights on building a corporate culture that values happiness and how this unconventional strategy can drive productivity and profitability. He challenges conventional business wisdom by demonstrating that nurturing a positive work atmosphere is not just beneficial but crucial for long-term success. The book presents actionable advice on fostering a supportive company culture and engaging employees in meaningful ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFast-paced and down-to-earth, \u003ci\u003eDelivering Happiness\u003c\/i\u003e is an inspiring narrative that advocates for the integration of happiness into the core of business strategies. Through a series of anecdotes, personal stories, and practical tips, Hsieh illustrates how focusing on the well-being of others can lead to a more fulfilling and prosperous life. This ground-breaking book is not just a business manual but a blueprint for creating joy and satisfaction in all aspects of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone seeking to understand what truly makes people happy, \u003ci\u003eDelivering Happiness\u003c\/i\u003e offers a fresh perspective on achieving success by simply spreading happiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711398699244,"sku":"9780446576222","price":31.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780446576222.jpg?v=1725975067"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/dylan-from-book-hero-top-5-business-books.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}