Unearthed wisdom: 10 top unsung project management books

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Top 10 project management books

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

Today, we’ll be tapping into the collective wisdom of online communities to uncover the top 10 project management books you won’t find in your regular coursework but are absolutely revered by those in the know. Whether you’re a battle-hardened project pro or just starting to find your footing, there’s a title in our lineup that’s sure to resonate.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s get ready to elevate our project management prowess with a turn of the page.

You might be wondering if your PRINCE2 course covers all bases, but the world of project management literature is vast, and there are hidden gems not typically highlighted in standard courses. That’s precisely what today’s discussion is all about. We’re going to showcase ten outstanding project management books that have been crowd-sourced from online communities—a diverse selection that promises to pique your interest, no matter where you find yourself on the project management spectrum. Get ready to discover some inspiring reads.

Now, if you’re a fan of visuals, our website hosts an infographic that beautifully rounds up these crowd favourites. But what’s truly intriguing is the underlying reason project managers turn to these books. It’s not just about the dry, technical details; many professionals are drawn to stories that touch on broader management principles, or that entertain while they inform. The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, or PMBoK, in its 7th edition, was mentioned frequently—a staple, though not necessarily a page-turner. The selection we’re discussing spans from comprehensive manuals to narratives infused with soft skills, and even those that are purely fictional.

So, what might you find on the bookshelf of a project manager? Let’s dive into the essence of each of these top-tier titles:

The PMBoK Guide from the Project Management Institute sits as the cornerstone—a must-have for the PMP exam, though perhaps not your beach read of choice.

Scott Berkun’s ‘Making Things Happen’ takes a philosophical and strategic approach, blending humor and real-world experience from the trenches of Microsoft’s significant projects to demystify software and web development project management.

David Allen’s ‘Getting Things Done’ is the go-to for productivity maximisation—at its core is the powerful concept of staying relaxed to stay productive, an invaluable skill in any undertaking.

For those new to the field, ‘Project Management For Dummies’ by Stanley E. Portny demystifies key principles and even touches on leveraging social media for project efficiency.

Frederick P. Brooks Jr’s ‘The Mythical Man-Month’ is a collection of seasoned insights into the human aspects of software engineering, expressed through essays that blend hard facts with thought-provoking opinions.

Eliyahu M. Goldratt’s ‘Critical Chain’ takes a novel approach—literally—by weaving the Theory of Constraints into a fictional narrative that reveals key project management challenges and solutions.

Harold R. Kerzner’s ‘Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling’ aligns closely with the PMBoK and serves as a comprehensive reference for practitioners.

‘The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management’ by Eric Verzuh offers a balance of deep insights and approachable guidance, suitable for both novices and seasoned professionals.

Peter Taylor’s ‘The Lazy Project Manager’ encourages a “productive laziness” approach using the Pareto Principle, where a focus on the vital few yields the most significant results.

Lastly, the ‘Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 7th Edition‘—while not plucked from online community forums—is a choice of mine to include. It’s an essential text for anyone keen on mastering PRINCE2, the world’s leading project management methodology.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored top project management literature. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!