The best product management books you need to read

The Best Product Management Books, that’s what we’re diving into today!

Hold onto your seats, friends. This isn’t just another list, and these aren’t just books.

Nope.

These are game-changers.

Ever dreamt about mastering the art of product management? Or wished for that magic wand to take your PM skills to the next level?

Well, we’re talking about those magic wands today.

Books, the underrated superheroes of knowledge. And not any books, the best ones in product management.

Picture this.

It’s like having a coffee chat with the PM titans, absorbing their wisdom.

Learning, growing, transforming, all at your own pace.

These books? They’re like a master key.

They unlock a whole new world of insights and ideas in product management. A world where you can shine, thrive, and leave your mark.

So, buckle up and get ready.

The Best Product Management Books

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

I’m telling you, guys, this one’s a game-changer. It dives deep into the psychology behind what makes people click, literally. You’re gonna find out why some products just stick while others, well, don’t.

It’s all about creating user habits, which, spoiler alert, is key to the product lifecycle. Highly recommended if you want your product to be a staple in people’s lives. Take a look!

The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen

If you’re into Lean (who isn’t these days?), this one’s a no-brainer. It’s chock-full of hands-on advice and practical templates to accelerate your product-market fit journey.

Olsen’s book is basically a roadmap to navigate the roller coaster ride of bringing a product to market. Read this and you’re less likely to get lost. Check it out!

Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love by Marty Cagan

This book is, quite simply, inspiring. Cagan covers everything about creating products that customers adore and keep coming back to.

It’s got something for everyone – from newbies to seasoned pros. Want to crack the code on customer love? This might just be your Rosetta Stone. Give it a read!

Cracking the PM Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell

Don’t let the title fool you. Sure, it’s great if you’re prepping for an interview, but it’s also a fantastic crash course in product management.

It serves up a taste of real-world PM scenarios and dishes out solutions you can use right away. Ideal for those getting their feet wet in the product world. Look inside!

Product Leadership: How Top Product Managers Launch Awesome Products and Build Successful Teams by Richard Banfield

Ever wondered how the best in the biz do it? Banfield lets you peek behind the curtain.

He’s gathered insights from top PMs around the globe and poured it all into this book. You’re getting a backstage pass to the best product management practices around. Sweet deal, huh? Here you go!

Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp

I like quick wins. Who doesn’t? This one’s a rapid-fire guide on how to solve big challenges, innovate faster, and get more done.

All that in just five days. It’s not magic, it’s a sprint. Make sure your product doesn’t get left in the dust. Have a sprint!

User Story Mapping by Jeff Patton

This one’s all about getting your user stories right. Patton really breaks it down for you.

This is your chance to walk in your users’ shoes, see things from their perspective, and make products that truly speak to them. Read this, and your user stories will never be the same. Step into their shoes!

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

It’s all in the design, folks. This classic book by Norman takes you through the science and art of creating products people love to use.

From kettles to mobile apps, you’ll learn why good design matters and how to make it work for your product. Get designing!

Lean UX by Jeff Gothelf

Lean UX is all about bringing the lean principles to user experience – basically, doing more with less. Gothelf shows you how.

It’s an eye-opening read for anyone looking to streamline their UX design process and make users happier. Less waste, more joy, that’s the mantra. Lean into it!

The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick

This one is about asking the right questions. Fitzpatrick teaches you how to get honest feedback from users – without them just trying to be nice. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s tired of ‘Great idea, but…’ conversations. Ask better!

Product Management For Dummies by Brian Lawley

Perfect for PM beginners, this book breaks it down, plain and simple. It’ll walk you through the A-Z of product management, no fluff.

Also, you can totally impress your friends with your newfound PM jargon. Get ready to slay those stakeholder meetings. Dive in!

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim

Swim away from the bloody competition with this one. It’s about finding your own market space and making competition irrelevant.

This book might just be your life vest in the red ocean of competition. Dive in, the water’s fine. Into the blue!

The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen

Ever feel stuck between maintaining your successful products and innovating for the future? Welcome to the Innovator’s Dilemma.

Christensen offers a roadmap out of this quandary. Read this, and start innovating without the fear of self-destruction. Start innovating!

Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age by Jonah Berger

Who needs a marketing budget when you’ve got word-of-mouth? Berger gives you the skinny on how to make your product so amazing that people can’t stop talking about it.

No billboards required. Catch the buzz!

The One Thing by Gary Keller

Find your focus with this book. Keller teaches you how to tune out the noise and hone in on what really matters for your product’s success. It’s about doing less, but better.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Find your one thing!

Radical Focus by Christina Wodtke

This one’s all about the power of the Objective and Key Results (OKRs) framework. It’s like your GPS for product success.

Wodtke serves it up in a relatable narrative that will have you rooting for the characters and your own product. Get focused!

Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited by Steve Krug

With this one, Krug teaches you to think like your user. Or rather, to not make your users think. It’s all about creating intuitive, seamless experiences that users will love.

Don’t just make products, make them think-free. Let’s think less!

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Why do you do what you do? This book challenges you to dig deeper into your product’s purpose. Sinek says that’s what truly inspires people, not what you do, but why you do it.

Get ready to find your why. Discover your why!

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

This one’s a raw, honest take on the tough stuff in product management. No sugar-coating, no magic bullets, just the hard truth.

Horowitz has been in the trenches, and he’s here to tell you what it’s really like. Brace yourself, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Tackle the hard things!

Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Last but not least, this one teaches you to make your ideas unforgettable. The Heath brothers break it down into six principles that’ll make your product stick in the minds of your users.

Read this, and make your product the one that users can’t forget. Make it stick!

FAQ on product management books

What makes a product management book “the best”?

Well, best is subjective, right? For me, the best product management books are the ones that give you practical insights, proven strategies, and real-world examples.

They should be able to guide you through all the PM terrain – from defining the product vision to launching it in the market. They’re like your PM compass, helping you navigate through all the challenges.

Are these books only for seasoned Product Managers?

Absolutely not! The beauty of these books is they’re for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned PM wanting to brush up your skills or a newbie looking to break into the industry, these books got your back.

They cater to a broad spectrum of readers, from those dipping their toes into the PM world to those swimming in the deep end.

Can these books replace formal PM training or courses?

Consider these books as the icing on the cake. They can definitely supplement your formal training or courses, but they shouldn’t replace them.

Books provide a unique perspective and deepen your understanding of product management. But formal training offers hands-on experiences, case studies, and the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts.

How relevant are these books considering the rapid changes in technology?

Spot on, the tech world moves at lightning speed. But the best part? These books provide timeless wisdom.

They focus on the core principles of product management that hold true irrespective of changing tech trends. Yes, tech evolves, but the essence of product management remains the same.

Can reading these books help me land a PM job?

They could definitely give you a leg up! While they won’t guarantee a job, they’ll surely equip you with the knowledge and insights to impress potential employers.

Think of these books as your secret weapon to stand out in interviews and show that you’re serious about your PM career.

Are these books only useful for tech industry PMs?

Not at all. Product management is not exclusive to tech. Whether it’s FMCG, healthcare, or finance, PM principles apply everywhere.

The books we’ve curated offer insights that transcend industries, making them an excellent resource for PMs in any field.

How often should I read these books?

There’s no hard and fast rule here. Read at your own pace and absorb the knowledge. Some folks prefer to read them cover to cover, while others like to keep them handy for reference.

Whatever your style, make sure you’re gaining and applying the insights.

Will these books help me with PM certifications?

Yes, they sure will! While they may not be tailored towards specific certification exams, the knowledge you gain will definitely contribute to your overall understanding.

They can be a great supplement to your certification prep material.

Are these books available in other formats like audio or e-books?

Absolutely! Most of the recommended books are available in multiple formats – hardcover, e-book, and audiobook.

So whether you’re a fan of old-school reading or love listening to books on the go, we’ve got you covered.

How to best apply the knowledge from these books?

That’s the spirit! Reading is one thing, but applying the knowledge is where the real magic happens. Try to relate the concepts from the books to your current projects.

The more you apply, the more these principles become second nature. And remember, learning is a journey, not a destination.

Ending thoughts on these product management books

And just like that, we’ve whizzed through our thrilling exploration of the best product management books.

These are not just pages bound together, they’re stepping stones to a richer, more confident PM journey.

From honing your skills to cracking those nerve-wracking interviews, each book offers a slice of PM wisdom.

And while tech trends may shift like the desert sands, these books? They’re here to stay. Offering you the timeless, unchanging core of PM knowledge.

So, take a pick, curl up on your favorite chair, and dive in. Let the words inspire, educate, and transform you.

Remember, the knowledge in these books isn’t just meant to be consumed, but to be applied.

So go ahead, conquer your product management dreams. After all, you’re now armed with the best product management books!

Remember, every book is a step towards a better you. So why wait? Start your journey today.

If you enjoyed reading this article on the best product management books, you should check out this one about product manager salary.

We also wrote about a few related subjects like product manager interview questions, product owner vs product manager, product management with Monday.comproduct launch checklist, product manager skills, chief product officer and product manager vs project manager.

7328cad6955456acd2d75390ea33aafa?s=250&d=mm&r=g The best product management books you need to read
Related Posts