The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the qualities of a good employee? What does it mean when an employee has good character? To build a strong team, you must recruit strong people. However, Marty Cagan and Chris Jones argue that you shouldn’t place too much emphasis on hiring the perfect fit. Discover what to look for in an employee, and how these qualities will benefit your company in the long run.
When is it time to let your team do their jobs on their own? How can you empower your employees from afar? Marty Cagan and Chris Jones advise that leaders should give teams ownership of their duties, promote a culture of collaboration, and understand that mistakes are essential to success. Giving your team authority is positive reinforcement that empowers them to succeed on their own. Learn how to empower your team by letting them take control of projects and reassuring them that failure is okay.
What’s a product vision? How can your vision be strong but flexible at the same time? Before creating a product, a leader must define and articulate an overarching vision to guide their team. Marty Cagan and Chris Jones write that a product vision is the company’s mission, as reflected through its products and services. Continue reading to learn how to create a product vision as a leader of a business.
Why don’t small problems stay small? Could resolving problems when they’re minor be the key to achieving your goals? Tackling small issues can prevent larger challenges and boost your confidence. This approach is particularly effective during overwhelming times, helping you regain control and make progress. By integrating problem-solving into your daily routine, you can identify and address small problems before they escalate. Read on to discover three practical exercises that will help you master the art of resolving small problems and pave the way for big life improvements.
What makes an organization a modern business operation? What do you need to do to keep your company on top of the changing industry? Not only are modern businesses and their structures always in flux, but so are the industries in which they operate. In the fast-moving world of technology, product teams need to be empowered with contextual information and decision-making abilities to discover beneficial solutions. Keep reading to learn how a modern business should operate, from a strategic plan to learning from failure.
What are the most important aspects of startup management? What type of management team does your startup need? While big businesses need to learn how to innovate, the entrepreneurial startup needs to learn how to manage itself. According to Peter F. Drucker, startups need to focus on four specific things: their market, financial planning, setting up a management team, and what role their founder should play in the business. Keep reading for helpful advice that every entrepreneur of a startup needs to hear.
Why is a strategy important for modern businesses? What are the qualities of a good business strategy? Just as a good coach begins with a game plan, the first step to setting a modern product team in motion is turning the company’s overall vision into an actionable strategy. Your strategy should focus on a handful of specific goals as you gather information from all levels of your company. Let’s look at the importance of a modern business strategy and how it will serve as the foundation of your company.
Why is a business vision important? Do you know how to set team objectives? Business goals and visions are essential for steering your company, but they’re not effective at letting individuals and teams know what to do. Defining realistic yet challenging objectives is crucial when implementing a successful product strategy. Below, we’ll look at how to use business tools known as Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
Do you want to make lasting changes in your life or business? Do you feel overwhelmed by the prospect and wonder where to start? Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, offers a solution. By focusing on small, manageable steps, you can achieve remarkable results over time. Robert Maurer’s book One Small Step Can Change Your Life outlines six strategies for how to implement Kaizen effectively. Read more to discover how to make tiny actions lead to big transformations.
What is product leadership? Why should companies incorporate technology into their everyday operations? Marty Cagan and Chris Jones argue that all modern companies are in the technology business, no matter what kind of product they sell. No matter the company’s overall focus—whether it provides lawn care, smartphones, or investment advice—technology underpins all business operations. If you want to learn more about product leadership and how to execute it, keep reading.