Recommended Reading

Options With Learning Limited have spent many hours reading classic and modern management theory.   To save you valuable time, here are our top picks of business books covering: teams, creativity, leadership, change and much more.  We think that all of the books listed here are worth reading, but to indicate our favourites we have given them our own, very special OWL rating:

Good

Very good

Must read!

	Title Who Moved My Cheese? Author Spencer Johnson Date ISBN Pages OWL rating We think: This is a very readable book that drills home the message, to even the most stubborn reader, about the need to be prepared to change.  Be warned that the "cheese" analagy is taken to great lengths which may put some readers off.
	Title In Search of Excellence : Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies Author Thomas Peters, et al Date October 1988 ISBN Pages OWL Rating We think
	Title Working with Emotional Intelligence Author Daniel Goleman Date 1998 ISBN 0-7475-4384-4 Pages 372 OWL Rating We think: Lots of examples which highlight the importance of understanding the "soft" issues of human behaviour in order for individuals to function successfully within organisations.  This sequel is a lot less heavy than the more neurological "Emotional Intelligence."  It has great practical relevance for individuals and teams.
	Title Winne-the-Pooh on Management Author Roger E Allen Date 1995 ISBN 0-413-69720-7 Pages 161 OWL Rating We think: An excellent introduction to the six essential functions of management.   Entertaining, well written and short.  Anyone wresting with the complexities of metrics should refer to chaper VI to make the connection between key performance indicators and Pooh's honey jars!
	Title Six Thinking Hats Author Edward De Bono Date 1985 ISBN 0-14-013784-X Pages 207 OWL Rating We think: The six thinking hat technique is one of the best we have come across to use as a framework for creative sessions be is problem solving or generating new ideas.   Not only is it an easy technique to understand and remember, but it is also practical and simple to use.
	Title The Mind Map Book Author Tony Buzan with Barry Buzan Date 1993 ISBN Pages 304 OWL Rating We think: Mind mapping is one of the most powerful tools in existence!  It is a great way to capture information, brain storm problems and much more.  This book is an excellent reference to the technique written by its creator.
	Title The 80/20 Principle Author Richard Koch Date 1998 ISBN 1-85788-168-0 Pages 300 OWL Rating We think: This update on the classic "pareto" rule reminds us that it is far more productive to focus and prioritise our efforts and resources to address the 20% of things that will result in 80% improvement.  Koch shows how the principle can be applied both in a business and personal context.
	Title Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work Author Richard Carlson Date 1998 ISBN 0-340-74873-7 Pages 284 OWL Rating We think: Maintain your perspective.