Skip to main content

Want to keep expanding your knowledge and wondering which books you and your team should be reading in 2024?

Whether you manage people, take a more casual interest in HR, or are an HR professional looking to expand your knowledge base, there are stacks of books you can read to support your interest and learning. We've created a list of some of our favorites right here.

28 Best HR Books Shortlist

  1. The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell
  2. Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations by Josh Bersin
  3. Remote Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti
  4. Diversity in the Workplace by Bärí A. Williams
  5. Built for People by Jessica Zwaan
  6. Effective Hiring by Paul Falcone
  7. Redefining HR by Lars Schmidt
  8. Fully Staffed by Eric Chester
  9. Agile HR by Natal Dank and Riina Hellström
  10. Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
  11. Unleashing the Power of Diversity by Bjorn Z. Ekelund
  12. Rituals for Work by Kursat Ozenc and Margaret Hagan
  13. People Processes by Rhamy Alejeal
  14. People Analytics for Dummies by Mike West
  15. The Drama-Free Workplace by Patti Perez
  16. Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin
  17. The HR Answer Book by S. Smith and R. Mazin
  18. Talent Keepers by Christopher Mulligan and Craig Taylor
  19. Culture Decks Decoded by Bretton Putter
  20. Performance Management for Dummies by Herman Aguinis
  21. HR on Purpose by Steve Browne
  22. HR Transformation: Building Human Resources from the Outside In by Dave Ulrich
  23. HR Disrupted Lucy Adams
  24. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
  25. Radical Candor by Angela Champ
  26. It Depends: Employee Relations Case Studies for Human Resources Students and Professionals by Angela Champ
  27. Employees Gone Wild by Richard Burton
  28. Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory

Overview of the 28 Best HR Books

1. The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell

The Essential HR Handbook

Summary:
This is one of the top HR strategy books on the market and covers almost every HR topic you can think of. It focuses on best practices with workers, building relationships, and traversing HR problems in a complicated business world.

What You'll Learn:
This book guides readers through the process of recruitment, selection, and retention of the best talent. It delves into developing effective training and development programs and offers insights into managing employee relations and legal compliance. Readers will also learn how to foster a positive and engaging workplace culture.

Why You Should Read It:
The book's practical advice and straightforward approach make it especially valuable for those new to HR or managers overseeing HR functions.

Quote From The Book:
"Effective human resources management strategies are a vital component to a successful business."

About The Author:
Sharon Armstrong began her career in human resources in 1985 and later founded her own HR consulting business. Barbara Mitchell is an author, speaker, and consultant who specializes in human resources, management, and organizational development. Connect with them on their socials:

2. Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations by Josh Bersin

Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations HR book

Summary:
Josh Bersin needs no introduction in the word of business, leadership, and HR. His latest book distills decades of research into seven foundational principles for building enduring organizations.

The principles cover how organizations should be structured and the most effective methods of engaging and developing employees.

What You'll Learn:
It’s replete with examples of Bersin’s work with HR leaders and business execs from around the world, and includes practical tips to help with implementing the concepts.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for business leaders and HR professionals aiming to build a resilient and appealing workplace. The strategies outlined help create environments where employees feel valued and engaged.

Quote From The Book:
"People thrive in environments which free them to communicate and work together."

About The Author:
Josh Bersin is a global research analyst, public speaker, and writer on the topics of corporate human resources, talent management, and leadership. Find him on his socials:

3. Remote Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti

Remote Not Distant, an HR book

Summary:
Remote and hybrid working is here to stay and we’re huge proponents. This best-seller from Gustavo Razzetti, CEO of Fearless Culture and creator of the famous Culture Design Canvas, provides a roadmap to help organizations succeed in this new environment.

What You'll Learn:
The book covers how to keep teams connected and improve collaboration, build psychologically safety and, of course, how to build culture remotely (hint: your office was never your culture anyway).

Why You Should Read It:
This book is particularly relevant in the increasingly remote work landscape, offering crucial insights for leaders managing dispersed teams. It helps create a sense of closeness and alignment among remote employees.

Quote From The Book:
"Remote work is not just a different way to work – it's a different way to live."

About The Author:
Gustavo Razzetti, who has helped transform organizational cultures and innovate workplaces for over 20 years, is a sought-after speaker and consultant in the leadership and team management arena. Reach him on his socials:

4. Diversity in the Workplace by Bärí A. Williams

Diversity in the Workplace book

Summary:
This powerful book from business attorney and startup advisor, Bärí A. Williams, features 25 interviews from individuals from marginalized groups who share what life is like for them in the American workplace. These interviews are split into five groups: race, gender, LGBTQ+, ability and age and religtion and culture.

What You'll Learn:
The book offers an understanding of the structural and social barriers that can impede diversity in the workplace. It also outlines actionable strategies for recruiting and retaining diverse talent, and for creating inclusive workplace cultures that empower all employees to contribute their best.

Why You Should Read It:
The poignant interviews will help you gain an empathetic understanding of these topics, and the book also features tips on how to have progressive conversations with colleagues and come to grips with issues such as unconscious bias.

Quote From The Book:
"Diversity isn’t just about bringing people into the room—it’s about listening to them once they’re there."

About The Author:
Bärí A. Williams is an attorney and business operations executive who has played a pivotal role in advocating for diversity and ethics in technology.

5. Built for People by Jessica Zwaan

Built For People, Book for HR

Summary:
We’re big fans of Jessica here at People Managing People and we were excited when she told us she’s going to turn one of her popular articles into a whole book!

Jessica approaches talent management like product teams approach customer satisfaction. She views employees as ‘customers’ of the employee experience, or the ‘product’ that someone signs up for when they decide to join your company.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn about innovative practices that enhance employee engagement and well-being. Zwaan discusses the transformation of traditional HR roles into more strategic, data-driven, and people-focused functions.

Why You Should Read It:
This forward-thinking, practical book takes you through this way of thinking to run experiments like a world-class product team and ultimately boost hiring, retention and productivity.

Quote From The Book:
"Businesses thrive when they recognize that their greatest asset is not their products or services, but their people."

About The Author:
Jessica Zwaan is a thought leader in HR innovation and a champion for a more humane approach to organizational management. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Download our 2024 Workplace Trends Report to stay ahead in a transforming HR landscape. Get insights from leaders on trends that will define your strategies in AI, talent dynamics, and DEI.

Download our 2024 Workplace Trends Report to stay ahead in a transforming HR landscape. Get insights from leaders on trends that will define your strategies in AI, talent dynamics, and DEI.

  • By submitting this form, you agree to receive the requested content, our newsletter, and occasional emails related to People Managing People. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, please review our privacy policy. We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

6. Effective Hiring by Paul Falcone

Effective Hiring Book Cover

Summary:
As you’re no doubt aware, recruitment is one of the trickiest of HR’s responsibilities. Then, once you’ve convinced someone to join, you’ve got to 1) convince them they made the right decision and 2) get them up to speed and productive as soon as possible.

Here Falcone walks you through the challenges you’re going to face during these delicate stages of the employee life cycle, including advice on interviewing, assessing candidates and guiding them through onboarding.

What You'll Learn:
The book offers a deep dive into crafting job descriptions that attract the right candidates, conducting interviews that reveal genuine insights, and making decisions that are data-driven and unbiased.

Why You Should Read It:
This resource is essential for any hiring manager looking to refine their hiring practices and build a team that aligns with the company’s goals and culture.

Quote From The Book:
"The goal of an effective hiring process is not just to fill a vacancy quickly but to fill it with the right person."

About The Author:
Paul Falcone is a well-known HR executive and author, with extensive experience in leadership and management training. Connect with him on his socials:

7. Redefining HR by Lars Schmidt

Redefining HR Book Cover

Summary:
In Redefining HR, Schmidt provides an in-depth guide into what goes into a modern HR function and lays out a practical framework of progressive ideas and practices.

He draws on his experiences working at some of the world’s most progressive and successful companies, including Hubspot, Reddit, and Stripe, covering topics such as diversity and inclusion, people analytics, learning and development, and employee experience.

What You'll Learn:
It discusses how HR professionals can become strategic partners by implementing progressive practices in talent acquisition, development, and engagement.

Why You Should Read It:
Schmidt's insights help HR leaders develop a more strategic perspective that aligns with business goals.

Quote From The Book:
"Innovation in HR is not just about technology; it's about fundamentally rethinking how we engage and empower our workforce."

About The Author:
Lars Schmidt is a recognized leader in the field of HR, known for his work on progressive HR practices and workplace culture. Connect with  him on his socials:

8. Fully Staffed by Eric Chester

Fully Staffed HR book

Summary:
It used to be the case where employers held all the cards when it came to recruitment, but that balance of power switched in recent times.

Needless to say, the recruitment tactics of yesteryear won’t work, and there needs to be much more thought but into areas such as recruitment marketing and employer branding.

In Fully Staffed, Chester will take you through what it takes to build a modern employer brand, advertise your jobs to modern jobseekers, leverage untapped talent pools and communities, and optimize your onboarding and retention.

What You'll Learn:
The book explores innovative recruitment tactics, ways to improve employee engagement and retention, and methods for developing a strong workplace culture that attracts and retains the best industry talent.

Why You Should Read It:
This is a crucial read for business owners, managers, and HR professionals who face challenges in staffing and want to create an environment where employees are motivated to stay long-term.

Quote From The Book:
"The secret to retaining top talent isn't just about the perks; it's about creating an environment where employees feel truly valued and understood."

About The Author:
Eric Chester is an award-winning keynote speaker and bestselling author focused on workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership. Connect with him on his socials:

9. Agile HR by Natal Dank and Riina Hellström

Agile HR Book Cover

Summary:
Agile is prevalent project management methodology in tech world and, as Dank and Hellström argue, HR professional and teams can use it too.

They take you through why and how HR professionals and teams can break out of the traditional ways of thinking about delivering HR services to a more ‘customer’-focused, iterative approach.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn how to apply agile practices to various HR functions such as recruitment, learning and development, and performance management. 

Why You Should Read It:
This is a practical guide to help you develop agile processes and practices that save time, boost performance, and support overall business objectives.

Quote From The Book:
"Agile HR is not a destination but a journey towards greater adaptability, innovation, and impact."

About The Author:
Natal Dank is a pioneer in agile HR with a deep focus on agile transformations. Riina Hellström is a seasoned HR consultant known for her work in agile HR and organizational development. Learn more about them on their online profiles:

10. Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock

work rules book cover

Summary:
One of the best human resource management books available, this book shows you how to balance company creativity and structure. 

What You'll Learn:
Build a better company internally rather from the top down using Google as the undisputed example of how it works. It may answer the question of “What will the role of HR look like in the future?” Google is ahead of the curve and leading the way. This book gets you on track for the future.

Why You Should Read It:
Bock's experiences offer lessons on creating an environment that fosters creativity, loyalty, and productivity. 

Quote From The Book:
"The right thing to do is to focus on the people who make the magic, and not the other way around."

About The Author:
Laszlo Bock is the former Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google and has been instrumental in establishing Google’s reputation as one of the most desirable places to work globally. Check out this posts on his socials:

11. Unleashing the Power of Diversity by Bjorn Z. Ekelund

unleashing the power of diversity book cover

Summary:
Unleashing the Power of Diversity by Bjorn Z. Ekelund discusses how to harness diversity as a strength in the multicultural workplace. The book focuses on building multicultural competence and embracing diversity to enhance team collaboration and innovation.

What You'll Learn:
Ekelund offers tools and techniques to understand and leverage cultural differences within teams. It addresses the challenges and rewards of creating inclusive workplaces that respect and thrive on diversity.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is crucial for leaders and managers working in globally integrated environments, providing a roadmap to better navigate and utilize the varied cultural backgrounds of their team members.

Quote From The Book:
"Diversity is not about how we differ; diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness."

About The Author:
Bjorn Z. Ekelund is a psychologist and an expert in organizational diversity. He has developed tools and frameworks that assist organizations in effectively managing and capitalizing on diverse workforces. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

12. Rituals for Work by Kursat Ozenc and Margaret Hagan

rituals for work, an HR book

Summary:
This book offers some newer HR knowledge around rituals and how they can benefit the workplace, creating meaning and connecting people. It supports HR goals to make teams stronger, achieve company goals, and create e a cohesive company culture.

What You'll Learn:
The authors discuss the design and implementation of meaningful rituals that can be integrated into daily work life to foster connection and shared purpose among employees.

Why You Should Read It:
For anyone looking to improve workplace dynamics and employee engagement, this book provides unique and actionable strategies that can transform the workplace environment.

Quote From The Book:
"Rituals are the secret ingredient that can make everyday routines into something magical."

About The Author:
Kursat Ozenc is a product designer and a lecturer at Stanford University, while Margaret Hagan is a legal designer who specializes in how design can make legal systems more accessible. See their online profiles below:

13. People Processes by Rhamy Alejeal

people processes HR book

Summary:
This is a book for the HR professional who are still bogged down in paperwork. Its goal is to show how software makes HR easier and more effective. It offers a map to get you from the point of researching a human resources management structure to being up and running in under four months.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will discover how to effectively automate HR processes to save time and reduce errors, allowing HR leaders and their teams to focus on more strategic tasks that contribute to their company's success.

Why You Should Read It:
The book is particularly useful for HR professionals looking to modernize their operations and maximize their impact on their organization’s strategic goals.

Quote From The Book:
"Efficiency in HR isn't just about cutting costs; it's about leveraging technology to enhance the human element of business."

About The Author:
Rhamy Alejeal is an expert in HR technology and operations, committed to helping businesses improve their efficiency and effectiveness through better people processes. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

14. People Analytics for Dummies by Mike West

people analytics for dummies book cover

Summary:
This is one of the greatest HR strategy books for beginning human resources professionals or those who want to start using analytics to enhance their HR strategies.

What You'll Learn:
It teaches you how to collect and manipulate data to assist in hiring, productivity, and employee engagement.

Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for HR professionals who are new to the field of analytics, this book offers a straightforward approach to harnessing the power of data to improve workplace outcomes.

Quote From The Book:
"Data is not just numbers, it's the new currency of decision-making in HR."

About The Author:
Mike West is a seasoned consultant and trainer in the field of HR analytics, known for his ability to simplify complex concepts into actionable insights. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

15. The Drama-Free Workplace by Patti Perez

the drama free workplace HR book

Summary:
This book helps HR professionals minimize the chances of issues occurring and, if they do, how best to nip them in the bud. Communication and compliance are at the front of the discussion in this book.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, and legal compliance to foster a workplace where drama is minimized and collaboration is maximized.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is a valuable resource for anyone from HR professionals to team leaders and managers who aim to cultivate a healthy, productive workplace environment free from unnecessary drama.

Quote From The Book:
"Creating a drama-free workplace isn't about suppressing conflict; it's about managing it constructively."

About The Author:
Patti Perez is an attorney and workplace conflict resolution expert who has spent decades helping organizations develop healthier workplace environments. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

16. Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin

bring your human to work book cover

Summary:
In Bring Your Human to Work, Erica Keswin explores how maintaining authentic human connections in the workplace can enhance employee satisfaction and company performance. The book provides practical advice on how to incorporate respect, integrity, and genuine interaction into every aspect of workplace culture.

What You'll Learn:
The book offers insights into the importance of meaningful communication, creating office rituals that promote team bonding, and designing workspaces that encourage interaction and collaboration.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is perfect for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in creating a more engaged and connected workplace that values real human interaction.

Quote From The Book:
"When we bring our human to work, we bring our whole self to work, and that's when the magic happens."

About The Author:
Erica Keswin is a workplace strategist who has consulted for major companies on building strong teams and organizational values. Find her on LinkedIn for updates.

17. The HR Answer Book by S. Smith and R. Mazin

the hr answer book cover

Summary:
This is the go-to book for quick answers around HR issues. It is easy to read, concise and offers guidance on all issues found in HR. Answers range from the simple to the complex, making it a great quick reference book for everyone interested in HR or are working in the field.

What You'll Learn:
This book addresses critical HR topics, including legal issues, hiring practices, onboarding, managing employee performance, and handling terminations.

Why You Should Read It:
An essential resource for HR professionals of all levels, this book serves as a quick reference to help resolve urgent queries in the fast-paced HR environment.

Quote From The Book:
"Understanding HR is the key to understanding the heart and soul of the organization."

About The Author:
Shawn Smith and Rebecca Mazin are experienced HR consultants with extensive backgrounds in helping organizations improve their human resources practices.

18. Talent Keepers by Christopher Mulligan and Craig Taylor

talent keepers HR book

Summary:
This is one of the best human resource books when it comes to trying to improve employee engagement and retention. It gives suggestions for invigorating your employees and keeping those who are great for the organization. Its suggestions help keep those essential people in the company to help build success.

What You'll Learn:
The authors discuss leadership strategies for engagement, techniques for creating a supportive culture, and methods for personal and career development that help retain top performers.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is crucial for business leaders and HR professionals who want to minimize turnover and cultivate a loyal, motivated workforce.

Quote From The Book:
"Retention is most effective when it's woven into the fabric of the company culture."

About The Author:
Christopher Mulligan and Craig Taylor are experts in employee retention and organizational development, with years of experience consulting on talent management.

19. Culture Decks Decoded by Bretton Putter

culture decks decoded book cover

Summary:
This book looks at the culture decks from top-ranking companies to highlight the ways to create a company culture that benefits your place of work, helping all employees maximize their abilities.

What You'll Learn:
You'll gain insights into crafting effective culture decks that clearly communicate company values, expectations, and behaviors. 

Why You Should Read It:
This book is a valuable resource for leaders, managers, and HR professionals looking to develop or refine their company’s culture deck as a dynamic tool to foster a strong, unified company culture.

Quote From The Book:
"A strong culture deck does not just tell employees what the culture is; it engages them in the ongoing process of culture creation and reinforcement."

About The Author:
Bretton Putter is an expert on startup culture and corporate culture transformation. He works with companies to develop culture as a strategic advantage. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

20. Performance Management for Dummies by Herman Aguinis

performance management for dummies book cover

Summary:
Another “Dummies” book for the beginner and professional, this book helps outline the basics and supports the refinement of a current performance management system. It highlights the benefits of doing performance management online.

What You'll Learn:
This book introduces a variety of tools and techniques for assessing employee performance, setting clear expectations, and providing continuous feedback that motivates and improves employee performance.

Why You Should Read It:
It's an accessible resource for managers of all levels who wish to implement or improve performance management systems in their organizations.

Quote From The Book:
"Effective performance management is about turning everyday activities into opportunities for learning and growth."

About The Author:
Herman Aguinis is a globally recognized expert in talent management and performance assessment. He is a prolific author and professor at the George Washington University School of Business. Find him on LinkedIn.

21. HR on Purpose by Steve Browne

HR on Purpose book

Summary:
This HR book by the owner of the blog EverydayPeople is about making HRs more accessible to people who need them the most. The book reminds HR team members of their passion for helping, serving, and leading team members through real-life examples, case studies, epiphanies, and observations.

What You'll Learn:
It offers a fresh perspective and encourages you to avoid overlooking passion and career development in the daily grind of administrative tasks.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is perfect for HR professionals who want to reinvigorate their approach to HR and become more strategic and purposeful in their roles.

Quote From The Book:
"HR is not about policies and procedures; it's about understanding and connecting with people on a deep level."

About The Author:
Steve Browne is a well-known figure in the HR community, recognized for his advocacy of transformative and human-focused HR practices. Find him on LinkedIn.

22. HR Transformation: Building Human Resources from the Outside In by Dave Ulrich

HR Transformation book

Summary:
This book offers HR professionals a new way of thinking. It encourages HR professionals and leadership teams to collaborate and achieve business goals by bringing systems, strategies, and human capital together. 

What You'll Learn:
The book explores the roles that HR can play in business strategy, technology implementation, service delivery, and transforming organizational capabilities.

Why You Should Read It:
The four-phase model of transformation presented by Dave Ulrich and his team of authors serves as a tangible blueprint for enterprises worldwide.

Quote From The Book:
"HR is not just a function of management, but a driver of strategic deliverables."

About The Author:
Dave Ulrich is a renowned professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a consultant known for his influential ideas on human resources and business leadership. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

23. HR Disrupted by Lucy Adams

HR Disrupted book

Summary:
his book is based on the EACH ( Employees as Adults, Consumers, and Human Beings) principle. The book encourages enterprises to recognize traditional human resource initiatives and offers practical ideas, tools, and ways to help them make radical changes.

What You'll Learn:
Adams introduces the concept of treating employees as customers with unique needs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, innovation, and genuine engagement in HR practices.

Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for HR professionals looking to challenge the status quo and embrace new ways of thinking about people management that better suit today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Quote From The Book:
"We need to stop treating employees as liabilities to be managed, and start treating them as clients who need to be impressed and engaged."

About The Author:
Lucy Adams is the CEO of Disruptive HR and a former HR Director at the BBC. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

24. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Start with why book cover

Summary:
HR leaders must inspire their team to become great leaders. This practical guide emphasizes the need to understand and decode the why behind business goals, strategies, and decisions. The goal? To help the HR industry build a productive and creative workforce that will contribute to their organization’s success.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn the importance of starting with why in leadership and communication. The book illustrates how leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers were able to inspire loyalty and action not just because of what they did, but because people understood why they did it.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is recommended for anyone in a leadership role, or anyone looking to understand the power of motivation and inspire their team to greater heights.

Quote From The Book:
"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."

About The Author:
Simon Sinek is known for popularizing the concept of WHY in his first Ted Talk in 2009, he has written several best-selling books on the art of leadership and motivation. Connect with him on his socials:

25. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

radical candor book cover

Summary:
Radical Candor by Kim Scott is a guide to becoming a better leader by mastering the art of direct but caring communication. Scott introduces a framework for leaders to engage their teams by caring personally and challenging directly, thereby building trust and driving high performance.

What You'll Learn:
The book offers insights into effective communication strategies that involve providing honest feedback that is both kind and clear, challenging others without being aggressive, and building strong relationships based on respect and understanding in the workplace.

Why You Should Read It:
Reading this book empowers HR and business leaders to care about their work, share constructive feedback, and be open to criticism from team members.

Quote From The Book:
"Radical Candor really just means saying what you think while also giving a damn about the person you’re saying it to."

About The Author:
Kim Scott is an experienced coach in the tech sector, having worked at companies like Google and Apple.

26. It Depends: Employee Relations Case Studies for Human Resources Students and Professionals by Angela Champ

It Depends Book Cover

Summary:
This book deals in the often grey area that is HR and employee relations, hence the name “It Depends”.

Here Champ has compiled a collection of case studies to demonstrate how different circumstances, contexts, or cultures and laws can affect the outcome of any scenario.

What You'll Learn:
It gives you 3 different scenarios, each of one case, and then asks you what your response would be. The aim is to challenge preconceptions and encourage discussion to learn how to get to the best outcome possible.

Why You Should Read It:
It’s a must-read for for Human Resources students or any professional looking to increase their employee relations skills.

Quote From The Book:
"Every HR issue may not have a clear-cut solution, but with the right approach, you can navigate the complexities effectively."

About The Author:
Angela Champ is an HR leader who specializes in developing practical, strategic solutions to workplace issues. Find her on LinkedIn.

27. Employees Gone Wild by Richard Burton

Employees Gone Wild Book Cover

Summary:
Employees Gone Wild by Richard Burton is a collection of outrageous but instructive stories from the workplace. These stories range from humorous to horrifying, each illustrating different challenges that can arise in managing employees and the lessons learned from dealing with such situations.

What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn about the unexpected and often challenging aspects of managing people through engaging and educational anecdotes. The book covers a variety of issues, from minor misunderstandings to major conflicts, providing lessons on the importance of clear communication, firm policies, and consistent management.

Why You Should Read It:
This book is a useful resource for managers and business owners looking to prepare for and effectively handle unpredictable situations that can occur with employees.

Quote From The Book:
"Every manager will eventually face a situation that tests their patience and their policies; preparation is key."

About The Author:
Richard Burton is a business writer with a focus on workplace culture and management challenges, bringing both levity and wisdom to the serious subject of employee management.

28. Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory

Crucial Conversations Book Cover

Summary:
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High offers techniques for speaking persuasively without aggression, fostering open dialogue, and managing discussions where the outcomes greatly impact personal or professional goals.

What You'll Learn:
This popular book will teach you how to communicate more confidentyly and effectively, for example being more persuasive, keep dialogue productive, and reamin calm when the stakes are high.

Why You Should Read It:
This guide is essential for anyone who faces challenging discussions, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or in negotiations. 

Quote From The Book:
"Successful conversations start with mutual respect and the free exchange of ideas."

About The Author:
The authors, Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory, are experts in organizational behavior and communication. They have a background in research and training that focuses on human performance and dialogue effectiveness.

Need More?

Enjoy curling up with some of the above books to inspire you and help you gain ideas and knowledge to provide more value to our organization.

Some further resources to help you on your HR journey:

Subscribe to the People Managing People newsletter and receive regular content to help you in your career and build happy, productive organizations.

By Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.