5 Must Read Books for Product Managers

As a product manager, staying on top of the latest trends, best practices, and techniques is crucial for success in your role. One of the best ways to do this is by reading books written by experienced product managers and industry experts. Here are five books that every product manager should read. 5 Books for Product Managers

1. “Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love” by Marty Cagan. In this book, Silicon Valley veteran Marty Cagan shares his wealth of experience and insights on product management. He covers a wide range of topics, including product vision, roadmapping, and user testing, and offers practical advice on how to create products that customers will love.
2. “The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager” by C. Todd Lombardo, Richard Banfield, and Nate Walkingshaw. This book is a comprehensive guide to product management, covering everything from understanding the role of a product manager to defining product strategy and executing on that strategy. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to become a great product manager.
3. “Escaping the Build Trap: How Effective Product Management Creates Real Value” by Melissa Perri. In this book, Melissa Perri explores the common pitfalls that product managers face and offers practical advice on how to avoid them. She argues that product managers need to focus on creating value for customers, rather than just building features, in order to create successful products.
4. “Shape-up: Stop Running in Circles and Ship Work that Matters” by Ryan Singer. In this book, Ryan Singer, the Head of Product at Basecamp, shares his unique approach to product management. He argues that the traditional approach of writing detailed specifications upfront is a waste of time and instead advocates for a more agile, iterative process.
5. “Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs” by John Doerr. In this book, venture capitalist John Doerr shares the story of how he introduced the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework to Google, and how it has been used by a wide range of organizations to set goals and drive results. He argues that OKRs are a powerful tool for product managers, as they help to align teams and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Overall, these five books offer a wealth of knowledge and insights for product managers. Whether you’re new to the role or have been in the field for years, they are essential reading for anyone looking to improve their skills and become a great product manager.