100 books like The First-Time Manager

By Jim McCormick,

Here are 100 books that The First-Time Manager fans have personally recommended if you like The First-Time Manager. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century

Paul Falcone Author Of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges

From my list on help manage your business over the next 5 years.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about workplace leadership, both as a writer and former human resources executive. I spent three decades in corporate HR roles. At the same time, I wrote 17 books on effective people leadership practices and published hundreds of articles as a columnist for SHRM—the Society for Human Resource Management. I’ve taught in UCLA Extension’s School of Business and Management for years, trained for the American Management Association, and served as a keynote speaker at many conferences. I find leadership and management fascinating—hiring, motivation, professional development, accountability, innovation, and even termination. Building people's muscle while protecting companies from unwanted legal liability has been my passion throughout my career. 

Paul's book list on help manage your business over the next 5 years

Paul Falcone Why did Paul love this book?

I love this book and recommend it often because of its exceptional forecasting ability. Author George Friedman can’t guarantee the future, but his arguments for likely outcomes are exceptionally cogent and well thought through. The book was written in 2009 and well before the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed things considerably in terms of economic impact, labor scarcity, global migration patterns, and so much more.

Still, its findings are more than insightful and combine a well-honed imagination with historical expertise to forecast the 21st century’s likely trajectory by decade, including the United States, Russia, China, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. It provides a healthy perspective and a 30,000-foot view of what we may likely experience as a planet, especially in geopolitical, technical, and cultural terms. 

By George Friedman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Next 100 Years as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In his long-awaited and provocative book, George Friedman turns his eye on the future-offering a lucid, highly readable forecast of the changes we can expect around the world during the twenty-first century. He explains where and why future wars will erupt (and how they will be fought), which nations will gain and lose economic and political power, and how new technologies and cultural trends will alter the way we live in the new century.

The Next 100 Years draws on a fascinating exploration of history and geopolitical patterns dating back hundreds of years. Friedman shows that we are now, for…


Book cover of Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties

Daniel Rusteen Author Of Profitable Properties: Airbnb Insider Secrets to Find, Optimize, Price, & Book Direct any Short-Term Rental Investment for Year-Round Occupancy

From my list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi! I’m Danny Rusteen, and I live and breathe STRs. I’ve been hosting, co-hosting, and managing property since 2013. In 2017, I started living full-time in Airbnbs, that’s more than just a fun fact, it gives me a unique perspective that no other expert has. Maybe it’s why my calendar is full all year round. I see Airbnb as a tool for peace. I'm going to get philosophical for a moment. Airbnb creates connections that never otherwise would have existed. Instead of letting the TV tell you what country X thinks of country Y, it's better to find out from real people: hosts and the locals you interact with.

Daniel's book list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee

Daniel Rusteen Why did Daniel love this book?

I finished it in just a few days as it’s a light read and only about 150-pages long. It is a great book to briefly introduce readers at a high level to locating markets, finding real estate agents, managing the listing remotely, and getting set up on Airbnb by creating a listing.

By Avery Carl,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From analyzing potential properties to effectively managing your listings, this book is your one-stop resource for making a profit with short-term rentals!

Airbnb, Vrbo, and other listing services have become massively popular in recent years―why not tap into the gold mine? Whether you’re new to real estate investing or you want to add a new strategy to your growing portfolio, vacation rentals can be an extremely lucrative way to add an extra income stream―but only if you acquire and manage your properties correctly.

Traditional rental properties are a great way to create wealth, but short-term rentals can bring in five…


Book cover of The Book Direct Playbook

Daniel Rusteen Author Of Profitable Properties: Airbnb Insider Secrets to Find, Optimize, Price, & Book Direct any Short-Term Rental Investment for Year-Round Occupancy

From my list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi! I’m Danny Rusteen, and I live and breathe STRs. I’ve been hosting, co-hosting, and managing property since 2013. In 2017, I started living full-time in Airbnbs, that’s more than just a fun fact, it gives me a unique perspective that no other expert has. Maybe it’s why my calendar is full all year round. I see Airbnb as a tool for peace. I'm going to get philosophical for a moment. Airbnb creates connections that never otherwise would have existed. Instead of letting the TV tell you what country X thinks of country Y, it's better to find out from real people: hosts and the locals you interact with.

Daniel's book list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee

Daniel Rusteen Why did Daniel love this book?

This is a really well done book, I especially liked the section about attracting your ideal guest. The author seems genuinely interested in helping you succeed, being open to questions on his Instagram, which is incredible.

This book is a very good read if you want to do direct bookings.

By Mark Simpson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book Direct Playbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Get direct bookings for your Short Term Rental properties using powerful insights from one of the Top 20 Most Influential People in the Vacation Rental Industry - Keep reading!


Are you a rental property owner who can seem to get direct booking without relying on big-name platforms?

Are you tired of giving up a hefty percentage of your earnings to these said platforms?

Are you looking for a way to boost your direct bookings and get the full-sum profits you deserve?

You're not alone.


When Mark Simpson - renowned author, award-winning mentor, and proud Boostly founder - was tasked to…


Book cover of 30-Day Stay: A Real Estate Investor's Guide to Mastering the Medium-Term Rental

Daniel Rusteen Author Of Profitable Properties: Airbnb Insider Secrets to Find, Optimize, Price, & Book Direct any Short-Term Rental Investment for Year-Round Occupancy

From my list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi! I’m Danny Rusteen, and I live and breathe STRs. I’ve been hosting, co-hosting, and managing property since 2013. In 2017, I started living full-time in Airbnbs, that’s more than just a fun fact, it gives me a unique perspective that no other expert has. Maybe it’s why my calendar is full all year round. I see Airbnb as a tool for peace. I'm going to get philosophical for a moment. Airbnb creates connections that never otherwise would have existed. Instead of letting the TV tell you what country X thinks of country Y, it's better to find out from real people: hosts and the locals you interact with.

Daniel's book list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee

Daniel Rusteen Why did Daniel love this book?

I found this book pretty straightforward and easy to digest.

This book is written by two authors that do a very good job of shaking your mind a bit and maybe push you into trying new strategies which you have to do and be comfortable at it in this ever-changing industry

By Zeona McIntyre, Sarah Weaver,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 30-Day Stay as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn the medium-term rental strategy—all the benefits of investing in Airbnbs without the hassle of turnover or the risk of changing city regulations!

30-Day Stay is a thorough guide to finding and operating a medium-term rental (MTR). The concept is simple and profitable: Instead of fighting short-term rental regulations or sacrificing cash flow to long-term rentals, the host requires a month-long minimum stay in a furnished property and reaps massive profits.

With nearly thirty properties and decades of real estate investing experience between them, authors Zeona McIntyre and Sarah Weaver introduce a powerful yet flexible real estate asset class with…


Book cover of The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money on Airbnb: Learn the Secrets for Getting Found More Often, Selling Your Space and Making More Money

Daniel Rusteen Author Of Profitable Properties: Airbnb Insider Secrets to Find, Optimize, Price, & Book Direct any Short-Term Rental Investment for Year-Round Occupancy

From my list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi! I’m Danny Rusteen, and I live and breathe STRs. I’ve been hosting, co-hosting, and managing property since 2013. In 2017, I started living full-time in Airbnbs, that’s more than just a fun fact, it gives me a unique perspective that no other expert has. Maybe it’s why my calendar is full all year round. I see Airbnb as a tool for peace. I'm going to get philosophical for a moment. Airbnb creates connections that never otherwise would have existed. Instead of letting the TV tell you what country X thinks of country Y, it's better to find out from real people: hosts and the locals you interact with.

Daniel's book list on managing short-term rentals by a former Airbnb employee

Daniel Rusteen Why did Daniel love this book?

There are some really juicy tips and recommendations hidden in this book. Like the recommendation above, this one is an easy read and the author seems to know a lot about Airbnb (unlike some of the most famous, so-called “experts”, out there).

If you are starting out, this is a very good first stop.

By Evian Gutman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money on Airbnb as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Most Airbnb hosts possess a general understanding of the concept behind Airbnb: Making money by opening up their home to travelers looking for short-term rental accommodation.

But Airbnb hosts, both new and old, frequently need to overcome a number of common challenges and frustrations.

New hosts are often not clear on what they need to do, finding Airbnb harder than it was made out to be, or eager to get setup for success from the get-go.

Existing hosts are often not making as much money as they would like to, not getting found often enough, or having difficulty converting listing…


Book cover of Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition, and Win the Workplace

Paul Falcone Author Of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges

From my list on help manage your business over the next 5 years.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about workplace leadership, both as a writer and former human resources executive. I spent three decades in corporate HR roles. At the same time, I wrote 17 books on effective people leadership practices and published hundreds of articles as a columnist for SHRM—the Society for Human Resource Management. I’ve taught in UCLA Extension’s School of Business and Management for years, trained for the American Management Association, and served as a keynote speaker at many conferences. I find leadership and management fascinating—hiring, motivation, professional development, accountability, innovation, and even termination. Building people's muscle while protecting companies from unwanted legal liability has been my passion throughout my career. 

Paul's book list on help manage your business over the next 5 years

Paul Falcone Why did Paul love this book?

Women in leadership are our nation’s superpower...the growth and development of our economy hinges on placing more female leaders into senior corporate executive and board roles to meet the talent shortage and inject a high level of emotional intelligence into corporate America. But we’ve experienced centuries of destructive cultural conditioning, messaging, and reinforcement.

This book helped me see through the assumptions we’ve created and move beyond them. In the United States, more bachelor's, law, and medical degrees are now going to females. Yet, 80% of CEOs are male, corporate boards are more than 80% male, and women still make roughly $.80 to a male’s dollar in similarly situated roles. This book opens the door to the clarity we need to leverage our most important asset. 

By Stacey Vanek Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Machiavelli for Women as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the NPR host of The Indicator and correspondent for Planet Money comes an "accessible, funny, clear-eyed, and practical" (Sarah Knight, New York Times bestselling author) guide for how women can apply the principles of 16th-century philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli to their work lives and finally shatter the glass ceiling-perfect for fans of Feminist Fight Club, Lean In, and Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office.

Women have been making strides towards equality for decades, or so we're often told. They've been increasingly entering male-dominated areas of the workforce and consistently surpassing their male peers in grades, university attendance, and degrees.…


Book cover of The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want

Paul Falcone Author Of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges

From my list on help manage your business over the next 5 years.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about workplace leadership, both as a writer and former human resources executive. I spent three decades in corporate HR roles. At the same time, I wrote 17 books on effective people leadership practices and published hundreds of articles as a columnist for SHRM—the Society for Human Resource Management. I’ve taught in UCLA Extension’s School of Business and Management for years, trained for the American Management Association, and served as a keynote speaker at many conferences. I find leadership and management fascinating—hiring, motivation, professional development, accountability, innovation, and even termination. Building people's muscle while protecting companies from unwanted legal liability has been my passion throughout my career. 

Paul's book list on help manage your business over the next 5 years

Paul Falcone Why did Paul love this book?

I value this book because of its timeliness and relevance in today’s changing world. W-2 “employee” incomes are quickly being replaced by 1099 “independent contractor” incomes, despite the federal government’s attempts at slowing down the trend.

Workers across all fields need to begin thinking more about “income security” than “job security,” especially those in dwindling industries that could be impacted by AI, outsourcing, offshoring, or digitization. If nothing else, it raises the reader’s awareness of vulnerabilities that can derail otherwise successful careers and preaches the importance of “living lightly” and “doing more with less” (think renting versus ownership and multiple versus single income streams). 

This book doesn’t recommend quitting your day job, but it provides meaningful insight into considerations to remain agile, flexible, and ready for significant, disruptive career change. 

By Diane Mulcahy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Gig Economy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Today, most Americans are working in the gig economy--mixing together short-term jobs, contract work, and freelance assignments. Learn how to embrace the independent and self-sufficient world of freelance!

The Gig Economy is your guide to this uncertain but ultimately rewarding world. Packed with research, exercises, and anecdotes, this eye-opening book supplies strategies--ranging from the professional to the personal--to help you leverage your skills, knowledge, and network to create your own career trajectory.

In this book, you will learn how to:

Construct a life based on your priorities and vision of success Cultivate connections without networking Create your own security Build…


Book cover of The Business of We: The Proven Three-Step Process for Closing the Gap Between Us and Them in Your Workplace

Paul Falcone Author Of 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges

From my list on help manage your business over the next 5 years.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about workplace leadership, both as a writer and former human resources executive. I spent three decades in corporate HR roles. At the same time, I wrote 17 books on effective people leadership practices and published hundreds of articles as a columnist for SHRM—the Society for Human Resource Management. I’ve taught in UCLA Extension’s School of Business and Management for years, trained for the American Management Association, and served as a keynote speaker at many conferences. I find leadership and management fascinating—hiring, motivation, professional development, accountability, innovation, and even termination. Building people's muscle while protecting companies from unwanted legal liability has been my passion throughout my career. 

Paul's book list on help manage your business over the next 5 years

Paul Falcone Why did Paul love this book?

In survey after survey, Gen Y Millennials and Gen Z Zoomers value diversity of thoughts, ideas, and voices as a top five priority. This book focuses on creating a work environment where people of all races, backgrounds, interests, and life experiences can partner together to do their best work every day with peace of mind. Kriska provides practical insights and roadmaps on how to lead diverse groups effectively, build trust and respect into team DNA, and bring out the best in others by having their backs.

Developing what she calls a “We Mindset” fosters a stronger sense of teamwork and camaraderie. As the world of work shifts more to team productivity and performance (as opposed to individual achievement), Kriska shows us the way to avoid “us versus them” constructs and excuses in order to build stronger performing teams where everyone wins and benefits, not the least of which is the…

By Laura Kriska,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Business of We as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover how this leader-focused approach to understanding, managing, and maximizing organizational diversity and inclusion can increase employee retention and productivity.

Workplace misunderstandings lead to lost revenue, lost time, and increased legal risk, thus your success in the marketplace will depend on our ability to collaborate across difference. Yet, inevitably, Us versus Them gaps disrupt workplace efficiency.

In The Business of WE, cross-cultural consultant and diversity expert Laura Kriska will:

Provide a practical roadmap for creating trust with others who are culturally different from yourself Help you create a WE mindset throughout your organization, bringing teams together into cohesive units. Walk…


Book cover of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

Paul Gavoni Author Of Quick Wins! Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement

From my list on improve organizational performance in any industry.

Why am I passionate about this?

Navigating through schools with profound behavioral challenges firsthand, I've felt the pressing need for a shift. An undeniable call. Enter Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), leadership, and systems thinking. Remember that school everyone had given up on? With the precision of OBM, and the right dose of leadership, I've seen it transform from chaos to cohesion. My role? Think of me as a coach, steering schools towards structured strategies, turning behavioral disruptions into harmonious learning ecosystems. In the intricate dance between behavioral science and leadership, I stand firm, unwavering in my commitment to reshape schools, ensuring they rise from their challenges to become paragons of growth and transformation.

Paul's book list on improve organizational performance in any industry

Paul Gavoni Why did Paul love this book?

In diving into this book, I couldn't help but draw parallels between Maxwell's teachings and our foundational principles of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM). Although Maxwell isn't exactly a card-carrying behavior scientist, his wisdom on topics like vision, influence, and commitment resonates deeply with OBM practices I've come to advocate for.

He's revamped the book with modern examples, making it all the more relevant in today's business world. Yet, the core truths—those unshakeable leadership tenets—remain. Through my lens, blending Maxwell's insights with OBM's evidence-based strategies can empower anyone navigating the complex world of leadership.

This isn't just another leadership book; it's a bridge between traditional leadership wisdom and the pragmatic, results-driven approach of OBM. Highly recommended for those with a passion for melding theory with real-world solutions.

By John C. Maxwell,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What would happen if a leadership expert were willing to distill everything he's learned in his 30+ years of experience into a handful of life-changing principles just for you? It would change your life.

Internationally-recognized leadership expert and bestselling author John C. Maxwell wrote his million-seller The 21 Laws of Leadership over ten years ago. Now, this expanded and updated edition of one of the most trusted and referenced leadership books features revised content that is fundamental to any leader.

Maxwell provides new learnings that makes his original bestseller bigger and better including:

Sharpening and updating every Law of Leadership…


Book cover of The Heart of Business: Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism

Dan Hill Author Of Two Cheers for Democracy: How Emotions Drive Leadership Style

From my list on the heart of leaders when democracy is at risk.

Why am I passionate about this?

My family moved to Italy when I was six, and I attended Italian first grade in a fishing village where I had to rely on reading body language as I didn’t grasp the language for a bit. Fortunately for me, Italians have lots of body language to read so I could navigate the inevitable cliques and power dynamics evident even at the elementary school level. From that experience to being taken to view the Dachau concentration camp a year later, I’ve always been sensitive to how “the other” gets treated—often unfairly—and the role leaders can play for good or evil.

Dan's book list on the heart of leaders when democracy is at risk

Dan Hill Why did Dan love this book?

Emotions and emotional intelligence (EQ) aren’t taught in business school, and are rarely evident in abundance in the corner offices of CEOs. And yet here’s one ready to admit to the errors of his earlier ways, and to have adjusted his leadership style at Best Buy accordingly. If it can happen in business, why not in politics, too, perhaps saving us from leaders who lack empathy.

By Hubert Joly,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Heart of Business as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

Named a Financial Times top title

How to unleash "human magic" and achieve improbable results.

Hubert Joly, former CEO of Best Buy and orchestrator of the retailer's spectacular turnaround, unveils his personal playbook for achieving extraordinary outcomes by putting people and purpose at the heart of business.

Back in 2012, "Everyone thought we were going to die," says Joly. Eight years later, Best Buy was transformed as Joly and his team rebuilt the company into one of the nation's favorite employers, vastly increased customer satisfaction, and dramatically grew Best Buy's stock price. Joly and his…


Book cover of The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century
Book cover of Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties
Book cover of The Book Direct Playbook

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