CMI announces Management Book of the Year shortlist

16 October 2017 -

Leadership lessons from the past, present and future are the big themes running through the 25 titles shortlisted for the 2018 Management Book of the Year

Matt Scott

Now in its eighth year, Management Book of the Year shines a light onto the books that are breathing new life into management and leadership thinking, with more than 140 books entered for the five categories that make up the awards: Management Futures; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Practical Manager; Commuter’s Read; and Management and Leadership Textbook.

Among the books shortlisted by the panel of judges is Defining Moments by Joseph L. Badarraco, which examines how managers can navigate moral decision-making in business by drawing on the insights of four historical philosophers - Aristotle, Machiavelli, Nietzsche, and James. Addressing one of the challenges of leadership in the present day, The Presentation Book 2nd Edition by Emma Ledden provides advice on compelling communication in the TED Talk era. 

Meanwhile, David Guillebaud takes a futuristic approach as he questions why so many companies are paralysed by the threat of disruptive technologies in Disruption Denial, and in Megatech Technology in 2050 Daniel Franklin Reynolds identifies the big ideas, fantastic inventions and potentially sinister trends that will shape our future.

CMI director of strategy Petra Wilton said: “Thousands of books on how to become a better manager and leader are published every year. Our shortlist directs everyone from first-time managers to senior business leaders to those books that will make a definite difference to how they think and act as management and leadership professionals.

“This year’s shortlist shows there are some great lessons to be learned from the past, present and future. For those passionate about their career, the progressive and practical guidance within these books are essential reads.”

The five category winners and an overall winner will be announced at an awards evening at the British Library on 6 February 2018, with the winning author taking home a £5,000 prize.

Last year’s overall winner was Originals by Adam Grant, published by Ebury. Commenting on his achievement, Grant said: “It’s a tremendous honour to win CMI’s Management Book of the Year. I thank CMI, the judges and everyone involved with the competition for this recognition.”

Phil Spence, Chief Operating Officer at the British Library and a Companion of CMI, said: “The British Library is honoured and thrilled to be hosting the CMI Management Book of the Year awards again. Not only are we the UK’s national research Library with a world-class collection of management studies resource, but we also have a long and successful relationship with CMI and are delighted to be supporting them in their mission to develop management and leadership.”

Management Book of the Year is run by CMI in partnership with The British Library, and supported by Henley Business School. For the full shortlist online, please visit: yearbook.managers.org.uk