We start a regular column about books that inspire Gcore’s employees to create first-class cloud services.
In the first post our Vice President of Products Sam Davis tells about five major books that motivate and help get on the right path to create a business and manage it.
1. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
Why read. If you want to learn how to make a product quickly and efficiently, this book is for you. This is a story about different aspects of starting and running a business, building a brand, customer attitude formation, corporate culture and improvement of employee productivity. This is not just a book but a guide to action and a great motivator.
For whom. A must-read for technical support executives and HR managers.
2. Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
Why read. Branson is not the last person in the world economy. By his own example he shows that you should never give up, not be afraid of difficulties and should not postpone what you can do right now. I like his approach to the development and launching products.
For whom. A must-read for startupers and anyone who wants to run his/her own project.
3. Rework. Business without Prejudices by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Why read. Rework. Business without Prejudices presents interesting approaches to doing business as well as useful tips from the founders of the famous company—37signals. For example, how to make good products with small, but highly effective teams, how to prioritize product development, how to build up customer relationships.
For whom. A must-read for all product and project managers.
4. Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time by Howard Schultz
Why read. This is a book about how Starbucks built the most famous coffee brand in the world. It is particularly interesting from the standpoint of management and marketing: how to manage the growing company and how to scale a business.
For whom. A must-read for all.
5. An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca
Why read. Just an interesting story of a man who created Ford Mustang and then brought up Chrysler. There are no team management secrets or other life hacks in this book, but it contains quite a detailed model of American corporations.
For whom. A must-read for those who want to learn how to save money and optimize a budget.
