Growing as a Business Analyst in 2022 and Tips for 2023: The Must-Have Books
If you want to go deeper into a subject you’re researching, a book is an excellent way to learn. You can buy a book in paper form, electronic form, or audio form, depending on your preference. When you read a book, you get a better understanding of the topics that are being discussed, and often the book will refer to other books and sources.
This is how you can start building up your own library and develop the branch of knowledge you want. To take your learning even further, you can look for other books by the same author and see what else they have written.
Looking back over the books I’ve collected in 2022, I’m excited to share links with you for the most interesting ones. Additionally, I’m keeping an eye out for great books for a successful start to 2023.
1. Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide
— is a comprehensive guide to the business analysis process, covering all the major topics including stakeholder engagement, requirement gathering, use cases, prototyping, and project management. It provides clear guidance on best practices to ensure successful outcomes for any business analysis project and includes a number of case studies to illustrate real-world examples.
— Skills you can develop:
- Business Analysis.
- Communication.
- Project Management.
2. The Team That Managed Itself: A Story of Leadership
`The Team That Managed Itself: A Story of Leadership` is an inspiring tale of one company’s journey to successfully implement self-managing teams. Using real-life examples and practical advice, the book explores how to create high-performing teams in a way that works for everyone, from setting clear goals and roles to fostering collaboration and trust. It provides valuable insight into how to create a successful team that can manage itself and drive positive change.
— Skills you can develop:
- Leadership.
- Self-management.
- Teamwork.
3. Pencil Me In:
— The Business Drawing Book for People Who Can’t Draw.
`Pencil Me In: The Business Drawing Book for People Who Can’t Draw` is a step-by-step guide to help business professionals create visual representations of their ideas, processes, and proposals. It provides practical advice on how to draw compelling visuals using basic shapes and lines, as well as more complex illustrations that help to make concepts more concrete.
— Skills you can develop:
- Visual Communication.
- Problem-solving.
- Creativity.
4. No Rules Rules:
— Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention.
`No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention` is an insightful book by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer which looks at the unique corporate culture at Netflix and how it has allowed them to become the leading streaming service in the world. It explores how the company has strategically used data, creative risk-taking, and a focus on collaboration and learning to revolutionize their business model and remain ahead of the competition. The book provides readers with valuable lessons for businesses striving for success in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.
— Skills you can develop:
- Organizational Culture.
- Decision Making.
- Flexibility.
5. A World Without Email:
— Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload.
`A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload` by Cal Newport is a timely and thought-provoking book that examines the communication overload caused by the use of email. The book looks at how this overload affects our productivity, creativity, and relationships, as well as our ability to connect with others and work effectively. It also offers strategies for reducing stress, improving focus, and creating meaningful conversations. Ultimately, `A World Without Email` is an enlightening read that provides readers with valuable insight into the current state of digital communication and how we can use it to create a more productive, connected, and meaningful world.
— Skills you can develop:
- Effective Communication.
- Time Management.
- Collaboration.
- Creativity.
6. Never Split the Difference:
— Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It.
`Never Split the Difference` is a book written by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, which contains a wealth of negotiation tactics and strategies. The book provides insights into the psychology of negotiation, and offers advice on how to build relationships, gain trust, and know when to walk away. It helps readers gain the confidence they need to tackle difficult conversations, including those in the workplace, with family, and even within the legal system.
— Skills you can develop:
- Negotiation.
- Active Listening.
- Influence and Persuasion.
- Conflict Resolution.
7. Greenlights
— Matthew McConaughey’s autobiography.
`Greenlights` is the autobiography of award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. In it, McConaughey recounts his journey from an unassuming Texan to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile stars. He shares stories of his rise to fame, his struggles, and the lessons he has learned throughout his life that have helped him stay grounded and true to himself. Through his words, McConaughey offers a unique perspective on success, spirituality, and life.
— Skills you can develop:
- Self-Reflection.
- Storytelling.
- Mindset and Positive Thinking.
- Life Lessons, Self-reflection.
8. Consiglieri:
— Leading from the Shadows.
`Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows` by Richard Hytner is an insightful book that explores the often overlooked role of consigliere in business and politics. The book draws on interviews with leading figures such as Paulson, Blankfein, and Buffett to examine how a consigliere’s advice can be invaluable to a leader when making difficult decisions. It also looks at the importance of trust and loyalty between a leader and their consigliere and the impact that this relationship can have on the success of the organization. Ultimately, `Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows` provides readers with valuable insight into the role of a consigliere and why it is so important to successful leadership.
— Skills you can develop:
- Leadership.
- Strategic Thinking.
- Communication.
- Influential Skills.
9. The Medici Effect
— What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us About Innovation?
‘The Medici Effect’ is a book by Frans Johansson that explores how innovation can be achieved by looking beyond traditional boundaries and embracing the concept of the ‘Medici Effect’. The book uses examples from epidemiology, business, science, and other fields to illustrate how diversity and collaboration can be used to create unique and game-changing ideas. It gives readers an insight into how to use the ‘Medici Effect’ to break through creative blocks, explore new ways of thinking and develop innovative solutions.
— Skills you can develop:
- Innovation.
- Interdisciplinary Thinking.
- Problem-Solving.
- Cultural Awareness.
My 2023 Reading Plan:
— How to Maximize Your Learning by Choosing the Right Books:
My 2023 reading plan is focused on unlocking my professional growth potential and building a foundation of knowledge that will help me succeed as a business analyst in the ever-changing world of tomorrow.
The Culture Map
— Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business.
Today, we work in multinational and cross-functional teams in many countries. Even within the office, we meet across cultures and customs. By focusing on the human factor, we can work more efficiently and more environmentally as a team to achieve our goals.
Think Again
— The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.
How to Write a Thesis
—by Umberto Eco. The MIT Press.
Cracking the PM Career
— The Skills, Frameworks, and Practices to Become a Great Product Manager (Cracking the Interview & Career).
Margaret Thatcher:
— The Autobiography.
What are the books that have had the most impact on your life today and why are they your favorite books?
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