What Are the Best Lesser-Known Project Management Books?

TL;DR

Explore six insightful project management books that are often overlooked yet provide valuable lessons and perspectives. From case studies to methodologies, these recommendations aim to enhance your project management skills and understanding of strategic execution.

Transcript

over the last few months i have got to know a great new project management youtuber called stuart taylor and his channel is called the influential pmo there stewart offers his thoughts about project management almost every day his videos are short and to the point and they mostly feel like you're sitting across a table chatting with a colleague who... Read More

Key Insights

• 💼 "Business Driven PMO Success Stories" highlights the value of case studies in understanding PMO challenges and successes.
• 👷 "Skyscraper" offers project management insights through the story of a construction manager, encompassing politics, finances, and human narratives.
• 😤 "Lean versus Agile versus Design Thinking" emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptation when implementing different methodologies within digital product teams.
• 🌉 "Filling Execution Gaps" focuses on bridging the gaps between corporate strategy and project delivery, providing comprehensive solutions from various angles.
• 📽️ "Learning Lessons from Projects" provides a practical approach to capturing and applying project lessons, emphasizing continuous improvement.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of "Business Driven PMO Success Stories" by Mark Price Perry?

The book primarily focuses on case studies from various PMOs, showcasing the challenges and strategies employed by PMO leaders to deliver successful projects and portfolios.

Q: What can readers expect from "Skyscraper: The Making of a Building" by Carl Saba?

While not specifically a project management book, "Skyscraper" offers insights into project management through the lens of a construction manager's journey in building a skyscraper, covering aspects such as politics, finances, and human stories.

Q: What sets "Lean versus Agile versus Design Thinking" by Jeff Gothelf apart from other books on methodologies?

Unlike other books that promote a single methodology, this book acknowledges the challenges and contradictions that arise when implementing different methodologies within digital product teams, providing insights into reconciling conflicts and adapting approaches.

Q: What makes "Filling Execution Gaps" by Todd Williams a valuable read for experienced project managers?

This book delves into the overlap between corporate strategy and project delivery, focusing on six gaps, including linear thinking, executive sponsorship, and effective governance, providing comprehensive ideas and solutions to elevate project management practice.

Q: How does "Learning Lessons from Projects" by Ken Burrell address the common issue of neglecting lesson capture in projects?

The book offers a practical framework for capturing, analyzing, and applying lessons learned, utilizing tips, case studies, and engaging content to emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in project management.

Q: What distinguishes the project managers featured in "Alpha Project Managers" by Andy Crow?

The book showcases the interview findings of exceptional project managers, providing insight into the unique qualities and strategies that differentiate them from the average project manager, making it a valuable read for those aspiring to excel in project management.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Stuart Taylor recommends "Business Driven PMO Success Stories" by Mark Price Perry, a book that features case studies from various organizations and highlights the challenges and outcomes of delivering projects and portfolios.

• Influential PMO recommends "Skyscraper: The Making of a Building" by Carl Saba, which provides insights into project management through the construction manager's perspective, covering not only project management but also aspects of politics, finances, and human stories.

• Stuart Taylor recommends "Lean versus Agile versus Design Thinking" by Jeff Gothelf, a book that explores the challenges and conflicts that arise when implementing different methodologies within digital product teams and encourages adaptability and flexibility in approach.

• Influential PMO recommends "Filling Execution Gaps" by Todd Williams, a book that focuses on strategic project management and explores six gaps between corporate strategy and project delivery, offering ideas, insights, and solutions to bridge those gaps.

• Stuart Taylor recommends "Learning Lessons from Projects" by Ken Burrell, a practical book that emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement through a framework of experience reflection, capture, storage, retrieval, and application.

• Influential PMO recommends "Alpha Project Managers" by Andy Crow, a book that analyzes the findings from interviews with top-performing project managers and their sponsors, highlighting their unique approaches and providing valuable insights for aspiring project managers.