The 17 Best Business Psychology Books
Delving into books about business psychology is a journey into understanding human behavior—a crucial element for success in any field, but especially in customer-facing roles.
From case studies grounded in decades of research to the latest in organizational psychology, these great books cover a spectrum of knowledge.
But, they're not just books; they're tools for enhancing well-being, refining strategies, and understanding the different dynamics at play in the modern business world. I've added these to my wish list, and I recommend you do the same.
17 Best Business Psychology Books Shortlist
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
- Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
- Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious by Timothy Wilson
- Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
- Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
- Stumbling on Happiness by Dan Gilbert
- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
- Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
- The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Overviews Of The 17 Best Business Psychology Books
Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote I like from the book. I added the author’s LinkedIn and other places to connect with them online.
1. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Summary:
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman explores the dual systems that drive our thought processes: the fast, intuitive System 1, and the slower, more deliberative System 2. Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economics, delves into how these systems influence our judgments and decisions, often leading to biases and errors.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into the workings of the human mind, understanding the interplay between the brain's intuitive and logical parts, and how this impacts decision-making and judgment.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for anyone interested in psychology, economics, or decision-making, offering a deeper understanding of cognitive processes and how they affect our daily lives.
Quote From The Book:
"Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it."
About The Author:
Daniel Kahneman is a renowned psychologist and economist, recognized for his extensive work in the field of behavioral economics. You can also check his Amazon bio.
2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Summary:
"Drive" by Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional notions about motivation, revealing that the true drivers are autonomy, mastery, and purpose, rather than external rewards.
What You'll Learn:
Discover a new perspective on motivation, emphasizing the importance of internal drivers over external incentives in work and life.
Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for anyone looking to understand and harness intrinsic motivation in both personal and professional settings.
Quote From The Book:
"The best use of money as a motivator is to pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table."
About The Author:
Daniel H. Pink is a renowned author and expert on motivation and business. Engage with his insights on LinkedIn, follow his latest thoughts on Twitter, or discover more on his company website.
3. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Summary:
"Influence" by Robert B. Cialdini explores the psychology of why people say "yes" and how to apply these principles in persuasion and marketing.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about the six universal principles of persuasion and how to use them to become a skilled persuader.
Why You Should Read It:
Essential for those in marketing, sales, or anyone interested in the ethical application of persuasion techniques.
Quote From The Book:
"People will do things for you if you do small things for them first."
About The Author:
Robert B. Cialdini is a celebrated psychologist and a leading authority on influence. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or explore his work on his company website.
4. Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
Summary:
In "Predictably Irrational," Dan Ariely uncovers the unexpected and often irrational forces that shape our decisions, revealing that our reasoning is not as logical as we might think.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into the mechanisms behind irrational behaviors in economic and personal decisions, offering a fresh perspective on human nature and decision-making.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand behavioral economics and the hidden influences on our choices, both in business and personal life.
Quote From The Book:
"We are pawns in a game whose forces we largely fail to comprehend."
About The Author:
Dan Ariely is a renowned behavioral economist and a prolific author. Connect with him on LinkedIn, follow his insights on Twitter, or explore his work further on his blog.
5. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Summary:
"Switch" by Chip and Dan Heath tackles the challenges of change, providing strategies to effect transformative change in organizations, communities, and personal lives.
What You'll Learn:
Discover effective ways to drive change by addressing both the rational and emotional aspects, making it easier to achieve lasting transformations.
Why You Should Read It:
Essential for leaders, managers, and individuals seeking practical, research-backed strategies for driving positive change in complex environments.
Quote From The Book:
"For things to change, somebody somewhere has to start acting differently."
About The Author:
Chip and Dan Heath are acclaimed authors and educators. Explore more about their works on their Amazon portfolio: Chip and Dan, and explore their website.
6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Summary:
Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a timeless guide on effective communication, interpersonal skills, and the art of influencing others.
What You'll Learn:
Master the principles of building strong relationships, persuading others, and becoming a more influential and empathetic communicator.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a cornerstone for anyone in leadership, sales, or any role that requires effective communication and influence.
Quote From The Book:
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
About The Author:
Dale Carnegie was a pioneer in public speaking and personality development.
7. Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious by Timothy Wilson
Summary:
Timothy Wilson's "Strangers to Ourselves" delves into the adaptive unconscious, the part of our mind that influences judgments, feelings, and behaviors without our conscious awareness.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into how the adaptive unconscious shapes our everyday actions, decisions, and interpersonal relationships.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is crucial for anyone interested in understanding the hidden aspects of their psyche and the psychological underpinnings of human behavior.
Quote From The Book:
"Our conscious mind is the tip of the iceberg."
About The Author:
Timothy Wilson is a prominent psychologist known for his work on the adaptive unconscious. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
8. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Summary:
In "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell explores what makes high-achievers different, suggesting that successful people are more the beneficiaries of specific, sometimes extraordinary, circumstances than just their innate talent.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the various external factors that contribute to success, from cultural legacies to timing and sheer luck.
Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for anyone looking to understand the complex tapestry of factors that lead to extraordinary success in various fields.
Quote From The Book:
"Success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities."
About The Author:
Malcolm Gladwell is a renowned journalist and author, known for his unique perspective on psychology and sociology. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
9. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Summary:
"Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell investigates the power of quick, intuitive judgment, examining how we can make decisions rapidly and effectively by using a process he calls "thin-slicing."
What You'll Learn:
Learn about the power and pitfalls of rapid cognition and how we can hone our ability to make quick, yet accurate, judgments.
Why You Should Read It:
Essential reading for anyone interested in the psychology of decision-making and the complex processes behind our snap judgments.
Quote From The Book:
"The key to good decision-making is not knowledge. It is understanding."
About The Author:
Malcolm Gladwell is a bestselling author and thought leader in psychology and sociology. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
10. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Summary:
Charles Duhigg's "The Power of Habit" explores the science of habit formation in our lives, companies, and societies, revealing how habits work and how they can be transformed.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the key factors in creating and changing habits, both personal and organizational, and the profound impact they have on our lives and work.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is crucial for anyone looking to break bad habits, form good ones, and understand the role of habits in business and personal success.
Quote From The Book:
"Change might not be fast and it isn't always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped."
About The Author:
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author specializing in habits and productivity. Connect with his professional work on LinkedIn, follow his insights on Twitter, or explore more on his personal website.
11. Stumbling on Happiness by Dan Gilbert
Summary:
In "Stumbling on Happiness," Dan Gilbert explores the nature of happiness and why our expectations and assumptions about what will make us happy often lead us astray.
What You'll Learn:
Learn about the psychology of happiness, how we perceive future happiness, and why our predictions about happiness often don’t align with reality.
Why You Should Read It:
Perfect for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human happiness and the psychological processes behind our pursuit of it.
Quote From The Book:
"Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they're finished."
About The Author:
Dan Gilbert is a renowned psychologist and expert on happiness. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
12. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
Summary:
Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" examines how great leaders inspire action by focusing on the 'why' behind their actions, rather than the 'what' or 'how'.
What You'll Learn:
Discover the importance of understanding and communicating the core motivations behind ideas, movements, or businesses to inspire and lead effectively.
Why You Should Read It:
Essential for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to inspire and motivate themselves or others, whether in business or personal life.
Quote From The Book:
"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."
About The Author:
Simon Sinek is a motivational speaker and leadership guru. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or explore more on his company website.
13. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Summary:
Daniel Goleman's "Emotional Intelligence" argues that emotional intelligence – skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills – can be more important than IQ in determining personal and professional success.
What You'll Learn:
Explore the facets of emotional intelligence and how they impact every aspect of life, including personal relationships and career development.
Why You Should Read It:
Crucial for anyone looking to understand the power of emotions in shaping our lives and learn how to manage them effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"Emotional intelligence does not mean merely 'being nice.' At strategic moments it may demand not 'being nice,' but rather, for example, bluntly confronting someone with an uncomfortable but consequential truth they've been avoiding."
About The Author:
Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and author specializing in emotional intelligence. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or explore more on his company website.
14. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
Summary:
In "The Tipping Point," Malcolm Gladwell explores how small actions at the right time, place, and with the right people can create a 'tipping point' for anything from a trend to social behavior, leading to significant change.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the factors that cause some ideas, products, messages, and behaviors to become widespread and why others do not.
Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for marketers, business leaders, and anyone interested in the dynamics of social change and influence.
Quote From The Book:
"The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire."
About The Author:
Malcolm Gladwell is a celebrated author and journalist, known for his unique insights into sociology, psychology, and social psychology. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio
15. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Summary:
Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" discusses women's challenges in achieving leadership roles and offers advice on negotiation, mentorship, and building a satisfying career.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into how women can achieve their full potential in the workplace, and how everyone can contribute to a more equitable business environment.
Why You Should Read It:
A vital read for women pursuing leadership roles and for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of gender in the professional world.
Quote From The Book:
"Leadership belongs to those who take it."
About The Author:
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and a renowned advocate for women in leadership. Engage with her on LinkedIn.
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16. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
Summary:
Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" provides a holistic approach to personal and professional effectiveness by integrating timeless principles into seven habits.
What You'll Learn:
Discover the seven habits that can transform your life, leading to greater productivity, improved communication, and strengthened relationships.
Why You Should Read It:
Essential for anyone seeking personal development, effective leadership skills, and a more impactful life.
Quote From The Book:
"But until a person can say deeply and honestly, 'I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,' that person cannot say, 'I choose otherwise.'"
About The Author:
Stephen R. Covey was a renowned leadership authority, organizational expert, and author.
17. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Summary:
Susan Cain's "Quiet" champions the power of introverts in a world that overly values extroversion, exploring how introverts think, work, and lead.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the strengths of introverts and how they can thrive in personal and professional settings, often overshadowed by a preference for extroversion.
Why You Should Read It:
A must-read for introverts seeking to leverage their unique qualities and for extroverts and leaders looking to understand and empower the introverts around them.
Quote From The Book:
"There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas."
About The Author:
Susan Cain is a speaker, a co-founder of Quiet Revolution, and an advocate for introverts. Engage with her on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter, or explore more at her company website.
Which Business Psychology Books Do You Recommend?
I hope this list has provided you with valuable insights and resources. If there are any impactful books on business psychology that I may have missed, please feel free to share your suggestions in the comments! Your input can help enrich this collection and benefit all readers in their pursuit of knowledge and growth.