One of the biggest topics in the last few years with regards to business is undoubtedly innovation. As such, there are many hundreds and even thousands of books published on a yearly basis covering innovation in some form, whether it is the topic as a whole or specific area of innovation. With so many resources out there and so many different books to choose from, it can be hard to pick out a few that you should give your time and energy towards reading. However, in the following post, our team here at DotCom Magazine have decided to make things a little easier for you, but highlighting the top five, or at least five of the best, in our opinion, of the great books about innovation out right now.
Verizon Untethered by Ivan Seidenberg and Scott McMurray
As you would imagine, this book is all about the history of Verizon. Verizon and their management/leadership team stand out as unique form many others in operation today because of their drive to always put the company first and the individual second. Although that may seem like an old-fashioned and hopeless notion in the age of selfies and the me-first attitude, it is a trait that many boards of directors and leaders in most industries should learn more about and consider embracing.
Innovation Nation: The Hidden Truth of How the Government Drives Change by Taylor Fitzgerald
In this book you learn about how the US Federal Government helped in the creation of some of the greatest innovations of the last century. From private equity partnerships to startups and more, Taylor Fitzgerald explores how our modernization culture and dynamic change was encouraged by the government. It can be hard to create an environment where innovation is possible, but it can happen. The book also discusses how the best practices, partnerships and propritary programs of the leading experts in the world on organizational change and innovation all make this happen.
Fluid: How Culture, Hidden Opportunities, and Flatter Structures Lead to Profitable Innovation by Najeeb Khan
In this fascinating book by Najeeb Khan, you will learn about creating a culture of innovation for your own company, getting a profitable return on that innovation and how to spot hidden competitors. It also highlights how competition has changed in nature, taking a historical look at the Mongol Dynasty and how it innovated when creating its empire.
Quirky: The Remarkable Story of the Traits, Foibles, and Genius of Breakthrough Innovators Who Changed the World by Melissa A. Schilling
This is a great read that looks at many of the biggest names in history that qualify as innovators and how they changed the world. Specifically, it looks at what made them especially gifted and inventive. Melissa A. Schilling is one of the leading innovation experts in the world who looks at seven of the most renowned and creative geniuses the world has ever seen – Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Marie Curie, Nicola Tesla, Dean Kamen, Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein. She looks at them and discusses the quirks and traits that they had that led to their breakthrough innovations, it looks beyond mere intellect and identifies things like the high level of social detachment they all had and the maniacal and extreme faith they had that they could always overcome their obstacles.
Boom! Deciphering Innovation: How Disruption Drives Companies to Transform or Die by Lisa Hendrickson and Jim Colwick
This interesting read highlights how leaders can push transformation and innovation, the nature of innovation and the disruptive landscape. It provides future-ready strategies for companies too.
