5 Books Every Project Manager Should Read

Once you have taken on the role of project manager, it can be easy to let the opportunities for expanding your knowledge base through project management books pass you by. Unfortunately, this means you could be missing out on valuable lessons and information for increasing your efficiency and skills.

Although you must ensure your workers and projects meet deadlines and produce positive results, you still have a duty to discover more about your field on your own. If nothing else, you should have these five books within your reach for reviewing solutions to potential problems and encouraging your own self-fulfillment in your field.

A Project Management Book Collection Is Incomplete Without These 5 Books

1. Project Management For Dummies

Some may argue the style of the “For Dummies” series is inept and incoherent. However, Project Management For Dummies teaches you to look at all the sides of a problem before selecting a solution. Since the book is written in a simple style, it won’t stress you out or make you want to stop reading. With this book by your side, you can relax while refreshing your project management skills.

2. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: Fifth Edition

If you need a comprehensive project management book, you need A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: Fifth Edition. This book contains detailed examples of the major issues surrounding project management. From construction to oil and gas industry project management, this book offers comprehensive advice and education on furthering your skills as a project manager.

3. PMP Certification All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies

With the rise in credibility and popularity of obtaining PMP certification for project managers, the PMP Certification All-in-One For Dummies has become the go-to preparation book. This book contains detailed explanations of all the major concepts on the examination. Furthermore, you will find practice questions and answer keys to sample tests within this book.

4. Project Management Life: Just Enough to Get the Job Done…Nothing More

When you are thrust into the spotlight of project management, it can be terrifying and overwhelming. Some project managers may have no desire to ever work in this role again. If you are an interim project manager, you need this book in your collection. This book begins with the basics of project management and explains your role as a novice project manager. It keeps you from becoming so focused on learning about the field that you forget to maintain your duties as a project manager.

5. Project Management JumpStart: Third Edition

Written in a clear, concise way, Project Management JumpStart: Third Edition provides insights into how project management continues to change as the demand for highly-skilled project managers continues to grow. This book explains the complexities of risk analysis with a fully updated section on project management methods and best practices. This book is a necessity for a project manager who wants to stay ahead of the learning curve of experience.

Avoid the temptation to let your skills lax and become outdated by staying current with the latest and best project management books. Whether you are a novice project manager or an experienced career project manager, you need these five books.

Key Takeaway

• Project Management for Dummies and PMP Certification All-in-One For Dummies make excellent reference books for your career in project management.
• A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: Fifth Edition is designed for career project managers who want a comprehensive collection of insights and resources for project management.
• If you are a novice project manager or you are a temporary project manager, Project Management Life and Project Management JumpStart will help you understand and take control of your role as project manager.