Product management is a crucial aspect of any business that deals with the development and marketing of products. It involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of a product, from its inception to its launch and beyond. Product managers are responsible for identifying customer needs, conducting market research, developing product strategies, and working with cross-functional teams to bring products to market.
One of the most critical skills a product manager must possess is the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in their field. This is where product management books come in. These books offer valuable insights into the product development process, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice.
In this article, we will be discussing the best product management books on the market today. We have spent countless hours researching and testing these books to identify the ones that provide the most value to product managers. Whether you’re a seasoned product manager or just starting in the field, these books are sure to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
When selecting a product management book, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and goals. Some books focus on specific aspects of product management, such as product strategy or product development, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of the entire product management process. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the author’s credentials and experience in the field. By choosing the right product management book, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your role and take your products to the next level.
Top 3 Best Product Management Books
2. Swipe to Unlock: The Primer on Technology and Business Strategy
3. Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a product manager, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and strategies is crucial to your success. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best product management books to help you sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these books will provide valuable insights and actionable advice to help you take your product management skills to the next level. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best product management books on the market.
Product Management’s Sacred Seven: The Skills Required to Crush Product Manager Interviews and be a World-Class PM
We highly recommend purchasing Product Management’s Sacred Seven as it is an exceptional book that provides valuable insights on product management skills and interviews.
Pros
- The book provides comprehensive knowledge on product management skills required to excel in interviews and become a world-class PM.
- The authors have used a simple and easy-to-understand language, making it a great read for product managers of all levels.
- The book includes various frameworks and mental models that help in building great products and passing interviews.
Cons
- The book is lengthy, with 685 pages, which may be overwhelming for some readers.
- The book only provides a surface-level understanding of some topics, and readers may need to refer to other sources for a deeper understanding.
- The book may not be suitable for those looking for a quick read or a step-by-step guide.
Product Management’s Sacred Seven is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their product management skills and excel in interviews. The book covers a wide range of topics, including product strategy, design, development, and launch. It also provides valuable insights into the interview process and includes tips and tricks for acing product manager interviews.
The authors have done an excellent job of simplifying complex topics and using real-world examples to illustrate their points. The book includes various frameworks and mental models that help readers think better about building great products and passing interviews.
Overall, we highly recommend Product Management’s Sacred Seven to anyone looking to take their product management skills to the next level. While the book may be lengthy, it is well worth the read, and readers are sure to come away with valuable insights and knowledge.
Swipe to Unlock: The Primer on Technology and Business Strategy
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to the technology industry, Swipe to Unlock is an excellent choice. This book is authored by Neel Mehta, Aditya Agashe, and Parth Detroja, and it provides an in-depth exploration of the technology industry, covering topics ranging from the evolution of smartphones to the impact of artificial intelligence on businesses.
Pros
- Provides a clear and concise overview of the technology industry
- Well-written case studies that help readers understand different perspectives towards the tech industry
- Easy-to-understand explanations and case studies that are accessible to everyone
Cons
- The book could be more comprehensive
- The material on how to land a PM job is relatively brief
- Some readers may find the book too basic if they already have a background in the tech industry
In Swipe to Unlock, the authors provide a detailed and insightful analysis of the technology industry, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. The book is divided into three parts, with each part focusing on a different aspect of the technology industry.
In Part One, the authors provide an overview of the technology industry, covering topics such as the history of computing, the evolution of smartphones, and the rise of social media. Part Two focuses on the business side of technology, exploring topics such as how technology companies make money, the role of venture capital in the industry, and the impact of regulation on tech companies. Finally, Part Three looks at the future of technology, examining topics such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet of things.
Overall, Swipe to Unlock is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the technology industry. The book is well-written, easy to understand, and provides a comprehensive overview of the industry. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, Swipe to Unlock is definitely worth checking out.
Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to product management, Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide is a solid choice. It’s a concise book that covers all the essential aspects of product development and lifecycle management.
Pros
- The book is well-organized and easy to follow. It’s broken down into bite-sized chapters that cover specific topics related to product management.
- The author, Kevin Brennan, is an experienced product manager who has worked with several successful startups. He shares his real-world insights and practical advice throughout the book.
- The book is written in a clear and concise style that makes it easy to understand even for those new to product management.
Cons
- At only 155 pages, the book is relatively short and doesn’t go into great depth on any particular topic. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide to a specific aspect of product management, you may need to supplement this book with additional resources.
- The book is geared towards those who are new to product management. If you’re an experienced product manager, you may find the content to be too basic.
- The book doesn’t cover some of the more advanced topics in product management, such as product analytics or growth hacking.
In the first few chapters, the book covers the basics of product management, including how to define your product vision, identify your target market, and create a product roadmap. It then delves into the product development process, including how to conduct user research, prioritize features, and work with cross-functional teams.
One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on the importance of customer feedback in the product development process. The author stresses the need to continually gather feedback from customers and use it to inform product decisions.
Another useful aspect of the book is the author’s focus on the importance of metrics in product management. He provides practical advice on how to identify the right metrics to measure and how to use them to make data-driven decisions.
Overall, Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide is a solid choice for anyone looking for a concise, practical guide to product management. While it may not be the most in-depth resource available, it provides a great foundation for those new to the field.
Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Silicon Valley Product Group)
We highly recommend purchasing “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love” if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to product management.
Pros
- Provides a clear overview of product management
- Offers practical advice on how to create successful tech products
- Written by an experienced product manager
Cons
- May not be applicable to all industries
- Some concepts may be too basic for experienced product managers
- Some readers may find the writing style too informal
The book covers everything from product strategy to product development and delivery. It is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand even for those who are new to product management. The author, Marty Cagan, draws on his years of experience working in Silicon Valley to provide practical advice on how to create successful tech products.
One of the strengths of the book is that it provides a clear overview of product management, making it a great resource for those who are just starting out in the field. It also offers practical advice on how to create successful tech products, including how to conduct user research, how to prioritize features, and how to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
While the book is primarily focused on product management in the tech industry, some of the concepts may not be applicable to all industries. Additionally, some experienced product managers may find that some of the concepts covered in the book are too basic for their needs. Finally, some readers may find the writing style too informal for their liking.
Overall, we highly recommend “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love” for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to product management. It is a valuable resource for both new and experienced product managers alike.
Product Management For Dummies
If you’re looking for a book that covers all the basics of product management, then Product Management For Dummies is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive overview of product management
- Easy to read and understand
- Written by experienced product managers
Cons
- May not be suitable for experienced product managers
- Some sections may feel repetitive
- Lacks in-depth analysis of certain topics
Product Management For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone who is new to product management. The book covers all the basics of product management, including product strategy, product development, and product marketing. It is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand even for those who have no prior experience in product management.
One of the best things about this book is that it provides a comprehensive overview of product management. It covers all the essential topics that product managers need to know, including how to define a product vision, how to develop a product roadmap, and how to launch a product. The book also includes practical tips and advice on how to manage stakeholders, how to work with cross-functional teams, and how to measure the success of a product.
Another great thing about Product Management For Dummies is that it is easy to read and understand. The authors have done an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into simple and easy-to-understand language. The book is also well-organized, with each chapter building upon the previous one, making it easy to follow along.
However, this book may not be suitable for experienced product managers who are looking for more in-depth analysis of certain topics. Some sections may feel repetitive, and there are a few areas where the book could have gone into more detail.
Overall, if you’re new to product management and looking for a comprehensive overview of the field, then Product Management For Dummies is an excellent choice.
Product Management in Practice (2nd Edition)
If you’re looking for a practical guide to product management, then Product Management in Practice (2nd Edition) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Practical and actionable advice for product managers
- Offers a realistic view of the product management role
- Provides insights into managing stakeholders
Cons
- May not be suitable for experienced product managers
- Some readers found the book to be too basic
- Some of the content may be repetitive for those familiar with product management
As a product manager, I found this book to be a great resource for practical advice and insights into the role of a product manager. The book offers a realistic view of the product management role and provides actionable advice on how to succeed as a product manager.
The book covers a range of topics, including product strategy, user research, and managing stakeholders. One of the standout chapters for me was the one on managing stakeholders, which provided practical tips for navigating the complex relationships that product managers often have to manage.
While the book is aimed at those new to product management, I think it could also be useful for more experienced product managers who are looking for a refresher on the basics. That being said, some readers may find the content to be too basic, especially if they are already familiar with product management concepts.
Overall, I would recommend Product Management in Practice (2nd Edition) to anyone looking for a practical and actionable guide to product management. The book provides valuable insights into the role of a product manager and offers practical advice for succeeding in the role.
Productize: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Professional Services into Scalable Products
If you’re a service provider looking to scale your business, Productize: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Professional Services into Scalable Products is a must-read.
Pros
- Provides practical frameworks for turning services into scalable products.
- Offers clear guidance and steps for productization.
- Includes a toolkit to help you develop a productization strategy.
Cons
- Some readers may find the information too basic.
- The book assumes a certain level of familiarity with product management.
- The section on generating product ideas is relatively short.
In this book, Eisha Armstrong and the team at Vecteris provide a clear roadmap for transforming your professional services business into a scalable and sustainable product-based business. The book is written in simple language and provides proven frameworks for productization.
The authors offer practical guidance on how to transition from a service-based business to a product-based business, including how to identify your target audience, how to develop a product roadmap, and how to launch your product. The book also includes a toolkit that you can use to develop your own productization strategy.
While some readers may find the information too basic, the book is a great starting point for service providers looking to scale their business. The section on generating product ideas is relatively short, but it does provide a list of questions to help you brainstorm ideas.
Overall, if you’re a service provider looking to scale your business, Productize is a valuable resource that provides practical guidance and proven frameworks for turning your services into scalable products.
Agile Product Management with Scrum: Creating Products that Customers Love
If you’re looking to learn more about Agile product management with Scrum, this book can be a great resource.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of the Product Owner role within Scrum
- Gives tips and describes the activities the role performs
- Includes a section on common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Cons
- Focused on the Product Owner’s role and not the whole spectrum of Product Management
- Doesn’t go into detail about certain things that some readers may want
- Refactors Agile and Scrum content available in many other publications
This book is ideal for beginners who want to get a big picture of what the Product Owner role is about. It’s informative and provides a lot of insights from the product management perspective. Roman Pichler starts the book by describing the characteristics of a Product Owner, the Product Owner interactions with the team, ScrumMaster, and stakeholders. He also writes some words about scaling the role in large projects.
The book is comprehensive about the Product Owner role within Scrum. The author provides some do’s and don’ts for the Product Owner role. The book also includes a section on common pitfalls that Product Owners face and how to avoid them.
However, the book is focused on the Product Owner’s role and not the whole spectrum of Product Management. It doesn’t go into detail about certain things that some readers may want. Also, some readers may find that the book refactors Agile and Scrum content available in many other publications.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a resource that provides a comprehensive understanding of the Product Owner role within Scrum, this book is a great choice. It’s informative, easy to read, and provides a lot of insights. However, if you’re looking for a book that covers the whole spectrum of Product Management, you may want to look for other resources.
Agile Project Management with Scrum (Developer Best Practices)
If you are looking for a concise guide to Agile Project Management, Agile Project Management with Scrum is a solid choice.
Pros
- Provides a clear and concise explanation of Scrum methodology
- Offers practical guidance on how to implement Scrum in your projects
- Contains real-world examples and case studies
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too basic or too narrowly focused on Scrum
- The book could benefit from more visual aids and diagrams
- The case studies may not be relevant to all readers
This book is an excellent introduction to Scrum, especially for those who are new to Agile project management. The author provides a clear and concise explanation of the Scrum methodology, including its principles, roles, and processes. The book also offers practical guidance on how to implement Scrum in your projects, including how to plan sprints, conduct daily stand-ups, and manage the product backlog.
One of the strengths of Agile Project Management with Scrum is its use of real-world examples and case studies. The author draws on his own experience to illustrate how Scrum can be applied in different contexts, such as software development, marketing, and event planning. The case studies provide valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of using Scrum in practice.
However, some readers may find the book too basic or too narrowly focused on Scrum. The book does not cover other Agile methodologies, such as Kanban or Lean, and may not be suitable for readers who are already familiar with Scrum. Additionally, the book could benefit from more visual aids and diagrams to help readers understand the concepts and processes.
In summary, Agile Project Management with Scrum is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Scrum and how to implement it in their projects. The book provides clear and practical guidance, backed up by real-world examples and case studies. If you are new to Agile project management or looking to improve your Scrum skills, this book is worth checking out.
Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive
We highly recommend purchasing Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive by Dr. Robert Handfield and Tom Linton for anyone interested in supply chain management. This book provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to optimize your supply chain for success.
Pros
- The authors provide real-world examples and case studies to illustrate their concepts, making it easy to understand and apply to your own business.
- The book covers a wide range of topics, including risk management, sustainability, and digital transformation, making it a comprehensive guide to supply chain management.
- The writing is clear and concise, making it easy to read and follow along.
Cons
- The book is relatively new, so there are not many reviews or ratings available yet.
- Some readers may find the book too focused on theory and not practical enough for their needs.
- The book is geared towards larger businesses and may not be as relevant to smaller businesses or startups.
In Flow, the authors stress the importance of creating a resilient and agile supply chain that can adapt to changing market conditions and disruptions. They provide practical advice on how to achieve this, including strategies for managing risk, building strong relationships with suppliers, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and visibility.
The book also covers topics such as sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility, making it a valuable resource for businesses looking to improve their environmental and social impact. Overall, we believe that Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive is an essential read for anyone involved in supply chain management, and we highly recommend it.
Product Manager Book: A New Look at Product Management: Modern Approaches and Best Practices for Today’s Business World
If you’re looking for a concise and practical guide to product management, this book is a great choice. It offers modern approaches and best practices that you can apply in today’s business world.
Pros
- Provides a detailed structure on how to approach your product
- Helps you understand the goal of product management better
- Offers significant insights for anyone who wants to research and learn about product management
Cons
- Reads like a children’s book
- Font is very large and the book is only 83 pages long
- Some readers may find the content too basic
This book is a great resource for new product managers who want to gain a fundamental understanding of what a PM does. It walks you through each part of the product development cycle and includes a variety of resources.
The author does an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language. The book is also well-organized, making it easy to navigate and find the information you need.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and practical guide to product management, this book is a great choice. It’s concise, easy to read, and provides valuable insights that you can apply in your own work.
The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager
If you are looking for a practical guide to become a great product manager in a tech company, then The Product Book is an excellent choice. It covers everything you need to know to start as a product manager, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the field.
Pros
- Practical guide for aspiring product managers
- Covers the role of a product manager from top to bottom
- Provides deep dives into relevant sections that you can explore further outside the book
Cons
- Lacks an index, making it difficult to use for quick reference
- Some readers may find the material too basic
- The blue text used throughout the book can be hard to read for some people
The book is well-structured and builds a solid foundation for a career in product management. It takes the reader through a logical progression, starting with the basics and building upon ideas to help you grow your skills in the field. The book covers the product environment and general and non-controversial tools that every product manager should be aware of and probably using.
One of the strengths of The Product Book is that it provides practical advice on how to be a successful product manager. It covers the role of a product manager from top to bottom, including how to work with cross-functional teams, how to develop a product roadmap, and how to measure success. The book also provides deep dives into relevant sections that you can explore further outside the book.
However, some readers may find the material too basic, especially if they already have experience in product management. Additionally, the lack of an index makes it difficult to use the book for quick reference.
Overall, The Product Book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in becoming a product manager in a tech company. It provides a practical guide to the role, with plenty of advice on how to be successful. If you are looking to grow your skills in the field, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best product management book, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your selection:
Content
First and foremost, consider the content of the book. Look for books that cover a wide range of topics in product management, from ideation to launch to ongoing development. The best books will provide actionable advice and real-world examples that you can apply to your own work.
Author
The author of the book is also an important factor to consider. Look for authors who have experience in product management and have a track record of success. You can also check the author’s credentials and read reviews of their previous work to get a sense of their expertise.
Format
Consider the format of the book as well. Some books are more focused on theory and may be more academic in nature, while others are more practical and offer step-by-step guidance. Think about what type of format would be most helpful to you based on your own learning style and goals.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for books that offer a good balance of value and affordability.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find the best product management book for your needs and take your skills to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly recommended product management books for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love” by Marty Cagan and “Cracking the PM Interview: How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology” by Gayle McDowell. These books provide a solid foundation for understanding product management concepts and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
What are the top 10 product management books of all time?
The top 10 product management books of all time are “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love” by Marty Cagan, “The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback” by Dan Olsen, “Cracking the PM Interview: How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology” by Gayle McDowell, “The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager” by Product School, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products” by Nir Eyal, “Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days” by Jake Knapp, “The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” by Clayton M. Christensen, “Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling High-Tech Products to Mainstream Customers” by Geoffrey A. Moore, “The Art of Product Management: Lessons from a Silicon Valley Innovator” by Rich Mironov, and “Product Leadership: How Top Product Managers Launch Awesome Products and Build Successful Teams” by Richard Banfield, Martin Eriksson, and Nate Walkingshaw.
Where can I find a PDF version of The Product Book?
Unfortunately, we do not recommend downloading or sharing PDF versions of “The Product Book: How to Become a Great Product Manager” by Product School. The book is copyrighted and we encourage readers to purchase a legal copy to support the author and publisher.
What are the key areas of focus in product management?
The key areas of focus in product management include market research, product strategy, product development, product launch, and product lifecycle management. These areas encompass everything from identifying customer needs and market opportunities to developing and launching successful products that meet those needs.
What are the different levels of product management?
The different levels of product management include associate product manager, product manager, senior product manager, group product manager, director of product management, and vice president of product management. Each level has increasing levels of responsibility and requires a different set of skills and experience.
What are the 5 P’s of product management and how do they apply to the best product management books?
The 5 P’s of product management are product, price, promotion, place, and people. These elements are critical for developing and launching successful products. The best product management books incorporate these principles and provide practical advice on how to apply them in real-world scenarios. By understanding the 5 P’s of product management, readers can develop a comprehensive product strategy that addresses all aspects of the product lifecycle.