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Research Centre

Must-Read Management Books for 2026: Building the Mindset of Future Leaders

By
Saurabh Paradkar
December 28, 2025

In a business world that is changing fast and is under the influence of AI, global uncertainty, and new workplace cultures, management students and professionals must go beyond textbooks. Reading the right management books can create one’s strategic thinking, leadership maturity and even the power of decision making, which are the cornerstones of the corporate world.

These management books are the best companions to MBA and PGDM students who are going to take the lead in 2026 and later. They offer valuable insights into strategy, innovation, people management, and personal growth. At IES MCRC, reading beyond the prescribed books is strongly encouraged to develop a comprehensive managerial viewpoint.

Reasons Why Management Students Should Go Beyond the Syllabus in Reading

Management education is a blend of theory and practice - an exploration of the very nature of business. People-centric and market-oriented books written by famous leaders, researchers, and thinkers expose students to real world business challenges, failures, and successes.

By reading business management books students are able to foster critical thinking, communication and comprehension of the leadership differences that exist across the industries. Additionally, learners can make more and deeper connections between the theory taught in the classroom and the practical application, which is a key area of focus for the best management colleges in Mumbai.

Essential Management Books to Read in 2026

1. The Thinking Machine - Stephen Witt

With the growing dependence on AI in the business world, this book provides a deep yet accessible understanding of machine intelligence is shaping decision making. In terms of management students, it shows the technological impact on leadership, corporate strategy, and the structure of organisations.

2. Good Strategy Bad Strategy - Richard Rumelt

Those who want to have a clear view of the strategy must read this book at least once. This book helps students differentiate between superficial goals and actionable strategies which is an essential skill for future managers and consultants.

3. Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek

The book discusses and provides guidance on leadership built on trust, empathy, and patience. It is particularly a great help for students from HR, operations, and management who wish to be team leaders in stressful situations.

4. The Culture Code - Daniel Coyle

With organisations focusing more on workplace culture and employee engagement, this book explains how high-performing teams are built. It’s an insightful read for students interested in organisational behavior and people management.

5. Atomic Habits - James Clear

Atomic Habits is not a management book per se, but the book is priceless when it comes to the key managers’ traits of self-control, efficiency, and personal development, which every successful manager must master anyway.

6. Measure What Matters - John Doerr

With the introduction of the OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) by the author, this book is used by the companies such as Google and Intel. It makes it easy for management students to comprehend the performance evaluation and coordination of the goals in the context of the modern business world.

How These Books Support MBA and PGDM Learning

For students pursuing an MBA or PGDM, management books strengthen conceptual clarity while improving practical application. They help students perform better in case studies, group discussions, interviews, and leadership roles during internships and placements.

At IES MCRC, students are encouraged to engage with such literature to build industry readiness, strategic awareness, and ethical leadership values - key outcomes of quality management education.

Management books shape how future leaders think, decide, and act. In 2026, as industries become more dynamic and leadership expectations evolve, reading the right books can give management students a clear edge.

By combining structured academic learning with continuous reading, students at IES MCRC and other top management colleges in Mumbai can develop the insight, adaptability, and leadership mindset required to succeed in the global business environment.

FAQs: Management Books for Students and Professionals

1. How many management books should an MBA student read in a year?

Ideally, MBA and PGDM students should aim to read 8–12 management and self-development books annually. Even one book every month can significantly improve analytical and leadership skills.

2. Are management books useful for placements and interviews?

Yes. Many interviewers assess candidates on business awareness, leadership thinking, and strategic perspective. Referencing insights from management books during interviews reflects curiosity, maturity, and preparedness.

3. Should I read management books related only to my specialization?

Not necessarily. While specialization-related books are helpful, students should also read about leadership, strategy, psychology, and innovation to develop a holistic management mindset.

4. Are these books relevant for working professionals as well?

Absolutely. These books are equally valuable for professionals looking to upskill, transition into leadership roles, or pursue executive education or part-time MBA programs.

5. Can reading management books replace formal management education?

No. Books complement formal education but cannot replace structured learning, mentorship, peer interaction, and experiential exposure offered by reputed management colleges like IES MCRC.

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