When you think of the 1990s, what quickly pops into your mind? Cheers, bulky cell phones, mood rings, low-fat packaged foods, Die Hard, combat boots, or President Clinton? Personally, I’d add parenthood, coaching youth sports, and career building to my short list.
If you started your business career in the 1990s, read on. If you did not, my book suggestion is still for you–you’ll just need to change the dates.
A Fascinating 1990s Reading Assignment
I curate Quora content in an area called Spaces on their Q&A platform. For several weeks, I’ve been listing the top business books by year at The Business Bookshelf where I started at 1990.
My finance and accounting career began in 1989. As I was building my top-books list, the idea for a simple reading assignment started to take root. Here’s the drill –
- Read the top business book the year before you started your career.
- Read the top business book the year you started your career.
- Read the top business book the year after you started your career.
Why 3 books from the 3 different years? Simple–trends. Management fads come and go so quickly just like hairstyles, clothing, and baby names. These readings will give you insights to what the business world thought was important at the time.
The reading exercise is also a trip down memory lane. Seriously, were you a devoted reader after graduating from college? Not counting Grisham and Cussler, I only need one hand to count the business books I read during the first three years of my business career.
Top Business Books of the 1990s
Need help finding the top business books of the 1990s? You can start here, but my list is not authoritative, it’s subjective. If you complete this assignment, I’d enjoy getting your feedback.
1990 – The Fifth Discipline by Senge
1991 – Crossing the Chasm by Moore
1992 – Sam Walton: Made in America by Huey
1993 – Reengineering the Corporation by Hammer and Champy
1994 – Built to Last by Collins and Porras
1995 – Emotional Intelligence by Goleman
1996 – The Whole Brain Business Book by Herrmann
1997 – Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller by Chernow
1998 – The Five Temptations of a CEO by Lencioni
1999 – First, Break All the Rules by Buckingham
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