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Thirst for Learning: Four Books EO Boston Business Leaders Swear By

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A copy of multipliers by Liz Wiseman

Successful entrepreneurs understand the value of continuous learning. For members of the Boston chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), books provide inspiration, guidance, and actionable insights.


Whether you’re refining your leadership skills, navigating tough challenges, or fostering innovation in your team, the right book can serve as a powerful catalyst. Here are four of the best entrepreneur books that resonate with business leaders in Boston and why they might be the game-changers your business needs.


1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear’s Atomic Habits delves into the science of behavior changes and how small, consistent actions can yield remarkable results. This is among our people’s picks because it clearly conveys how to manage tasks and decisions efficiently. The book provides practical tools to streamline habits, eliminate procrastination, and focus on meaningful progress. One standout concept is "habit stacking," where you pair a new habit with an existing one. This approach is especially valuable for busy business leaders who want to build and optimize routines without disrupting their schedules.


Clear also emphasizes the importance of identity-based habits, shifting from focusing solely on outcomes to aligning habits with your desired identity. For example, instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” you adopt the mindset of “I am a growth-focused entrepreneur.” This subtle shift can lead to profound changes.


Entrepreneurs in EO Boston have praised Atomic Habits for its clear and actionable advice, making it an essential tool for fostering both personal and professional growth. It’s a perfect summation of how the right strategies can lead to sustained success, particularly in the dynamic business environment of Boston.


2. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and Nell Scovell

Sandberg’s and Scovell’s Lean In explores the barriers women face in leadership roles and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, building confidence, and creating equitable opportunities in the workplace. While many women in Entrepreneurs’ Organization recommend this book, all readers can learn from its lessons and insights.


One of the book’s most impactful messages is its call for women to “lean in” to their careers rather than stepping back due to societal expectations or fear of failure. Sandberg highlights the value of creating supportive networks and advocating for yourself in the workplace. This, of course, is one of the numerous values EO Boston stands for, and the growth and success of the MyEO Women Group is a strong testament to this.


If you’re a Boston business leader looking to lead inclusively and foster diverse workplaces, Lean In is definitely one of the best books to add to your library. It will challenge you to build organizations where talent can thrive regardless of gender, identity, or norms.


3. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Also on our list of the best books for entrepreneurs is Ben Horowitz’s The Hard Thing About Hard Things. It provides a raw and honest look at the challenges of building and managing businesses. Unlike many management books that focus on theory, Horowitz draws from his own experiences to offer actionable advice on navigating tough decisions.


The book’s candid tone sets it apart. Instead of sugarcoating the realities of entrepreneurship, Horowitz tackles issues like managing layoffs, dealing with employee conflicts, and maintaining culture during times of crisis. One memorable piece of advice is his “wartime CEO vs. peacetime CEO” framework, which helps leaders adapt their management style to the needs of their business in different circumstances.


For entrepreneurs in EO Boston, this book’s relevance lies in its practicality and relatability. It’s a guide for leaders who must make tough decisions while maintaining focus on long-term goals. Horowitz’s advice is particularly useful for navigating the fast-paced and competitive industries in Boston, where resilience and strategy are key to success.


4. Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown

In Multipliers, Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown explore how exceptional leaders amplify the intelligence and abilities of those around them. The book identifies key traits of “Multiplier” leaders who foster innovation and growth, contrasting them with “Diminisher” leaders who unintentionally suppress potential.


One of the book’s most compelling insights is its emphasis on creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best ideas. Wiseman shares practical tools for cultivating curiosity, encouraging debate, and fostering accountability within teams. For entrepreneurs, these principles are essential for building cultures of innovation and collaboration.


Most importantly, we consider this one of the best books for entrepreneurs in Boston because of how it has successfully helped our members unlock the full potential of their teams and position their businesses for sustained success. It’s a worthy recommendation for entrepreneurs who prioritize team development and innovation.


Bring These Books to Life in Your Business

We don’t want you to just read these entrepreneur books; we want to support you in putting everything you learn from them into result-bound practice. If you’re qualified, joining EO Boston will give you access to a wide range of transformative resources and provide you with the right network and tools to elevate your business.


Whether you’re seeking to refine your leadership, navigate challenges, or foster a winning team, EO Boston is here to support your journey. Join today and take the next step toward entrepreneurial excellence!

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