The Why! Company

   Competitive Strategy - Michael E. Porter

One of the most influential management book of the past quarter century....A veritable goldmine of analytical concepts and tools to help companies get a much clearer grasp of how they can create and sustain competitive advantage.

A superb guide for business managers but also necessary background study for judges, antitrust agency officials, and economic experts in antitrust cases.

   The Strategy-Focused Organization - Robert Kaplan

In The Strategy-Focused Organization, Kaplan and Norton explain how companies like Mobil, CIGNA, and Chemical Retail Bank have effectively used this approach for nearly a decade, and in the process present a step-by-step implementation outline that other organizations could use to attain similar results.

Their book is divided into five sections that guide readers through development of a completely individualized plan that is created with "strategy maps" (graphical representations designed to clearly communicate desired outcomes and how they are to be achieved), then infused throughout the enterprise and made an integral part of its future.

   Paradigms - Joel Barker

We all know the rules for success in our business or professions, yet we also know that these rules--paradigms--can change at any time. What Joel Barker does in Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future is explain how to spot paradigm shifts, how they unfold, and how to profit from them.

In addition, Paradigms is full of concrete examples of paradigm shifts and predictions for the future, and contains a new introduction detailing recent developments and pointing out areas to watch for paradigm shifts.

   Future Edge - Joel Barker

Joel Barker has very artfully expounded the concept of paradigm shift & pliancy in the world of business, in contrast to the world of science.

Understanding and mastering your paradigms is one important thing for making progress in life and in business. The real essence of this book is succinctly captured by the author in the five strategic exploration. They are the real gems of the book. Joel Barker is a process futurist, unlike most other futurists who are primarily content futurists. The five specific tools mentioned in the book are the exact process tools to aid & enhance your strategic exploration.

   Thinkertoys - Michael Michalko

THINKERTOYS will teach you how to generate new ideas for businesses, markets, sales techniques, and products and product extensions. Packed with fun and practical tools and exercises, it outlines 30 practical linear and intuitive techniques that can be used by individuals or groups to tackle and solve business problems in fresh, creative ways.