Table of Contents
- 1. How to Manage a Great Project: On budget. On Target. On Time.
- 2. How to Speak so People Listen: Grab Their Attention and Get Your Message Heard
- 3. The Yes/No Book: How to Do Less… and Achieve More
- 4. How to Manage Your Time
- 5. How to Influence in Any Situation
- 6. How to Manage Stress
- 7. The Influence Agenda: A Systematic Approach to Aligning Stakeholders in Times of Change
- More about Dr. Mike Clayton
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What can readers expect to learn from Mike Clayton’s books?
- Why are Mike Clayton’s books considered essential for working professionals?
- Are Mike Clayton’s books suitable for beginners or only for experienced professionals?
- Can Mike Clayton’s books be used as reference material for training and workshops?
- How do I choose the right Mike Clayton book?
- Can Mike Clayton’s books help me improve my social skills in addition to my technical skills?
Mike Clayton is one of those business authors who does not take his audience for fools, idiots, or dummies.
His books are intelligent but also manage to be easy to read and understand. That comes from over 25 years of training managers, leaders, and professionals from all areas of industry business, and the public sector.
Clayton has an unending intellectual curiosity, which he shares generously with his readers. His books are packed with ideas. And, coming from a background in project management and consulting, you can be sure that they are also full of practical tips that let his readers quickly make a real difference.
Mike Clayton has written 14 print books and numerous Kindle-exclusives too. But I’ve gone through all of them and found the seven best for you.
Mike’s professional expertise is as a project manager. And he has trained thousands of project managers across the UK and beyond.
This book is a fabulous introduction to project management – will quickly get you managing your first project with real confidence. Reading it, you almost get a sense of being in a training room with Mike.
Mike has spent his whole career communicating with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. In this book, he offers indispensable practical advice for anyone who uses the most important form of communication in their work.
It is full of practical tips from everything from better listening to resolving conflict and high pressure ‘complicated’ conversations.
This one is a real favorite. It is the nearest Mike Clayton has written to a self-help book. It really does help you recover more time when you’ve tried every time management tip (and there are loads of those in my next recommendation!).
The Yes/No Book will help you make better choices about when to say yes and when to say no. And, crucially, it’s full of great advice on how to say Yes or No.
Best of all, it’s got a fabulous set of diagrams and illustrations that artist Toni Goffe has drawn to illustrate Mike’s ideas using the metaphor of the Gopher – the part of you that just wants to ‘go for this and go for that’!
This is Mike’s distillation of dozens of powerful tips, tools, and techniques to get more time and be more productive. There is so much in here.
Mike avoids a single system approach and lets you find what methods work for you. I can’t believe you won’t find two or three tips to help you squeeze some extra productivity out of your working (or non-working) day.
What Mike does for Time Management in the previous book, he does for influencing and persuading. He surveys dozens of techniques form classic rhetoric to modern psychology.
And he explains them clearly and simply. Here is everything you need to know about being influential, so you can get more of what you want.
Mike takes a simple approach to risk. He says it arises from feeling a lack of control in one or more parts of your life.
This helps you to understand the causes of stress. Then, he takes each point of control and shows us how to tackle each of them. Once again, this is a fabulous sourcebook.
7. The Influence Agenda: A Systematic Approach to Aligning Stakeholders in Times of Change
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)
This one is Mike’s most meaty book. It is for managers leading change, who need to engage stakeholders and align their support. It’s not for the casual reader, like the others in this list.
But, if you are leading change and need to fully engage stakeholders, this is pretty much the best book out therefore a clear framework and a big set of tools.
More about Dr. Mike Clayton
Mike Clayton is an author, speaker, and management educator. He founded OnlinePMCourses.com and runs two successful YouTube Channels:
- For Project managers: https://www.youtube.com/c/onlinepmcourses
- For Managers who want to learn management skills: https://www.youtube.com/c/managementcourses
Mike started his career at Deloitte Consulting, becoming a successful Senior Manager in the London Office. There he led major programs for international clients and Government Departments.
He left in 2002 to set up his own training business and is now one of the most in-demand project management and leadership skills trainers in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can readers expect to learn from Mike Clayton’s books?
Mike Clayton’s books cover various topics related to personal and professional development. Readers can expect to gain valuable insights into project management, leadership, communication, and productivity, among other areas. His books are designed to be both practical and engaging, offering actionable advice that can be applied immediately to improve one’s work and life. Through his books, Mike aims to empower individuals with the tools and techniques they need to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and reach their full potential.
Why are Mike Clayton’s books considered essential for working professionals?
Professionals in various industries consider Mike Clayton’s books essential reading because they provide practical, actionable advice based on years of experience and research. Mike Clayton has a unique ability to synthesize complex concepts in clear, concise explanations that are easy to understand and apply.
His books are informative and engaging, keeping readers interested and motivated to make meaningful changes in their careers and lives. By drawing on real-world examples and case studies, Mike ensures that his advice is relevant and applicable to various professional contexts.
Are Mike Clayton’s books suitable for beginners or only for experienced professionals?
Mike Clayton’s books are aimed at a wide range of readers, from beginners just starting their careers to experienced professionals looking to refine their skills or explore new areas of expertise. His writing style is clear and accessible, making complex topics easy to understand for readers of all levels. In addition, the advice in his books is designed to be adaptable to different contexts and stages of professional development. Because Mike Clayton offers a range of resources tailored to different needs and skill levels, his books have become a valuable asset to people at all stages of their careers.
Can Mike Clayton’s books be used as reference material for training and workshops?
Absolutely! Mike Clayton’s books are often used as reference material for training and workshops in various organizations. Their practical, actionable advice and engaging writing make them ideal resources for sneakers and facilitators who want to train and inspire their teams.
Many organizations have found that incorporating Mike’s books into their training programs helps improve learning outcomes and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Some organizations not only use the books for reference but even invite Mike to present workshops, seminars, or keynote speeches to further enrich the learning experience for their employees.
How do I choose the right Mike Clayton book?
Choosing the right Mike Clayton book for your needs depends on your goals, interests, and professional development requirements. To determine the most suitable book, start by reviewing each book’s descriptions and tables of contents to get an idea of the topics covered and the target audience. You may also want to read reviews or seek recommendations from colleagues or friends who have read Mike’s books.
Another option is to explore Mike’s website or blog, where you can find articles and other content about his books to help you make an informed decision. Remember that many of Mike’s books are designed to be accessible and valuable to a wide range of readers, so you may find that several of his books meet your needs and interests.
Absolutely! While Mike Clayton’s books are known for providing practical advice on project management, leadership, and other technical skills, they also address the critical area of soft skills. Soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution are essential for successful professional and personal interactions.
Mike’s books address these topics and offer actionable advice and strategies to help readers develop and refine their soft skills. By focusing on technical and soft skills, Mike Clayton’s books provide a comprehensive approach to personal and professional development that can lead to greater success in various areas of life.