Who

This book serves as the foundational methodology that inspired 'Who,' offering a rigorous, systematic approach to hiring A-players. Readers who appreciated the actionable, data-driven advice in 'Who' will find this an essential deep dive into the mechanics of talent management.

Jim Collins famously emphasizes that 'who' you have on the bus is more important than where you are going, making this a perfect companion to Smart's philosophy. It provides the broader strategic context for why high-quality hiring is the cornerstone of organizational success.

Written by the former CEO of Intel, this classic focuses on the operational realities of management, including the critical task of hiring and building teams. It shares the same pragmatic, no-nonsense tone found in 'Who' and is widely considered a bible for effective leadership.

Bock, Google's former head of People Operations, provides a fascinating look at the science and data behind hiring at one of the world's most successful companies. Fans of 'Who' will appreciate the evidence-based approach to finding and retaining top-tier talent.

While 'Who' focuses on the hiring process, Lencioni focuses on identifying the specific traits that make an employee successful once they are hired. It is a highly practical, narrative-driven book that complements the hiring criteria established in Smart's work.

Adler provides a highly structured, performance-based alternative to traditional hiring methods that aligns perfectly with the logic of 'Who.' It is designed for managers who want to remove bias and guesswork from their recruiting process.

This book takes a more unconventional look at identifying talent, focusing on how to spot potential in non-traditional candidates. It shares the 'Who' goal of optimizing human capital but offers a fresh, modern perspective on how to evaluate candidates effectively.

Written by the former Chief Talent Officer of Netflix, this book challenges traditional HR practices in favor of a high-performance culture. It resonates with the themes in 'Who' by advocating for radical transparency and the necessity of hiring only the best.

Based on massive Gallup research, this book argues that great managers focus on individual strengths rather than fixing weaknesses. It provides the managerial framework that justifies the rigorous hiring standards promoted in 'Who.'

Sir Alex Ferguson offers a masterclass in building dynasties through the careful selection and development of players. For fans of 'Who,' this provides a real-world, high-stakes application of hiring and managing talent that is both engaging and deeply insightful.