The nominated titles show which themes characterize current management thinking. Together, they form a benchmark of the dilemmas organizations are struggling with today. An independent expert jury selected the titles from hundreds of management books that, in their opinion, best illustrate what is happening in the field. The selection makes it clear that it's not just about strategy or numbers, but also about how organizations relate to a complex and rapidly changing world.
The management book as a compass in a complex world
'The shortlist reflects the times we live in,' says Philip van Coevorden, director Managementboek.nl. 'It's not just about models, but about how organizations relate to their environment.'
Jury chairman Eric van Arendonk: 'These are the topics that really need attention.' According to Van Coevorden, the combination of a specialized book platform and an independent jury prize is unique in Europe: 'It's a substantive and not a commercial celebration.'
Joep Schrijvers won the first edition with How do I become a rat?. 'Such a shortlist sets the agenda,' he says. 'It shows what the hope and despair of this time is.' Stefaan Vandist, winner 2025 with Provotyping, says: 'The management book of today helps managers to look at the world with different eyes.' According to Vandist, the book remains a powerful tool to deepen insights and provide perspective in a changing environment.
Selection and announcement of the Management Book of the Year 2026
The jury of the Management Book of the Year consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds in the management field. Every year, hundreds of titles are evaluated. Based on quality, relevance, and applicability, a longlist and then a shortlist is compiled. With the announcement of the shortlist, the substantive debate has begun. In the coming weeks, it will become clear which book the jury believes not only reflects the spirit of the times but also provides direction for the future of leadership and organization in the Netherlands.
The winner will be announced during the Management Book Gala on April 16, 2026, at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam.
Shortlist Management Book of the Year 2026
These are the books that have been placed on the shortlist for the Management Book of the Year 2026:
Anneke Valk, Filip De Groeve: Zwijgverzuim – Menopause in the workplace: knowledge and policy for sustainable leadership. Self-published.
The jury judges: 'This book clearly shows in a simple way that silence absenteeism is an essential part of leading organizations. A very interesting book on a topic that receives little attention in organizations.'
Tom De Bruyne: Gamechangers – How small interventions unleash big change. Alfabet Publishers.
Jury's verdict: 'Gamechangers contains many compelling examples. Behavioral expert Tom De Bruyne shows how you can look at major change challenges differently and deal with them.'
Steven van den Heuvel: The High Impact MT – 3 essential pillars for successful collaboration. Boom Publishers.
Jury's verdict: 'The High Impact MT is such a book that makes you think: why has no one written about this before? Good that it is now on paper how complicated a MT is and what measures are needed to function well.'
Elke Wiss: Just between me and me – How to examine your own thinking. Ambo | Anthos Publishers.
Jury's verdict: 'A book that makes many think. Elke Wiss shows how you can apply philosophy not only in daily life but also how necessary this is in our society.'
Rijn Vogelaar, Rita Zijlstra: Digital wellbeing@work – Healthy, productive, and happy in the digital age. Van Duuren Management.
Jury's verdict: 'Captivating from page 1. A good story about a current topic. Provides good insight into what many think they already know. It is inviting, very relevant, and recognizable.'
Management Book of the Year is an initiative of Management Book. The award was first presented in 2003 and is considered a leading distinction within the field of management. The organization behind the award is an online bookstore for professional non-fiction, focusing on management and law, and has more than thirty years of experience.
