Opinions vary as to what defines a “classic” business book. My own opinion is that it offers insights and counsel that are of timeless value. To paraphrase Bernard of Chartres, a 12th century monk, their authors are the shoulders upon which each new generation of leaders stands. For example:

Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution
Michael Hammer and James Champy
Collins Business Essentials/HarperBusiness (1993)

“Forget about Adam Smith and any ‘invisible hands’ solving your problems.” This enormously influential book set off legions of executives and managers breaking down and then rebuilding their business processes “to achieve dramatic improvements in critical, contemporary, measures of performance, such as cost, quality, service and speed.”

For young, small businesses just starting their systems-ward march, there’s great value in understanding where you don’t want to end up.