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The Leader's Guide
The Leader’s Guide is aimed at entrepreneurs, executives, or anyone leading a project or team. It contains stories about how companies both large and small are adopting Lean Startup methods to scale successfully and operate in conditions of extreme uncertainty.
The Leader’s Guide is for both those who are new to Lean Startup as well as those who love the methodology in principle, but want to know more about how to put it into practice.
The Leader’s Guide is for both those who are new to Lean Startup as well as those who love the methodology in principle, but want to know more about how to put it into practice.
367 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2016
64 people are currently reading
3013 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 21, 2016
It is hard to position this book in the larger set of lean startup books out there. It is almost as if there are two books in one.
I have read at least a dozen lean startup books. After reading the "canon", (The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, Running Lean: Iterate from Plan A to a Plan That Works and/or The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company), it is very interesting to delve into more targeted volumes, based on your specific interest.
I found Lean Customer Development: Build Products Your Customers Need and Lean Analytics: Use Data to Build a Better Startup Faster both remarkable.
So, back to The Leader's guide.
The first 2/3 expands on the initial Lean Startup book with real life teachings. It's a little like the three bears: not enough if it's your first discovery of lean startup, a little redundant if you are knowledgeable and just right to refresh your understanding part way through a project.
The last third could be a great book on its own: how to develop entrepreneurial management in your established company (or startup). It reads as a coach handbook, with theory, practical advice, coach-oriented advice, misconceptions, ... If I could get my dream job of fostering innovation in a large company, it would be my go-to manual!
If the shift of focus from startups to established companies piques your interest, I recommend Lean Enterprise: How High Performance Organizations Innovate at Scale which targets software companies.
Of course, there is the issue that the book is not for sale. There will only ever be the 10'000 copies for the Kickstarter participants. If you are not one of the happy few, you will have to be creative. If you live near Geneva, Switzerland, I can loan you my copy ;-)
I have read at least a dozen lean startup books. After reading the "canon", (The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, Running Lean: Iterate from Plan A to a Plan That Works and/or The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company), it is very interesting to delve into more targeted volumes, based on your specific interest.
I found Lean Customer Development: Build Products Your Customers Need and Lean Analytics: Use Data to Build a Better Startup Faster both remarkable.
So, back to The Leader's guide.
The first 2/3 expands on the initial Lean Startup book with real life teachings. It's a little like the three bears: not enough if it's your first discovery of lean startup, a little redundant if you are knowledgeable and just right to refresh your understanding part way through a project.
The last third could be a great book on its own: how to develop entrepreneurial management in your established company (or startup). It reads as a coach handbook, with theory, practical advice, coach-oriented advice, misconceptions, ... If I could get my dream job of fostering innovation in a large company, it would be my go-to manual!
If the shift of focus from startups to established companies piques your interest, I recommend Lean Enterprise: How High Performance Organizations Innovate at Scale which targets software companies.
Of course, there is the issue that the book is not for sale. There will only ever be the 10'000 copies for the Kickstarter participants. If you are not one of the happy few, you will have to be creative. If you live near Geneva, Switzerland, I can loan you my copy ;-)
August 18, 2016
Agree that there is a good deal that is not new or not covered elsewhere, but most of this is in the first half of the book which covers Lean Startup methodology and at times feels like a "lessons learned" section.
It's the second half where Reis looks at applying the methodology to large enterprises that the book becomes much more useful. As someone who is dealing with many of these challenges I found many interesting insights that helped me to reframe some of the basic value propositions of Lean Startup into a large corporate environment. The structure as a coaches guide, or playbook, is a bit disconcerting, but has ended up being helpful in certain situations.
It's the second half where Reis looks at applying the methodology to large enterprises that the book becomes much more useful. As someone who is dealing with many of these challenges I found many interesting insights that helped me to reframe some of the basic value propositions of Lean Startup into a large corporate environment. The structure as a coaches guide, or playbook, is a bit disconcerting, but has ended up being helpful in certain situations.
September 21, 2020
I enjoyed the book and like that it focuses on the practical side. They even have guests speak about their experience. Very cool. But after reading „The Lean Startup“ this book felt very repetitive with marginal new insights for me. Maybe that is just because I‘m not reading it to actually apply it.
I would recommend it for everyone who wants to actually implement The Lean Startup principles.
I would recommend it for everyone who wants to actually implement The Lean Startup principles.
April 26, 2019
Ries wanted to write an implementation manual for the Lean Startup, he wrote an anecdote compendium spiced with several interviews instead.
Why would you spend the reader's time explaining and supporting your innovation ideas instead of focusing on implementation examples when you already wrote two books devoted to that?
Having said that, this book is a nice refresher to the methodology for those interested in learning more.
Why would you spend the reader's time explaining and supporting your innovation ideas instead of focusing on implementation examples when you already wrote two books devoted to that?
Having said that, this book is a nice refresher to the methodology for those interested in learning more.
September 17, 2016
Eric Ries is infamous in the technology field as the author of Lean Startup, where he captured the principles and methodology for structured innovation. Now, in The Leader's Guide, he provides a practical guide to actually executing that methodology and backs it up with lots of real life examples from his consulting work including an extensive case study with General Electric woven through the book.
Although Ries advises you to use this book as a reference manual for implementing entrepreneurial practices at your company (and thus, not read the book linearly) I still did so and got quite a bit out of it. Ries emphasizes that, just as entrepreneurial behavior is not restricted only to startups, the inverse is also true: just because you are a startup, it doesn't mean you're actually being entrepreneurial (particularly as you scale). I've definitely seen this in my own work. Ries's book is inspirational for those of us seeking to make cultural change no matter the size of our companies.
Although Ries advises you to use this book as a reference manual for implementing entrepreneurial practices at your company (and thus, not read the book linearly) I still did so and got quite a bit out of it. Ries emphasizes that, just as entrepreneurial behavior is not restricted only to startups, the inverse is also true: just because you are a startup, it doesn't mean you're actually being entrepreneurial (particularly as you scale). I've definitely seen this in my own work. Ries's book is inspirational for those of us seeking to make cultural change no matter the size of our companies.
January 4, 2021
Eric Ries does a great job of explaining Lean Startup techniques as applied to Entrepreneurial Management. This book is helpful for managers, intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs who are keen to learn a new way of thinking, problem solving and business development.
Lessons cover ideas such as how to identify and prioritize Leap of Faith Assumptions, determining Growth Hypotheses and how to test the latter with MVPs. The author also explains Learning Metrics and Innovation Accounting.
The guest interviews are insightful and include the CEO and Founder of Asana, the CEO and Co-Founder of Twillio, the Director of Innovation at Proctor and Gamble and more. Each interview is tied to the key concepts introduced in the chapter that precedes it and serves to highlight the relevant approach as seen through the eyes and personal experiences of the selected guest.
Lessons cover ideas such as how to identify and prioritize Leap of Faith Assumptions, determining Growth Hypotheses and how to test the latter with MVPs. The author also explains Learning Metrics and Innovation Accounting.
The guest interviews are insightful and include the CEO and Founder of Asana, the CEO and Co-Founder of Twillio, the Director of Innovation at Proctor and Gamble and more. Each interview is tied to the key concepts introduced in the chapter that precedes it and serves to highlight the relevant approach as seen through the eyes and personal experiences of the selected guest.
January 23, 2025
“Think of investing in innovation the same way you think of life insurance. You’re not buying it for an immediate return—you’re buying it as ‘profit insurance’ to protect against the low-probability, high-impact threats that can disrupt your entire business.” These words from Dave Binetti in The Leader’s Guide capture the essence of why innovation is crucial for organizations. After listening to the Audible edition of this book, I found that it brings clarity to individuals who have struggled to implement Lean Startup principles, especially within complex corporate environments.
This book speaks directly to skeptics and leaders of large companies who want concrete methods for nurturing innovative thinking. It addresses challenges similar to those outlined in The Innovator’s Dilemma, providing practical solutions through detailed, step-by-step frameworks. By drawing on real-life examples from major organizations—most notably General Electric—and featuring interviews with industry experts, it shows how today’s largest enterprises adapt Lean Startup concepts to remain competitive. What sets it apart is its strong focus on current conditions, demonstrating how these foundational ideas have evolved alongside changing market realities.
I approached this book while researching how to optimize innovation at a large company, and it exceeded my expectations by delivering a clear guide on how to structure experimentation, evaluate outcomes, and make critical decisions at every stage. Its most valuable aspect lies in the clarity of its approach: instead of presenting only theories, it offers practical, actionable steps that can be tailored to different types of innovation projects. This combination of theory, case studies, and interviews helps readers see precisely how leading companies incorporate Lean Startup thinking into the challenges they face today.
Overall, The Leader’s Guide is a comprehensive and timely resource. It blends time-tested innovation principles with modern examples, illustrating how established organizations can thrive by systematically integrating experimentation and learning into their operations. Whether you’re a senior executive aiming to overcome organizational barriers or a frontline innovator searching for tactical solutions, this book serves as a blueprint for successfully managing innovation in a fast-evolving business landscape.
This book speaks directly to skeptics and leaders of large companies who want concrete methods for nurturing innovative thinking. It addresses challenges similar to those outlined in The Innovator’s Dilemma, providing practical solutions through detailed, step-by-step frameworks. By drawing on real-life examples from major organizations—most notably General Electric—and featuring interviews with industry experts, it shows how today’s largest enterprises adapt Lean Startup concepts to remain competitive. What sets it apart is its strong focus on current conditions, demonstrating how these foundational ideas have evolved alongside changing market realities.
I approached this book while researching how to optimize innovation at a large company, and it exceeded my expectations by delivering a clear guide on how to structure experimentation, evaluate outcomes, and make critical decisions at every stage. Its most valuable aspect lies in the clarity of its approach: instead of presenting only theories, it offers practical, actionable steps that can be tailored to different types of innovation projects. This combination of theory, case studies, and interviews helps readers see precisely how leading companies incorporate Lean Startup thinking into the challenges they face today.
Overall, The Leader’s Guide is a comprehensive and timely resource. It blends time-tested innovation principles with modern examples, illustrating how established organizations can thrive by systematically integrating experimentation and learning into their operations. Whether you’re a senior executive aiming to overcome organizational barriers or a frontline innovator searching for tactical solutions, this book serves as a blueprint for successfully managing innovation in a fast-evolving business landscape.
April 28, 2025
The Leader's Guide" by Eric Ries is an excellent companion for anyone involved in entrepreneurship, project management, or innovation leadership. This book takes the core ideas of Lean Startup and expands them into practical strategies for scaling teams, growing companies, and managing uncertainty.
I really appreciated how Eric Ries combined real-world case studies with actionable advice. It’s not just theory — you get a hands-on view of how different companies, from startups to large enterprises, actually implement Lean principles to drive growth and adapt quickly.
One of the best aspects of the book is that it speaks to both beginners and experienced practitioners of Lean Startup. Whether you're just learning or already a fan of the methodology, you’ll find valuable insights and guidance on how to apply Lean concepts more effectively in real-world scenarios.
If you are leading a team, building a company, or managing a project in today’s fast-changing environment, The Leader’s Guide is a must-read. It gives you tools to embrace uncertainty and turn it into an advantage.
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January 18, 2025
A solid addition to the field and study of Lean especially at larger organizations. I’ve had this in my Audible library for years but only just finally got around to listening to it.
Four stars because for the right audience this is fantastic (possibly getting slightly dated in places) but it is very specifically targeted at people who have a relatively senior leadership role at a larger organization (more specifically at a larger corporation). It has much less applicability to many of the concepts for people at other types of organizations (government, non-profits, smaller scale businesses that aren’t new startups etc. It also rests on the overarching model of growth is king and the primary goal. Which I think is worth a much longer discourse around.
I’ve been thinking about and working on Lean Startup ideas for a very long time (had discussions about it with Eric before he published his first book) and while much of this work was familiar it contains a lot of great examples and concise descriptions and useful techniques. But most are most applicable at a future large organization role (or as an outside consultant to one), less so for smaller orgs and startups.
Four stars because for the right audience this is fantastic (possibly getting slightly dated in places) but it is very specifically targeted at people who have a relatively senior leadership role at a larger organization (more specifically at a larger corporation). It has much less applicability to many of the concepts for people at other types of organizations (government, non-profits, smaller scale businesses that aren’t new startups etc. It also rests on the overarching model of growth is king and the primary goal. Which I think is worth a much longer discourse around.
I’ve been thinking about and working on Lean Startup ideas for a very long time (had discussions about it with Eric before he published his first book) and while much of this work was familiar it contains a lot of great examples and concise descriptions and useful techniques. But most are most applicable at a future large organization role (or as an outside consultant to one), less so for smaller orgs and startups.
November 6, 2019
I think Lean Startup is like teenage sex: everyone talks about it, nobody really knows how to do it, everyone thinks everyone else is doing it, so everyone claims they are doing it. Lean Startup concept is misunderstand in a similar way like Scrum is (read the original Scrum book by Jeff Sutherland to understand what I mean).
I was thinking for several days what to make of this book.
*Read "The Lean Startup" to boast that you have read the original classic and you don't mind slightly outdated IT jargon (book was written in 2011).
*Read "The Startup Way" if you want to get an updated version that got rid of some of the outdated information while also adding some less relevant topics at least from my standpoint.
*Read "The Leader's Guide" if you want a shorter reference either as an intro or reminder.
Just reading all three consecutively doesn't make much sense because most of the information is overlapping.
I was thinking for several days what to make of this book.
*Read "The Lean Startup" to boast that you have read the original classic and you don't mind slightly outdated IT jargon (book was written in 2011).
*Read "The Startup Way" if you want to get an updated version that got rid of some of the outdated information while also adding some less relevant topics at least from my standpoint.
*Read "The Leader's Guide" if you want a shorter reference either as an intro or reminder.
Just reading all three consecutively doesn't make much sense because most of the information is overlapping.
July 6, 2019
The author couldn’t break away from the perils of Lean Startup success. This book might be, ideas well formed and organized but it lacked the passion and personal touch of that book. Nothing beats that feeling you get with Lean Startup like the author is actually living the experience where right or wrong turn may mean resetting and going back to the entry level job with nothing to show for the years of trying except “learning”. With this book, there is no sense of that - the author is merely going from one conference to another and speaking on stage. So that academical aspect might be even better, but no spark, no passion, it is not a page turner, it is a manual. And that makes all the difference. If you are looking for inspiration, read the first book.
August 7, 2021
(ฟังฉบับ audiobook จาก Audible)
ฟังเพลินๆ สนุกดี แต่ใครที่อ่านเรื่อง Lean Startup จากผู้เขียนคนเดียวกันมาแล้วจะพบว่าไม่มีอะไรใหม่ แต่การเชื้อเชิญให้ผู้ประกอบการมาร่วมแชร์ประสบการณ์ตรงที่นำหลักคิดของเขาไปประยุกต์ใช้ รวมถึงความท้าทายทั้งหลายที่เจอก็นับเป็น "ส่วนเสริม" ที่น่าสนใจดี ทั้งเล่มสรุปข้อคิดจาก Eric Ries ผู้ประกอบการและที่ปรึกษา startup ชื่อดัง ประเด็นสำคัญของเขาคือ ทุกบริษัททุกขนาดที่อยากคิดค้นนวัตกรรมอย่างต่อเนื่องจำเป็นจะต้องพร้อม "เปลี่ยนแปลงองค์กร" อย่างต่อเนื่องเช่นกัน (เขาใช้คำว่า continuous transformation) ผู้ประกอบการจะต้องคิดแบบนักวิทยาศาสตร์ให้เป็น นั่นคือ ตั้งสมมุติฐานและหาวิธีทดสอบสมมุติฐานตลอดเวลา เพราะการทำธุรกิจเต็มไปด้วยความไม่แน่นอน ดังนั้นจึงต้องออกแบบกระบวนการที่อยู่กับความไม่แน่นอนได้ ทดสอบผลิตภัณฑ์และกระบวนการต่างๆ ตั้งแต่เนิ่นๆ ให้ได้เร็วที่สุด
ฟังเพลินๆ สนุกดี แต่ใครที่อ่านเรื่อง Lean Startup จากผู้เขียนคนเดียวกันมาแล้วจะพบว่าไม่มีอะไรใหม่ แต่การเชื้อเชิญให้ผู้ประกอบการมาร่วมแชร์ประสบการณ์ตรงที่นำหลักคิดของเขาไปประยุกต์ใช้ รวมถึงความท้าทายทั้งหลายที่เจอก็นับเป็น "ส่วนเสริม" ที่น่าสนใจดี ทั้งเล่มสรุปข้อคิดจาก Eric Ries ผู้ประกอบการและที่ปรึกษา startup ชื่อดัง ประเด็นสำคัญของเขาคือ ทุกบริษัททุกขนาดที่อยากคิดค้นนวัตกรรมอย่างต่อเนื่องจำเป็นจะต้องพร้อม "เปลี่ยนแปลงองค์กร" อย่างต่อเนื่องเช่นกัน (เขาใช้คำว่า continuous transformation) ผู้ประกอบการจะต้องคิดแบบนักวิทยาศาสตร์ให้เป็น นั่นคือ ตั้งสมมุติฐานและหาวิธีทดสอบสมมุติฐานตลอดเวลา เพราะการทำธุรกิจเต็มไปด้วยความไม่แน่นอน ดังนั้นจึงต้องออกแบบกระบวนการที่อยู่กับความไม่แน่นอนได้ ทดสอบผลิตภัณฑ์และกระบวนการต่างๆ ตั้งแต่เนิ่นๆ ให้ได้เร็วที่สุด
June 30, 2020
This is basically "Lean Startups for Corporate Startups". As a mostly-startup person who has worked with some large organizations, it does seem like a good approach to innovation in large organizations, but there's the inherent problem that innovation in large organizations is very difficult and basically hellish for everyone involved, even when it goes well. This book outlines what might be the best method to do something which is basically unpleasant (but profitable), and does provide some good answers to standard objections within the enterprise. If you're a startup person reading this, you'll probably be reminded why you stay in startups.
July 10, 2023
Being an effective leader requires continuous growth and development. The rapidly changing business landscape demands leaders who can adapt, inspire, and drive their teams towards success. Leadership development equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and create a positive impact in their organizations.
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April 26, 2024
The Leader's Guide" is a valuable resource for leaders looking to drive innovation within established companies. It offers practical strategies, real-world examples, and a clear path towards a more agile and data-driven approach. However, those new to Lean Startup or leading smaller, highly-adaptable teams might find it better to start elsewhere
MyCenturaHealth
MyCenturaHealth
November 23, 2024
compelling roadmap for modern leadership success. This comprehensive resource deftly combines practical strategies with emotional intelligence insights, offering fresh perspectives on team motivation, decision-making, and crisis management. The author's real-world examples and actionable frameworks make this an indispensable tool for both emerging and seasoned leaders.
Travis_ZhanG
Travis_ZhanG
June 8, 2019
I liked this book, even tho I know it was not written for me or anyone that is familiar with “4 steps to epiphany” or “Lean Startup” or “Management 3.0” and have been working in the field for years. But this book works almost like a pep talk and a manual for entrepreneurs inside organizations trying to create change in their processes and teams.
The audible version was especially pleasant to read, it felt like a podcast with interviews etc.
Good read!
The audible version was especially pleasant to read, it felt like a podcast with interviews etc.
Good read!
July 23, 2020
Nothing new or different from The Lean Startup. I think both books however take too long to make pretty basic points which then just get repeated over and over to seemingly make the books longer. I do like the philosophy for start ups, I just don't think there needs to be half as many words as there are to explain it.
March 13, 2024
I've discovered this book to be exceptional, providing practical guidance and strategies that have proven immensely valuable. I've already observed a significant enhancement in my approach to product development. shopify website design austin
September 10, 2024
The Leader's Guide is a game-changer for anyone in leadership roles. It offers clear, actionable insights and practical strategies that are easy to implement. The ebook is well-organized, engaging, and packed with valuable advice. A must-read for aspiring and seasoned leaders alike!
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you can visit ihomeworkify.online
August 19, 2019
Common sense mixed with modern buzzwords and pithy anecdotes.
The first part looks at product development, and how ideas from lean startups can be applied even within larger organisations.
The rest is mostly a mishmash of anecdotes and ex-post-facto rationalisations.
The first part looks at product development, and how ideas from lean startups can be applied even within larger organisations.
The rest is mostly a mishmash of anecdotes and ex-post-facto rationalisations.
December 12, 2019
As usual, Eric writes and gives advice that is actionable and insightful. I am a small business owner with a background in lean six sigma and I thoroughly enjoy every moment of his books. Concise, detailed and able to be implemented.
December 27, 2019
Quick and easy read. How to implement Lean Start Up principles in enterprises from small to large as well as government agencies. Of most interest to me was how to nurture innovation (new ideas, concepts, approaches, applications) across disciplines within an organization.
September 13, 2020
I keep trying to like The Lean Startup series. I genuinely believe that there’s value in the content.
But, try as I might, I find the presentation a little self-righteous.
Worth a read but, if you’re looking for leadership advice, start elsewhere.
But, try as I might, I find the presentation a little self-righteous.
Worth a read but, if you’re looking for leadership advice, start elsewhere.
April 6, 2021
Really enjoyed the book listening again to Eric Ries reiterating ideas about the lean start-up and more specifically how to apply them to real-life large corporations. It is indeed a great book, especially for those in leadership roles guiding a large team.
August 8, 2021
This little book is highly practical and immediately applicable. It describes the concepts of the Lean startup, tailored to be implemented in large, established organisations. It should be highly valuable for any leader, formal or not.
July 31, 2022
Great to have a book dedicated to the adoption of the Lean Startup. I've read what feels like dozens of books on LS but always found the guidance on adoption and implementation to be lacking... no more
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January 18, 2024
This book is outstanding. It offers practical tips and approaches that are incredibly helpful. I've already seen a noticeable improvement in my product development practices. ehallpass
January 19, 2024
This book is exceptional, providing practical tips and approaches that prove incredibly helpful. I've already observed a significant enhancement in my product development practices. MyCenturaHealth
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