The quarter’s top themes

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McKinsey Top Ten

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Top Ten McKinsey Themes │ Third Quarter 2024

In the third quarter of 2024, our top ten posts from McKinsey Themes highlight middle managers, saying ‘no’ at work, top technology trends, and more. At No. 1 is The executive’s reading list, which features books recommended by global leaders—like McKinsey’s Bob Sternfels—to consider adding to your library. Read on for our full top 10.

An image linking to the web page “The executive’s reading list” on McKinsey.com.

1. The executive’s reading list

Reading isn’t just for leisure; it’s a power move for leaders. Books can boost smarts, enhance emotional intelligence, and even help keep stress in check. Are you looking to hone your leadership skills? Read to lead

An image linking to the web page “What to read next: books on AI” on McKinsey.com.

2. What to read next: books on AI

Literature on artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and for good reason. McKinsey research estimates that generative AI could add between $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually to the economy while increasing the impact of all AI by 15 to 40 percent. Learn about the hot topic

An image linking to the web page “Help yourself to these personal development books” on McKinsey.com.

3. Help yourself to these personal development books

You don’t need to wait for the new year to make positive changes in your life—you can start right now. Whether you’re taking steps to define your purpose, tackling big projects, or trying to curb overthinking, these personal development books just might give you the motivation you need to get started. Make resolutions now

4. What are McKinsey leaders reading?

Leaders who engage in well-rounded reading across genres expose themselves to diverse ideas and management examples. Books can encourage reflective thinking, enhance a perspective, or equip leaders with new tools to lead their teams effectively. Explore these 6 titles

5. Top 15 technology trends unfolding today

Generative AI (gen AI) has rightly seized leaders’ attention in recent years. But is it also eclipsing adjacent or lower-profile digital imperatives? Generative AI and more

6. It’s time to rethink the role of the middle manager

Managers are crucial to a company’s success. McKinsey analysis shows that organizations with top-performing managers yield multiple times the total shareholder returns of those with average or below-average managers over a period of five years. Your most precious resource

7. The six parts to a superpower

What do companies comprising the Magnificent Seven and the Granolas have in common? They have captured investors’ fancy with a superpower, or an integrated set of people, processes, and technology that creates value by helping an organization do something better than its competitors. Fly above competitors

8. What does the future hold for India?

As India anticipates a century of independence in 2047, it is committing to sustainable and inclusive growth in its goal of becoming a developed economy. To understand how Indian enterprises can achieve the growth necessary to help propel the nation towards its centennial aspirations, McKinsey analyzed publicly traded companies over a 10-year period. 7 trends

9. How to say ‘no’ at work

Disagreeing at work about critical business problems can be constructive if done in a healthy manner. That’s according to McKinsey’s Chris Hartley and coauthors: “Contributory dissent allows individuals and groups to air their differences in a way that moves the discussion toward a positive outcome and doesn’t undermine leadership or group cohesion.” Flex your ‘no muscle’

10. The energy transition: Where are we, really?

Make no mistake—a lot of progress has been made on the energy transition since the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. 3 major issues

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