Experience has shown that leadership skills can be difficult to acquire and very challenging to manage, but reading the right books can help add qualities and enhance existing ones to become a successful leader. Therefore, it is important to find and read the best leadership books that are impactful and can help you build valuable skills.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or have been a leader for many years, finding books that will help you hone your leadership skills is an essential key to success. The following list of the best leadership books contains some of the greatest and most impactful reads to consider:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a comprehensive book written by Stephen R. Covey that outlines the habits and behaviors of successful and effective people. It is divided into seven parts, each discussing one specific habit that Covey believes is essential to success. These habits include having a proactive attitude, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
In Start with Why, renowned leadership expert Simon Sinek focuses on the core of success: why. Sinek argues that understanding why something is done, who’s in charge, and what is the desired result, is more important than obsessing over how to do something. This book reveals the proven and invaluable methods to achieve ultimate success.
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
In his inspiring book, Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek shares the fundamentals of a successful leadership style, focused on demonstrating strong leadership, protecting and developing trust, and inspiring others to take positive actions. The book provides practical exercises and strategies for becoming a leader that boasts authority and respect.
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
Good to Great is a fantastic business book by Jim Collins that examines the traits and strategies of great leaders. The book delves into the essential steps to success and how companies can transition from good to great. With this book, Collins offers helpful advice on how to use the right resources, recruit the right people, set the right direction, and how to cultivate a culture of discipline.
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
The 48 Laws of Power is a revolutionary book by Robert Greene which provides a set of strategies and tactics to survive, thrive, and gain power in the modern world. It explains the timeless techniques that have been used to gain power and offers innovative and effective methods to be successful. This book brings insight into how history is full of powerful lessons and offers a useful guide for anyone striving for success.
- The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
The 5 Levels of Leadership is the quintessential book for mastering the art of effective leadership, by John C. Maxwell. It is divided into five levels from positions of no potential to great potential, and each chapter offers insight into the characteristics, tools, and actions needed to become a successful leader. With this book, readers will gain practical advice and comprehensive strategies to reach success and become an influential leader.
- Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
Primal Leadership, written by Daniel Goleman, is a comprehensive guide to developing and exercising leadership skills. It is broken down into four primary primal styles of leadership – visionaries, affiliate, coaches, and authoritarian. Each of these styles is validated by scientific findings and offers practical advice on how to gain ever-evolving leadership skills throughout one’s career.
- The Outsiders by William N. Thorndike
The Outsiders is a superb book by William N. Thorndike that focuses on the business stories of eight visionary executives who succeeded brilliantly against gloomy forecasts. Thorndike emphasizes the immense power of focus and how it is essential to successful leadership. He offers valuable advice on how to use focus in areas of spending, risk, and courage.
- Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Switch presents readers with a comprehensive approach to making changes and developing successful habits. Written by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, the book provides a step-by-step guide to succeeding in tasks such as implementing new strategies and structuring changes within organizations. It also offers valuable insight into approaching difficult problems and the right techniques to make desirable outcomes.
- The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
The Leadership Challenge is an incredible book by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner that offers readers an empirically based set of skills for guiding organizations to achieve great success. It provides an understanding of the core behaviors that make up prominent leadership styles, and offers practical guidance on how to become a successful leader.
All of the listed books are fantastic reads for anyone striving for successful leadership qualities and looking for valuable advice on how to become a formidable and influential leader. Whether you are looking to improve your current skill set or just start out on the path of leadership, these books can go a long way in helping you understand the core components of great success. So, find the best leadership books that will bring you the most impactful and beneficial advice, and work towards building the right skills to excel in the field of leadership.
