Leadership is a demanding yet highly rewarding pursuit, and having the right resources can be invaluable. With that in mind, the experts at Bricoleur Consulting have compiled a definitive list of the top books on leadership.
Drawing from both timeless classics and modern bestsellers, our veteran team members with specialties in leadership development and recruitment have identified the titles that will help you reach your goals as a leader.
Top Leadership Books
Leadership books are a must-have for any aspiring leader or executive. They provide invaluable insight into the skills needed to become a successful leader and the strategies that can be used to achieve success.
Here’s our list of recommended books for every aspiring leader:
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Successive People
One of the most popular books on leadership, Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” has become a go-to source for those looking to understand and implement the habits of successful people.
The book has sold over 25 million copies and has been translated into 40 languages. Covey’s timeless principles focus on developing personal and interpersonal skills, such as being proactive, starting with the end in mind, and putting first things first. Covey’s philosophy is one of the most widely accepted and influential in the field of leadership and personal development.
2. Leaders eat last: Why some teams pull together and others don’t
In his book, “Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t,” author Simon Sinek examines the importance of the leader in team dynamics. He argues that leaders must put the needs of their team first in order to create a successful environment. Sinek argues that when a leader puts themselves last and their team first, trust is created and sustained, which is necessary for any team to succeed. He provides evidence from a variety of sources to illustrate his point, including historic examples and real-life case studies. He also provides practical advice on how leaders can better serve their teams by creating a culture of trust and respect.
3. Drive
Daniel Pink’s “Drive” is a thought-provoking book that examines the power of motivation and provides readers with a comprehensive look at the science of motivation. The book provides insight into why some people are more motivated than others, and how to increase overall motivation.
It also offers a unique perspective on the power of purpose, autonomy, mastery, and relatedness in driving performance. With an easy-to-follow structure and engaging examples from the world of business, “Drive” is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the science of motivation and become a better leader.
4. Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
John Wooden’s book, Wooden on Leadership, is considered one of the most influential leadership books of all time. In it, the legendary basketball coach offers readers a unique blend of timeless wisdom and insights on how to become an effective leader.
Wooden’s approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of character and values, while providing practical advice and tips on how to work with people of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. With its combination of inspirational stories and clear, concise guidance, Wooden on Leadership is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become a better leader.
5. The Leader in you
The Leader in You by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic that has become a must-read for aspiring leaders. The book encourages readers to cultivate their natural leadership abilities through practical steps and offers invaluable advice on how to become an effective leader.
The book provides guidance on how to develop the skills of self-confidence, initiative, and decisiveness, as well as how to foster strong relationships with others. With strong storytelling and actionable advice, this book will help equip anyone with the knowledge they need to become a successful leader.
6. The 5 Levels of Leadership
John Maxwell’s book, The Levels of Leadership, is an essential read for aspiring leaders. It provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of leadership by discussing key topics such as types of leaders, the importance of relationships, and the power of influence.
By combining his decades of experience in leadership with his sharp insights and examples, Maxwell has created a must-read book for anyone looking to lead with confidence.
7. The One Minute Manager
“The One Minute Manager” by Kenneth Blanchard is a staple in the leadership genre. Originally published in 1982, this book has been a go-to for professionals and business owners seeking to hone their leadership skills.
The book outlines a simple yet effective three-step process that covers goal setting, motivation, and performance evaluation. Through its easy-to-understand and implement concepts, The One Minute Manager provides readers with the tools needed to become better leaders.
8. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
John C. Maxwell’s The Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is a must-read for any aspiring leader looking to take their leadership skills to the next level. It is an essential guide that explains the fundamental principles of leadership, including the law of process, the law of influence, and the law of navigation.
The book dives deep into how to effectively lead, build trust with followers, and develop a successful team. With Maxwell’s practical advice and anecdotes, readers will gain the knowledge they need to become outstanding leaders in any field.
9. Strengths based leadership
Those book is based on Gallup’s well-known research and insights into what makes an effective leader. It provides practical advice on how to use strengths-based leadership to effectively motivate, engage and energize those around you.
It is filled with inspiring stories and real-world examples that are sure to give readers the tools they need to become better leaders. This book is a must read for anyone looking to become a more effective leader.
10. The Dichotomy of Leadership
“The Dichotomy of Leadership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin is an essential read for any leader looking to improve their skills. The book dives deep into the strategies and techniques needed to become an effective leader and provides a framework for implementing them in any organization.
With real-world examples and stories from the authors’ own experiences, the book provides a comprehensive look at how to lead with both strength and compassion. It is a must-read for anyone looking to take their leadership to the next level.
11. Leadership Strategy and Tactics
This book is filled with anecdotes from the author’s (Jocko Willink) own experience as a Navy SEAL. Jocko Willink is considered one of the top military leaders in the world, and his book is full of helpful advice for anyone looking to become a better leader.
Some key takeaways from this book include:
- Leaders need to be memorable.
- Leaders need to be decisive and efficient.
- Leaders need to have a clear vision and strategy.
- Leaders need to be able to trust their team.
12. The Leader who had no title
The Leader who had no title by Robin Sharma is a must-read for any aspiring leader. It teaches readers how to become an effective leader without necessarily having the title to go along with it.
By explaining how to live with passion, purpose and peace of mind, Sharma explains how to lead without the traditional hierarchical structure. He also shows how to take personal responsibility and be a strong leader regardless of the situation. This leadership book is a great guide for young professionals striving to lead team.
13. Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches
In his book, author Carlo Ancelotti draws on his decades of experience as one of the world’s most successful football managers to offer tips on building and leading successful teams.
Ancelotti shares his secrets to inspiring players, managing change and cultivating a winning attitude. He also provides insights into how to maintain a positive attitude in the face of defeat and how to motivate teams through difficult times. Readers will gain invaluable lessons from Ancelotti’s unique perspective on leadership that can be applied in any professional field.
14. The Five Dysfunctions of a team: A leadership fable
Patrick Lencioni’s book is a must-read for any leader looking to build a high-performing team. This book provides an insightful look into the five dysfunctions — absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results — that can hinder any team and offers practical steps to overcome them.
Lencioni’s entertaining fable format and engaging stories make the book both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Whether you are just starting out as a leader or are a seasoned veteran, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” is an invaluable resource for gaining insight into creating a successful team.
15. Tribes
In his book Tribes, Seth Godin discusses the concept of a leader’s ability to create a movement and inspire others as they pursue a shared goal.
Godin delves into the power of leadership and how it can be used to create positive change in the world. He provides readers with practical advice on how to build and grow a successful tribe or community, as well as how to motivate and engage people in order to achieve success. This book is an essential read for those looking to hone their leadership skills and inspire others.
Conclusion
We hope you found our list of leadership books valuable. Our company Bricoleur Consulting specialises in leadership recruitment and conducting stay interviews. If you have any requirements, you can drop us an email on anu@bricoleurconsulting.com.sg or bricoleur.anu@gmail.com
