You’ve discovered our list of the best leadership books.
Leadership books are resources that teach leadership competencies, skills, and best practices. These works examine what qualities great leaders share and provide frameworks for building effective teams.
You are reading: Best books on leadership and management 2020
These books are similar to management books and CEO books, and include leadership books by women and mentoring books. These books help explore leadership styles and develop leadership skills, executive skills, and good leaders.
This article contains:
- best leadership books for new leaders
- best leadership books
- good business leadership books
- executive leadership books
- the best books on leadership and management
so, here’s the list!
list of leadership books
here is a list of newer releases and older bestsellers covering effective leadership.
1. leaders eat last by simon sinek
Like many great leadership books, Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek is inspired by military principles. the concept in question: high-ranking officers eat after their men, putting their reporting needs before their own. sinek argues that leadership that puts people first makes crews feel supported and respected. These feelings, in turn, force employees to show loyalty and exceed expectations. sinek asserts that trust and psychological safety are the keys to excellence, illustrating this argument with multiple examples from different types of organizations around the world.
Notable Quote: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
buy the leaders eat at the end of simon sinek.
2. Lean On: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sanderson
Lean On: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Facebook Executive Sheryl Sanderson is one of the most popular leadership books for women. Inspired by personal experience and a 2010 Ted Sanderson talk, learn in detail the ways women hold back and miss out on career opportunities by being passive and polite. Sanderson encourages women to find strong mentors, stand up for themselves, and assert their place in the business world. these actions can empower women to become leaders rather than simply accepting assigned roles.
Even though the book is a few years old, the lessons are still relevant. Given the challenges to women’s careers presented by a remote workforce, lean in is worth revisiting.
Notable quote: “In the future, there will be no women leaders. there will only be leaders.”
buy lean in.
3. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. maxwell
In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell outlines clear guidelines that leaders must follow to maximize influence and ensure that employees achieve a common vision. the book shares wisdom such as “leadership develops daily, not in a day” and “leaders understand that activity is not necessarily achievement.” The book explains each rule clearly and provides anecdotal examples, covering all aspects of leadership, from attracting and building teams to ensuring legacy through succession planning.
Notable quote: “You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion…the heart comes before the head.”
Shop the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
4. dare to lead: courageous work. difficult conversations. whole hearts by brené brown
dare to lead shares lessons on the power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Renowned “Courage and Shame” researcher Brené Brown argues that leadership is not about status or control, but rather about recognizing the potential in individuals and ideas. dare to lead presents a guide to becoming a courageous and confident leader.
Notable quote: “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”
buy dare to lead.
5. The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building Consistently Winning People and Teams by Tony Dungy
tony dungy is a celebrated former nfl coach, and this work is a valuable leadership book. The Mentor Leader explains how to lift those around you to success with a simple principle: “Your only job is to help your players become better.” Dungy outlines the critical elements of mentor leadership, including introspection, altruistic mindset, and modeling values. the mentor leader demonstrates how to maximize the team’s potential and lead people to optimal performance.
See Also: Who has written the most books? | Mal Warwick Blog on Books
notable quote: “engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and uplift. those are the methods to maximize the potential of any individual, team, organization or institution for ultimate success and significance. those are the methods of a mentor leader.”
buy the mentor leader.
6. minority leader: how to build your future and make real change by stacey abrahms
Minority Leader by Representative Stacey Abrahms: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change is one of the best leadership books out there. the book gives instructions to lead like an outsider. for example, using their unique perspective and resilience to enact impactful and lasting change in even the seemingly most rigid institutions. This work is a mix of memoir and instruction, guiding readers through the steps of finding passion and developing skills through topics such as embracing otherness, seizing opportunity, and overcoming failure.
Notable quote: “Logic is a seductive excuse for setting low expectations.”
buy minority leader.
7. the hard of hard things: building a business when there are no easy answers by ben horowitz
Becoming a leader may not mean taking on a pre-existing executive position within an established organization, but rather blazing a new trail and creating a company from scratch. In The Hard of Hard Things, Ben Horowitz illustrates the realities of entrepreneurship, addressing how to build a business from scratch, discover unclear answers, and make difficult decisions with minimal guidance or support.
Notable quote: “Build a culture that rewards, not punishes, people for bringing problems to light where they can be solved.”
buy the hard of the hard stuff.
8. Paramount Leadership: Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. boyatzis and annie mckee
Emotional intelligence is one of the most underrated leadership skills. leaders need to connect with their people to motivate and resonate with employees. primary leadership teaches professionals to identify and navigate feelings, empathize with employees, and build emotionally intelligent organizations. emotionally intelligent leadership enables leaders to avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, engage more closely with workers, and collaborate with employees. The authors are professionals with years of experience in the world of psychology and business consulting, and they illustrate their arguments through lived and observed experiences.
starred quote: “It’s not that leaders should be too ‘nice’; the emotional art of leadership includes pushing the reality of job demands without unduly upsetting people.”
buy primary leadership.
9. leadership: in turbulent times by doris kearns goodwin
Leaders are under a lot of pressure to lead their people through tough times. Perhaps the guidance leaders need most is how to navigate a crisis and the assurance that the greats of history faced comparable challenges. Leadership: In Troubled Times looks at the obstacles faced by four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. Goodwin’s work examines the struggles, triumphs, and tactical approaches to each issue, holding up each president as an example of turning tragedy into achievement. this book is a masterclass in crisis management and transformational leadership, as well as a roadmap out of dark times.
starred quote: “establish a clear purpose; challenge the team to work out the details; cross conventional departmental boundaries; set big short-term and long-term goals; create tangible success to generate accelerated growth and momentum.”
buy leadership: in turbulent times.
10. extreme property: how u.s. navy seals lead and win by jocko willink and leif babin
The extreme environments of navy seal missions provide the ultimate platform for leadership. Former Commanders Jocko Willink and Leif Babin apply battlefield wisdom to the business world, preaching the philosophy of admitting mistakes and acknowledging failures as a means of earning the trust and respect of followers. Only by overcoming the ego and facing reality head-on can leaders gain the clarity and strength to act in difficult situations. The authors use military discipline and combat strategy to break down the traits and approaches necessary for effective leadership.
notable quote: “implementing extreme ownership requires reining in your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking charge, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team.”
buy extreme property.
11. how to win friends & influencing people by dale carnegie
dale carnegie’s how to win friends & Influencing People is one of the best leadership books of all time. Nearly a century after the book’s initial publication, the sentiments within the pages remain true. Carnegie’s guide to currying favor with the business world is a masterclass in soft skills. leadership depends on resonating with people and gaining followers. Carnegie breaks down the basics of persuasion, revealing how to sell your skills to others, convince them of your vision, and reassure them that you have their best interests in mind. After all, one of the main components of effective influencing is reading your audience’s feelings and motivations and reflecting that psychology and desire in your presentation.
Featured Quote: “Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to find out why they do what they do. That’s much more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance, and kindness.” everything is to forgive everything.”
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shop how to win friends & influencing people.
12. Mindful Leadership: Uplifting Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Steve McIntosh, and Carter Phipps
Conscious leadership is a manifesto of moral business practice. Lead author John Mackey founded Whole Foods, and his commitment to sustainability, integrity, and compassion flavor his leadership advice. conscious leadership advocates leadership based on values and purposes, urging leaders to embody beliefs and serve as role models for their work and wider communities.
Notable quote: “Whether they know it or not, every person and every organization has the potential to embrace, enact, and unify people around a higher purpose.”
shop conscious leadership: elevating humanity through business.
13. Leadership: Theory and Practice of Peter G. north house
Peter G Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice is one of the best leadership books for new leaders. The book serves as a comprehensive textbook for leaders, covering a wide range of academic concepts and evidence-based learning related to the field of leadership. The book covers various leadership traits, behaviors, approaches, theories, and styles, and serves as a general index and manual for managers seeking to make their mark.
starred quote: “leaders who use coercion are interested in their own goals and are rarely interested in the wants and needs of followers. using coercion works against working with followers to achieve a common goal.”
buy leadership: theory and practice.
14. How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Best CEOs, Founders, and Revolutionaries by David M. rubenstein
in how to lead, david m. Rubenstein collects ideas, advice, and philosophies from pioneering visionaries like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and more. Each chapter has a unique perspective on leadership, offering multiple points of view on the secrets to success and the qualities of an effective leader. From these examples, readers can find inspiration and guidance to achieve their own visions. How to Lead content comes directly from Rubenstein’s own experience interviewing these industry leaders over the years.
notable quote: “a fair question might be, why should anyone really want to be a leader? First, a leader can create the kind of change or results that will improve the lives of others. Second, a leader can motivate others to become leaders and, in turn, improve the lives of others. and third, a leader can feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement that provides human satisfaction and happiness.”
buy how to lead.
conclusion
The simple act of reading a book will not automatically transform a person into a skillful leader. however, these books provide information, guidelines, and practical advice for building strong teams, earning respect, maximizing potential, and making a lasting impression on organizations.
Below, check out our lists of books on employee engagement and books on diversity and inclusion, and these publications include employee engagement best practices and leadership activities for work.
You may also be interested in Executive Team Building Activities, These Ways to Tell Managers From Leaders, This Guide to Collaborative Leadership, and This Guide to Servant Leadership at Work.
plus, this guide to employee management styles and this list of the top leadership conferences.
faq: leadership books
here are answers to common questions about leadership books.
what are leadership books?
Leadership books are works that teach readers how to be skilled and influential leaders. These books tend to be a combination of instructions, advice, and anecdotes from experts in the fields of psychology and business, and provide step-by-step guides to becoming a role model and visionary.
what are the best leadership books to read?
There is no shortage of leadership books packed with expert market advice. Some great options include:
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- Bending Over by Sheryl Sanderson
- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. maxwell
- dare to lead by brené brown
- the mentor leader by tony dungy
- minority leader by stacey abrahms
- the hard of Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
- Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
- Leadership: In Troubled Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
- how to win friends & Influencing People by Dale Carnegie
- Conscious Leadership by John Mackey, Steve McIntosh, and Carter Phipps
- Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. northouse
- how to lead: wisdom from the world’s best CEOs, founders, and gamechangers by david m. rubenstein
Although these authors use different approaches, an underlying principle runs through these works: good leaders are not necessarily born gifted, rather leadership is a developed skill that requires continuous learning and effort.
what are good leadership books for women?
There are certain books that speak to the unique challenges of being a visionary woman in the modern workforce. Especially good leadership books for women include Lean In: Women, Work, and Sheryl Sanderson’s The Will to Lead, Dare to Lead: Courageous Work. difficult conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown, and Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrahms.
what are the best leadership books for new leaders?
The best leadership books for new leaders include Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse, How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Best CEOs, Founders, and Revolutionaries by David M. rubenstein, how to win friends & Influencing People by Dale Carnegie, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. maxwell
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