There’s always something new to learn on your journey to becoming a better leader. So it makes sense to soak in the knowledge and expertise of those at the top of their game. But a quick Google search for “best leadership books” will throw up an infinite amount of possibilities. So how do you know where to start?
The list of books that have helped me hone my leadership skills is l-o-n-g. In this article, I’ve curated a selection of the ones that have had the most impact on how I run my business and take charge of my life.
#1 “The Big Leap”: What’s Really Holding You Back?
This book will get you thinking. And it might change your entire perspective on what’s been holding you back from progress all this time.
In “The Big Leap”, psychologist Gay Hendricks explores the “Upper Limit Problem” and why the biggest obstacle to your success might actually be… you!
“In my life, I’ve discovered that if I cling to the notion that something’s not possible, I’m arguing in favor of limitation. And if I argue for my limitations, I get to keep them.”
— Gay Hendricks, “The Big Leap”
The book will help you understand how to address unhelpful thinking patterns and adopt a growth mindset. You’ll also learn about the four “Zones” we tend to operate in and how to access your unique “Zone of Genius” for more fulfilment and flow in life and work.
Insights to action:
Answering the question, “ so what do you do?” has been a 20-year journey as my business evolves. Is it business consulting? Leadership coaching? Strategy consulting? Well, technically, yes – all of the above! But those responses weren’t quite cutting it and always left me feeling flat.
“The Big Leap” helped me build a home in my Zone of Genius. What I really do is inspire magnificence in others through coaching and consulting. Now that’s a mission worth getting up for every day!
Grab your copy: The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks
Related Reading: How to Break Free From the Perfectionism Trap and Unleash Your Leadership Power
#2 “Work Of Leaders”: Foundations Of Effective Leadership
The authors of this book had a goal to remove the overwhelm of so many expert opinions and “make leadership accessible.”
They’ve achieved that by sifting through the most well-known and respected sources and lessons on leadership, distilling that knowledge and adding their own insights and research.
The result is a simple but incredibly powerful 3-part foundation for effective leadership based on the principles of:
- Vision – defining the future state you’re aiming for
- Alignment – getting everyone on board with and invested in that vision
- Execution – the practical actions necessary to make the vision a reality
“Curiosity is one of the first casualties of responsibility.”
— Julie Straw, “Work of Leaders”
This is a framework that everyone can apply to become a better leader, whether they’re a C-Suite exec in a scaling multinational or running a local business with a two-person team. And if you’re just stepping into a leadership role, it’s a great way of getting a grasp of the “best practice” principles of leadership that you can then shape and build on with your own style.
Insights to action:
This model is the backbone of the way I teach leadership. It’s a simple, easy-to-understand paradigm for a topic as complex as leadership. If my clients are struggling to get their heads around why something isn’t working in the way they relate to their teams, “Work of Leaders” gets to the heart of it. I use it for reference, inspiration, and to make leading easier.
Grab your copy: Work of Leaders, by Julie Straw, Mark Scullard, Susie Kukkonen & Barry Davis
Recommended Reading: Revisit Your Mission, Vision and Values
#3 “Leadership And Self-Deception: Getting Out Of The Box”
This one has been around for over 20 years, but that doesn’t make the insights shared any less valuable. It’s a story about a man named Tom, who has a problem, and it’s a common one- “being in the box.”
When you’re in the box, you’re constricted. You only see what’s in front of you and can’t identify the real problem…or the fact that you even have a problem.
“Kate’s story raises for me an astonishing point, Tom. And that is, when I’m in the box, I need people to cause trouble for me – I actually need problems.
”— The Arbinger Institute, “Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box”
The book will inspire you to take a good look at yourself and what you might be doing to contribute to tension and stuckness in your life or organization. It’ll help you identify your blind spots, take responsibility for your actions, and change how you relate to those around you.
Insights to action:
When we’re “in the box,” I find both myself and my clients making the persistent mistake of viewing team challenges as process issues instead of people problems. As leaders, we need to remember that we’re leading a team of human beings – not robots programmed to complete a function.
“Leadership and Self-Deception” maps out this mistake and the consequences so clearly you’ll never forget your people again.
Grab your copy: Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
Recommended Reading: 4 Leadership Blunders That Could Cost You Your Business
#4 “The Art Of Gathering”: From Dinner Party To Company Retreat
You might not immediately associate “gathering” with improving your leadership skills. But the ability to bring people together to create something greater than the sum of its parts is the hallmark of a truly inspiring leader.
The book is a combination of stories, hints, and practical advice on making every gathering amazing – whether that’s an intimate dinner party or a company retreat.
Priya Parker will teach you to add more meaning and purpose to your interactions, so you can foster deeper connections with those around you and take advantage of the opportunities that are sparked when we come together.
“After the initial shock therapy of honoring and awing, you have your guests’ attention. They want to be there. They feel lucky to be there. They might well be considering giving the gathering their all. Your next task is to fuse people, to turn a motley collection of attendees into a tribe. A talented gatherer doesn’t hope for disparate people to become a group. She makes them a group.”
— Priya Parker, “The Art of Gathering”
Insights to action:
Recently a team member left for another position and we wanted to celebrate them virtually. At first, it was all a bit awkward. Boxes on the screen filled with people clutching their chosen cocktail, typing their congratulations into the chat.
Our celebration was on the verge of falling flat until I remembered some advice from The Art of Gathering. I asked my team to share stories and memories about their departing coworker, so I could get to know them not just from the perspective of my connection with them but through their interactions with others.
I was moved and inspired by the details others shared. We laughed, we reminisced and left feeling more connected and invested in one another as a result.
Grab your copy: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Priya Parker
Recommended Reading: How to Get Your Team to Work Together Towards Shared Goals
Add Your Suggestions To My Reading List…
I hope you enjoy the selection of great leadership books I’ve mentioned here today. Have you read any of them already? What did you think?
And let me know what your favorite reads on leadership are. I always love adding more to my reading list!
Quick note: This page contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. But rest assured, I’ll only ever recommend resources I’ve used and loved!
