Leaders are Readers
The process of learning to be a better leader is not like learning algebra. You never master leadership entirely. Just as you become familiar with leading at one level, you get promoted and have to lead in a more complex context. The process of learning leadership is 60% on-the-job executing (i.e. being thrown into the deep end), 20% consulting with other leaders, and 20% reading. Through reading, you are increasing your awareness on the methods and language of leadership. The process of reading will complement your on-the-job and consulting processes. Below are books that I would recommend for students of leadership. This is not a comprehensive list. Although I have read 200+ leadership books, I’m still learning too. If you have a recommendation for the list, share your suggestions and comments!
Leadership Theory
- Leading Change by John Kotter
- The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
- Leadership on the Line by Ronald Heifetz and Martin Linsky
- Competing Values Leadership by Kim Cameron and Robert Quinn
- Positive Leadership by Kim Cameron
- U.S. Army Leadership Field Manual (FM 22-100)
- Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
Influence
- 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Self-Management
- Grit by Angela Duckworth
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam
- The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
Teams and Culture
- The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
- The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni
- Social Capital in Healthcare by Thomas Lee
- Give and Take by Adam Grant
- Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
Communication
- Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
- Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Ethics & Philosophy
- Ethics: The Fundamentals by Julia Driver
- The Ethics of Management by Larue Hosmer
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
General / Other
- Who Do We Choose to Be by Margaret Wheatley
- On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis
- Strengths-Based Leadership by Don Clifton
- Leadership Is an Art by Max De Pree
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