The 10 Best Leadership Books of All Time
If you are looking to take your business to the next level, there is no better way to get inspired than by reading some of the best leadership books of all time. These top business books will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to become a leader.
This book is a must-read for anyone in charge of guiding a team. It shows leaders how to avoid dysfunctional behaviors that can harm team culture and helps them repair it.
1. “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek has devoted his professional life to helping advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist: a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are, and end the day fulfilled by the work they do.
Sinek believes that leadership starts with a clear and concise “Why”. And when it’s communicated correctly, the listener’s limbic brain is activated, which leads them to act.
2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell
Originally published in 1998, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is still considered one of the best books on leadership. It continues to influence business owners, executives, managers, and other high performers worldwide.
The book focuses on 21 laws of leadership that Maxwell has found to be true throughout his life. The rules can be applied to all types of leadership situations.
3. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
Good to Great is one of the most widely read and cited management books ever written. Based on research, it explains why some companies make the leap to greatness while others don’t.
A key point is that it’s not enough to have a great idea; you must get the right people on board. Otherwise, you’ll build your business around them rather than your customers.
4. Learning to Lead by Ron Williams
Developed from Ron Williams’s own personal and professional journey, Learning to Lead offers tested leadership advice for readers at any career stage. It will help you develop the professional leadership skills that deliver personal, interpersonal, and organizational success.
A master class in leadership, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in improving their career focus and avoiding the typical managerial pitfalls. It has the potential to join other leadership development classics on your shelfreto be read repeatedly and consulted throughout your career.
5. Dare to Lead by John David George
John David George is a former British Army officer and an acclaimed author. His latest book, Dare to Lead, combines his operational experience with leadership principles to help you become a better leader.
The story follows 12-year-old Danny Delaney during summer holidays, when his mother accidentally knocks down a small boy with her car. This accident changes the fabric of the Delaney family and threatens to tear it apart.
6. True North by Willink and Babin
As members of the most decorated Navy SEAL team in the Iraq War, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin have firsthand experience with high-stakes leadership. Their patented leadership model, known as Echelon Front, helps others build their own high-performance winning teams.
In the crowded field of leadership books, True North has something for everyone. From business leaders to CEOs, this book will help you be the best you can be.
7. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Seth Godin
The Innovator’s Dilemma is one of the most important books on business strategy. It explains why some companies that have managed their employees well and developed strong customer relationships still fail to achieve success.
International marketing guru Seth Godin uses the metaphor of a purple cow to explain why the best companies, individuals, and messages stand out from the crowd. He also offers strategies for identifying your own purple cow.
9. Happiness by Mark Manson
Manson argues that happiness is something in ourselves, not something to be achieved. In this book, he presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life.
This is a classic on identifying roadblocks to happiness and how to eliminate them. It has sold six million copies and is perfect for anyone who struggles with stress, confusion, or grief.
10. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Leadership books are resources that help business owners and executives learn the characteristics that make leaders effective. Some focus on building team culture, while others analyze the qualities that great leaders share.
One of the best leadership books of all time is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This book is important to read because it teaches how to align your values with universal principles.