The 40 Best Leadership Books of All Time to Help You Become a Truly Inspiring Person

The 40 Best Leadership Books of All Time Cover

We think leadership is something that’s taught in business seminars. If you make it high enough on the corporate ladder, perhaps your company will pay for some leadership training, and then, finally, you’ll become a leader. Ha! Leadership is about none of those things. Everyone can be a leader. Leadership is an attitude. It’s not tied to your title at all — or even your job, for that matter. This might sound confusing, but don’t worry: The best leadership books are here to explain!

The first time I understood leadership as anything other than a privilege for executives was when I watched Simon Sinek‘s TED talk. You know, the famous one. “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” If explaining your mission was such an act of service to the customer, then, surely, it couldn’t be just the higher-ups doing it! After all, it’s the people on the ground who make the sales.

When I was interning at BMW M, I loved my job because I loved the product. I believed in what we were making — sporty cars that are still highly functional — and I talked with enthusiasm about it wherever I went. That was leadership, too. “If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money,” Simon says. “But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.”

The point of leadership is to inspire others to believe what you believe. Not in a twisted, “do my bidding” kind of way. True leadership is pure, good-hearted, and genuine. And it happens well beyond the confines of work. A single-mom taking time out of her busy day to help an old lady across the street is leadership. So is marshaling a team of 100 engineers to ship an important feature on time. Again: Everyone can be a leader — and a great way to become one is to start with some good leadership books.

 

That’s why, today, we’re compiling the very best titles on leadership for you. After summarizing over 1,000 books here at Four Minute Books, we’ve seen a leadership book or two. The following 40 titles will help you find courage, develop a strong set of personal values, improve group dynamics wherever you go, inspire others, manage difficult conversations, and a lot more!

As usual, we’ve made this list easy to navigate by sorting it into various categories. For each book we share, we’ll include our favorite quote from the author, a one-sentence-summary, a few words on why it might be a good pick for you, and three key takeaways. You’ll also find some shiny buttons to read each book’s summary on Four Minute Books or buy a copy of it on Amazon (affiliate links).

Simply use the clickable table of contents below, jump to the section you most want to learn about, and pick your next great read.

Okay, here we go. These are the very best leadership books!

Table of Contents


Best Leadership Books Overall

1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Best Leadership Books #1: Leaders Eat Last

Favorite Quote

“It is not the genius at the top giving directions that makes people great. It is great people that make the guy at the top look like a genius.” — Simon Sinek

The Book in One Sentence

Leaders Eat Last teaches you where the need for leadership comes from historically, what the consequences of bad leadership are, and how you can be a good leader in the modern world.

Why should you read it?

Few people are as inspiring, authentic, and empathetic as Simon Sinek. His talks get millions of views because when he speaks, we feel both heard and empowered. His other books, while also good, deal with more specific concepts, like “starting with why” or the idea of infinite games. This one, on the other hand, is his most extensive compendium on all things leadership, and that makes it a great all-around education for anyone hoping to lead others today.

Key Takeaways

  1. Safety means progress.
  2. Responsibility means actually caring about people.
  3. Technology has turned us into performance addicts.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Best Leadership Books #2: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Favorite Quote

“You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion… The heart comes before the head.” — John C. Maxwell

The Book in One Sentence

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership shows you that leadership is learned, not inherited, and that you too can become a leader if you internalize some of the universal principles of any leader-follower-relationship.

Why should you read it?

If you want a simple guide to leadership in the form of a set of clear directives, this book is your best bet. Maxwell is a leadership icon, and this book is a bible for CEOs around the globe. Worthy follow-ups, also by Maxwell: The 5 Levels of Leadership and Leadershift.

Key Takeaways

  1. Make sure you stand on solid ground and uphold the rules you want to inspire others to keep.
  2. Keep earning the respect of your followers.
  3. It’s okay to be a bad loser – it keeps you focused on winning.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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3. The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker

Best Leadership Books #3: The Effective Executive

Favorite Quote

“Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into a result.” — Peter F. Drucker

The Book in One Sentence

The Effective Executive gives leaders a step-by-step formula to become more productive while developing their own strengths as well as their employees’ best traits.

Why should you read it?

Despite being a writer, Drucker was a man of action more so than words. His approach to leadership is based around productivity, so if you’re the kind of person who wants to roll up their sleeves and get going yet inspire others along the way, Drucker is your man. Also worth the short read: Managing Oneself.

Key Takeaways

  1. To be an effective executive you must lead by example, first developing your own skills.
  2. Learn how to make the right decisions and stand by them, no matter what others say.
  3. Focusing on the talents of your employees will build an efficient working environment.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Best Leadership Books #4: The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Favorite Quote

“The only thing that prepares you to run a company is running a company.” — Ben Horowitz

The Book in One Sentence

The Hard Thing About Hard Things is an inside look at the tough decisions and lonely times all CEOs face, revealing what it truly takes to build a great organization and become a world-class leader.

Why should you read it?

Being a leader isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This book will show you specifically what the rainy days look like. What happens when a business goes bankrupt? How do you fire people without needless suffering? This is a book for CEOs, but it’ll also help you become one because it’ll prepare you for some of the unpopular decisions you’ll have to make.

Key Takeaways

  1. The CEO should be the first one to shout when shit hits the fan.
  2. There are 2 types of CEOs, strategic and practical ones.
  3. Great CEOs must learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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5. The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes & Barry Posner

Best Leadership Books #5: The Leadership Challenge

Favorite Quote

“Leading by example is more effective than leading by command.” — James Kouzes & Barry Posner

The Book in One Sentence

The Leadership Challenge shares the top leadership lessons from 25 years of research, explaining what makes successful managers and how you can become one yourself.

Why should you read it?

If you’re looking for a great all-around introduction to leadership, pick up this one. You’ll get to know some of history’s most beloved leaders as well as their lessons for leading well, be it at home, in the office, or in your local organization. A great read for beginners!

Key Takeaways

  1. You’re always setting an example for those you lead — the only question is is it a good one or a bad one?
  2. The best leaders are proactive and look both for opportunities and challenges.
  3. If you want to achieve great things, you must trust your team members to make good decisions.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Best Leadership Books #6: How to Win Friends and Influence People

Favorite Quote

“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn — and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” — Dale Carnegie

The Book in One Sentence

How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches you countless principles to become a likable person, handle your relationships well, win others over, and help them change their behavior without being intrusive.

Why should you read it?

Most of leadership is just a blend of common sense and good manners. This book combines both. Smile. Be polite. Ask questions. Don’t ramble. There’s a reason this is a book recommended in so many fields: sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, self-help, and, yes, leadership — because the ideas make sense no matter where you work or what you’re trying to do. Learn to lead better and get some great life advice along the way!

Key Takeaways

  1. You can make a great first impression just by smiling.
  2. To be interesting to others, talk about their favorite topic: themselves.
  3. If you want to convince people, get them to say “yes” a lot.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Best Leadership Books #7: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Favorite Quote

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” — Stephen R. Covey

The Book in One Sentence

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will teach you both personal and professional effectiveness by first changing your view of how the world works, then giving you seven habits which, if adopted well, will lead you to immense success.

Why should you read it?

I don’t think this book needs an introduction. Is it a bit cliché? Perhaps. But are its principles timeless, and do they still work? Absolutely. Plus, every leader will implement the seven habits differently, as most of them are high-level guidelines more so than explicit instructions. This book belongs on every leader’s desk.

Key Takeaways

  1. Do the funeral test to discover who you want to be.
  2. Learn how to say no.
  3. Practice active listening whenever you talk to others.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books for Developing Courage

8. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Best Leadership Books #8: Dare to Lead

Favorite Quote

“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.” — Brené Brown

The Book in One Sentence

Dare to Lead dispels common myths about modern-day workplace culture and shows you that true leadership requires nothing but vulnerability, values, trust, and resilience.

Why should you read it?

If you think you’re too shy, unconfident, or not skilled enough to be a leader, read this book. Brown will teach you that that’s not true, and that leadership comes, first and foremost, from the heart. A great read not just for women, just like Brené Brown’s other books.

Key Takeaways

  1. Courage and vulnerability always go together.
  2. If you can narrow your core values down to just two, you can navigate even the toughest of times.
  3. The seven behaviors that create trust can be summed up with the acronym “BRAVING.”

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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9. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

Best Leadership Books #9: Lean In

Favorite Quote

“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” — Sheryl Sandberg

The Book in One Sentence

Lean In explains why women are still underrepresented in the workforce, what holds them back, how we can enable and support them, and how any woman can take the lead and hold the flag of female leadership high.

Why should you read it?

If you’re a woman trying to make a name for yourself, this book will help you navigate the still male-dominated world of business. With a focus on hard work and ambition, this book shows young leaders new paths through a complex, and sometimes rigged, system, and it does so with empathy and understanding.

Key Takeaways

  1. Treat your career like a jungle gym.
  2. Learn to strike a balance between ambition and appeal.
  3. Before you become a mother, lean into your career as much as you can.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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10. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Best Leadership Books #10: Extreme Ownership

Favorite Quote

“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.” — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

The Book in One Sentence

Extreme Ownership contains useful leadership advice from two Navy SEALs who learned to stay strong, disciplined, and level-headed in high-stakes combat scenarios.

Why should you read it?

Do you often lose your cool in stressful situations? Then grab this book. If you want to lead via composure, discipline, and focus, these two former SEALs will show you and your team a new, better way to make progress at work despite the chaos of life and business.

Key Takeaways

  1. A leader who takes responsibility for failure is vital to the success of a team.
  2. Pressure is inevitable as a leader; remaining calm and effective comes from establishing priorities and taking action.
  3. Managing risks before they pop up is a key attribute of great leaders.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books for Discovering Your Values & Making an Impact

11. Principles by Ray Dalio

Best Books About Leadership #11: Principles

Favorite Quote

“Great questions are a much better indicator of future success than great answers.” — Ray Dalio

The Book in One Sentence

Principles outlines and breaks down the set of rules for work and life billionaire investor Ray Dalio, CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund, has acquired throughout his 40-year career in finance.

Why should you read it?

Reading this book will help you lay the foundation of both your personal and professional life. To be a successful leader, you’ll need a strong work ethic and a rock-solid set of principles that’ll guide you through your endeavors. Ray delivers both. There’s also a journal to go with the book, next to his other, also interesting books.

Key Takeaways

  1. Principles are powerful weapons in the fight against flawed thinking.
  2. Radical truth and transparency are two of Ray’s most important ideas.
  3. Great businesses use principles to create environments where the best ideas win.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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12. Linchpin by Seth Godin

Best Books About Leadership #12: Linchpin

Favorite Quote

“Transferring your passion to your job is far easier than finding a job that happens to match your passion.” — Seth Godin

The Book in One Sentence

Linchpin claims that the time of simply following instructions at your job is over, showing you how to make yourself indispensable and why that’s a must for career success today.

Why should you read it?

The bad news is that job security is gone. The good news is that, if you become indispensable, there’ll always be someone who wants to hire you. This book will teach you how to do just that by acquiring the right skills at the right time, showing initiative, and making an impact without asking for permission. Another good read from Seth on the topic: Tribes.

Key Takeaways

  1. Linchpins pour their heart, soul, and energy into their work.
  2. You have to make a conscious choice to overcome your fears to become a linchpin.
  3. Give genuine gifts without expecting anything in return.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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13. Spark by Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch & Sean Lynch

Best Books About Leadership #13: Spark

Favorite Quote

“Small acts of service can transform relationships, teams, and cultures.” — Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch & Sean Lynch

The Book in One Sentence

Spark teaches you how to become an influential, un-fireable asset to your team by leading regardless of your position, utilizing the power of creative thinking to make better decisions, and learning how to be more self-aware and humble.

Why should you read it?

One way to become indispensable is to contribute so greatly to the work of others that they’ll no longer want to do it without you. That’s what becoming “a spark” is all about. Learn how to supercharge those around you, and thus supercharge yourself and your career.

Key Takeaways

  1. Anyone can be an inspirational leader, “a spark,” regardless of their title.
  2. Sparks make better decisions and connect with others more deeply because they think creatively. 
  3. If you want to be a spark, learn to admit when you’re wrong, serve others, and become self-aware.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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14. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey

Best Books About Leadership #14: EntreLeadership

Favorite Quote

“If you as a leader allow people to halfway do their jobs and don’t demand excellence as a prerequisite to keeping their job, you will create a culture of mediocrity.” — Dave Ramsey

The Book in One Sentence

EntreLeadership will outline a path to becoming a great leader in your company by identifying the necessary management and entrepreneurial skills, then mastering them.

Why should you read it?

If you want a compendium of great, entrepreneurial leadership advice, compiled by someone who’s walked the walk, check out this book. Ramsey quotes lots of other smart leaders and explains how he implemented their advice in his own businesses. Worth the read!

Key Takeaways

  1. The most successful heads of new companies combine the skills of an entrepreneur and a leader. 
  2. To create a lucrative business, work on your marketing strategy. 
  3. You only get hardworking and loyal employees if you give out generous salaries and bonuses.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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15. Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute

Best Books About Leadership #15: Leadership and Self-Deception

Favorite Quote

“Self-deception blinds us to the true causes of problems, and once we’re blind, all the ‘solutions’ we can think of will actually make matters worse.” — The Arbinger Institute

The Book in One Sentence

Leadership and Self-Deception is a guide to becoming self-aware by learning to see your faults more accurately, understanding other’s strengths and needs, and leaning into your natural instinct to help other people as much as possible.

Why should you read it?

This book will teach you how to spot deception in and by yourself as well as from others. It’ll also help you become more self-aware and have better, more genuine interactions with other people. It could just as well be a self-help book, and its positive effects will go well beyond the workplace!

Key Takeaways

  1. Seeing your own needs as more important than those of others makes you forget they are people just like you.
  2. You justify your worldview by inflating your virtues and overemphasizing other people’s weaknesses.
  3. If you want to beat self-deception, you must act on your instinct to help others in need.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books About Teamwork

16. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Best Books About Leadership #16: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Favorite Quote

“When people don’t unload their opinions and feel like they’ve been listened too, they won’t really get on board.” — Patrick Lencioni

The Book in One Sentence

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team uses a fable to explain why even the best teams struggle to work together, offering actionable strategies to overcome distrust and office politics in order to achieve important goals as a cohesive, effective unit.

Why should you read it?

If you struggle to work well together with others, get this book. Learn how to build trust and communicate effectively, even mediate well between different parties. For any aspiring team player, this is a good read.

Key Takeaways

  1. If a group wants to facilitate trust, it must be open about weaknesses and mistakes.
  2. Everybody needs to be committed to decisions, no matter what the consensus is.
  3. Focus on a common goal instead of looking for individual results.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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17. Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono

Best Books About Leadership #17: Six Thinking Hats

Favorite Quote

“We may have a perfectly adequate way of doing something, but that does not mean there cannot be a better way.” ― Edward De Bono

The Book in One Sentence

Six Thinking Hats divides thinking into six distinct areas and perspectives, which will help you, your team, and your company tackle problems from different angles, thus solving them with the power of parallel thinking and saving time, money, and energy as a result.

Why should you read it?

Are you looking for a framework that’ll make meetings smoother, more fun, and more effective? This is the book for you. The six thinking hats can seriously improve any group dynamic.

Key Takeaways

  1. The blue hat is the manager’s hat, which is worn to oversee the situation.
  2. When wearing the red hat, everyone is free to express their emotions without having to worry about being judged.
  3. The yellow hat gets you to pick up your shovel and start digging, because it’s the hat of the optimist.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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18. First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

Best Books About Leadership #18: First, Break All the Rules

Favorite Quote

“People leave managers, not companies.” — Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

The Book in One Sentence

First, Break All the Rules claims that everything you think you know about managing people is wrong, revealing how you can challenge the status quo so that both you and those you lead will achieve their full potential.

Why should you read it?

Forget about financial incentives, tight deadlines, and demanding speeches. If you want a more human way of pushing others to do their best, check out this book. Learn to be a facilitator of happiness, provide people with autonomy, and good results will follow. This book will teach you how.

Key Takeaways

  1. Successful businesses have happy employees — because managers have the power to ensure team members are satisfied.
  2. To be a great leader, set baseline standards of performance, then let people choose how exactly to reach outcomes.
  3. When you want to improve employees performance, look to the top performers on your team, not mistakes or averages.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books About Group Dynamics

19. The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Best Books About Leadership #19: The Culture Code

Favorite Quote

“Vulnerability doesn’t come after trust — it precedes it. Leaping into the unknown, when done alongside others, causes the solid ground of trust to materialize beneath our feet.” — Daniel Coyle

The Book in One Sentence

The Culture Code examines the dynamics of groups, large and small, formal and informal, to help you understand how great teams work and what you can do to improve your relationships wherever you cooperate with others.

Why should you read it?

If you want to learn how to integrate well in any group, collaborate better, and get your points across, this is a must-read. Charisma, or a lack thereof, is somewhat natural, but culture and communication can be learned. This book will show you how to use them to get people to cooperate and achieve big things.

Key Takeaways

  1. Build a safe environment to make everyone feel comfortable in working together.
  2. Share vulnerability to show no one needs to be perfect.
  3. Establish purpose through a common goal and a clear path to get there.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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20. Move Your Bus by Ron Clark

Best Books About Leadership #20: Move Your Bus

Favorite Quote

“Treating everyone fairly isn’t treating everyone equally.” — Ron Clark

The Book in One Sentence

Move Your Bus illustrates the different kinds of groups in organizations, how leaders can inspire those groups, and what individuals can do to become highly valued, productive members of the organizations they serve.

Why should you read it?

If you often find yourself frustrated with coworkers actions, this book is for you. Learn to accept that different people play different roles at work and in life, and you’ll be more efficient in giving everyone what they need to succeed.

Key Takeaways

  1. Have high expectations of people, then make it possible for them to deliver.
  2. Accept that different people perform on different levels.
  3. Let go of your sense of entitlement, forever.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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21. Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King & Halee Fischer-Wright

Best Books on Leadership #21: Tribal Leadership

Favorite Quote

“Change the language in the tribe, and you have changed the tribe itself.” — Dave Logan, John King & Halee Fischer-Wright

The Book in One Sentence

Tribal Leadership explains the various roles people take on in organizations, showing you how to navigate, connect, and lead change across the five different stages of your company’s “tribal society.”

Why should you read it?

Do you feel lost when you look at your company’s org chart? This book will help you navigate it, and not just on paper. Learn to identify the various groups in your organization and the stages they move through over time — and become a more efficient collaborator as a result.

Key Takeaways

  1. In the 21st century, tribes are still the most powerful social units in which we operate.
  2. Tribal progression depends on the quality of connections between its members.
  3. To change a group, you need to work with individuals first.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Books for Leaders Trying to Inspire People

22. Multipliers by Liz Wiseman

Best Books on Leadership #22: Multipliers

Favorite Quote

“The highest quality of thinking cannot emerge without learning. Learning can’t happen without mistakes.” — Liz Wiseman

The Book in One Sentence

Multipliers explains the five types of people who inspire, support, and improve others in their organization, showing you how to become one as well as avoid diminishers, the people who drag down others and make it harder for them to perform.

Why should you read it?

Is there someone at work who always brings you down or even blocks you from accomplishing your tasks? This book will help you deal with them. It’ll also show you how to avoid becoming a “diminisher,” as Wiseman calls them, yourself. Plus, you’ll learn which type of “multiplier” you might be, and how you can best amplify the voices and work of others.

Key Takeaways

  1. Diminishers reduce the effectiveness of their team, while Multipliers expand their team’s capabilities.
  2. If you’ve got a Diminisher boss, hope rests in learning and applying some defensive strategies.
  3. Becoming a Multiplier and improving your workplace is as simple as following a few quick practices.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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23. Unlocking Potential by Michael Simpson

Best Books on Leadership #23: Unlocking Potential

Favorite Quote

“Perhaps the best definition of coaching is ‘unleashing or unlocking the potential of another human being.’” — Michael Simpson

The Book in One Sentence

Unlocking Potential will teach you how to coach others in a way that brings to light their greatest strengths and capabilities, allowing you to make a true difference in people’s lives as a leader.

Why should you read it?

A good leader is similar to a good coach: They’ll help others help themselves, then get out of the way. This book will teach you which questions to ask when and how to empower those around you to do as much as they can on their own.

Key Takeaways

  1. The basics of effective coaching center around trust and potential. 
  2. You can encourage commitment by asking the right questions and help others execute effectively with the principle of flow.
  3. Asking a team member what feedback they’d give to someone in their situation brings out the best advice for them to follow.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books About Presence

24. Presence by Amy Cuddy

Best Books on Leadership #24: Presence

Favorite Quote

“Focus less on the impression you’re making on others and more on the impression you’re making on yourself.” — Amy Cuddy

The Book in One Sentence

Presence will grow your confidence by explaining how posture, mindset, and body language all reinforce your feeling of empowerment as well as your communication skills.

Why should you read it?

Do you lack confidence? This book will help bring it back. Through a series of useful exercises, you’ll feel inspired to stand up for what you believe in and hold your head high — literally and figuratively.

Key Takeaways

  1. If you want more courage and the ability to handle stress better, find and write about your #1 core value.
  2. Beat feelings of powerlessness by remembering past wins and other positive events.
  3. Your posture is evidence of how you feel about yourself, and by improving it, even right now, you will become more confident.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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25. Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Best Books on Leadership #25: Executive Presence

Favorite Quote

“Becoming a leader and doing something amazing with your life hinge on what makes you different, not on what makes you the same as everyone else.” — Sylvia Ann Hewlett

The Book in One Sentence

Executive Presence is an actionable guide to the essential components of a strong leader’s charisma, including and teaching you elements like gravitas, communication, appearance, and others.

Why should you read it?

A leader who has to yell every time to make their point is not a good leader at all. This book will show you how to command respect and meet people eye-to-eye — and that’s before you’ve even started talking. The book also has good tips for that, of course. If you want to exude authority and confidence wherever you go, get this book.

Key Takeaways

  1. Gravitas is the core of executive presence.
  2. It’s not what you say that counts, but how you say it.
  3. Your physical appearance matters a great deal.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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26. The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier

Best Books on Leadership #26: The Advice Trap

Favorite Quote

“Coaching is the act of staying curious. Feedback is when you need to share your point of view.” — Michael Bungay Stanier

The Book in One Sentence

The Advice Trap will drastically improve your communication skills and make you more likable, thanks to explaining why defaulting to sharing your opinion about everything is a bad idea and how listening until you truly understand people’s needs will make a much bigger positive difference in their lives.

Why should you read it?

When you’re a leader, everyone expects you to tell them what to do. Often, however, that’s exactly the wrong thing! You must learn to help people figure out what to do on their own, and that’s what this book is about. Combine silence, transparency, and appreciation, and you’ll rise through the ranks thanks to your influence, not your aggression.

Key Takeaways

  1. Your Advice Monster takes on three personas that you need to be aware of if you want to beat it.
  2. Listen better by using keywords to prime yourself, repeating a single skill, and learning to make it enjoyable.
  3. Be generous when communicating with others in three specific categories.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books About Communication

27. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.

Best Books on Leadership #27: Crucial Conversations

Favorite Quote

“It’s the most talented, not the least talented, who are continually trying to improve their dialogue skills. As is often the case, the rich get richer.” — Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzler

The Book in One Sentence

Crucial Conversations will teach you how to avoid conflict and come to positive solutions in high-stakes conversations so you can be effective in your personal and professional life.

Why should you read it?

Looking for a better way to handle high-stakes situations? Then this might be the right book for you. Speech is what separates us from the other animals, but if we don’t speak clearly, we might as well be throwing rocks. Master the STATE method described in this book, and how you communicate in difficult situations will change forever.

Key Takeaways

  1. When communicating, stay focused on your goals to avoid reacting emotionally. 
  2. Create safe conversations by showing the other person you value their opinions. 
  3. Use the STATE method to resolve conflict when it arises.  

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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28. Radical Candor by Kim Malone Scott

Best Books on Leadership #28: Radical Candor

Favorite Quote

“Make sure that you are seeing each person on your team with fresh eyes every day. People evolve, and so your relationships must evolve with them. Care personally; don’t put people in boxes and leave them there.” — Kim Malone Scott

The Book in One Sentence

Radical Candor will teach you how to connect with people at work, push them to be their best, know when and how to fire them, and create an environment of trust and innovation in the workplace.

Why should you read it?

Do you struggle to be open with people, especially about uncomfortable but necessary developments? Try Radical Candor. This book will help you build the transparency you need without offending people, and your results when working in and with a team will soar.

Key Takeaways

  1. To develop radical candor, you must learn to be honest and direct without offending people.
  2. Collaborative leadership is far more effective than just barking orders.
  3. Get to know your employee’s real motivations by having honest conversations.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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29. The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

Best Books on Leadership #29: The One Minute Manager

Favorite Quote

“The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people.” — Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

The Book in One Sentence

The One Minute Manager gives managers three simple tools that each take 60 seconds or less to use but can tremendously improve their efficiency in getting people to stay motivated, happy, and ready to deliver great work.

Why should you read it?

If you have a practice of giving compliments to coworkers but not telling them when they need to do better, this book is for you. The one-minute practices are easy and elegant. They also allow you to move forward without dwelling on people’s mistakes (or their accomplishments, for that matter). What an efficient way to lead!

Key Takeaways

  1. For each of your employees, set three goals you can review in one minute or less.
  2. Use one minute praise to give your employees positive feedback.
  3. A one-minute reprimand is more than enough to express your dissatisfaction.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books About Ethics & Being of Service

30. People Over Profit by Dale Partridge

Best Books on Leadership #30: People Over Profit

Favorite Quote

“Authenticity is the act of telling people what you believe and care about, not telling them what you think they want you to believe or care about.” — Dale Partridge

The Book in One Sentence

People Over Profit evaluates the four stages most companies go through as they mature, moving from honest over efficiency to deception and, if they’re lucky, redemption, ideally helping them to foster seven core beliefs that will allow them to stay honest all the way to the end.

Why should you read it?

Most business books focus on tactics. Some focus on strategies. This is one of the few that addresses philosophy. If you can inspire a spirit of honesty among your first few employees, it’ll automatically become part of your company’s culture. Old employees teach it to new ones as the business grows, and you’ll still lead a virtuous company by the time it’s all grown up. A great read about developing a powerful organizational culture that can last for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

  1. Every company starts as an honest one.
  2. Good companies embrace transparency instead of trying to avoid it.
  3. By making better choices as a consumer, you can do your part to contribute to an honest-business world.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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31. The Second Mountain by David Brooks

Best Books for Leaders #31: The Second Mountain

Favorite Quote

“We think we want ease and comfort, and of course we do from time to time, but there is something inside us that longs for some calling that requires dedication and sacrifice.” — David Brooks

The Book in One Sentence

The Second Mountain argues that the key to living a meaningful, fulfilling, and happy life is not found in the pursuit of self-improvement but instead a life of service to others.

Why should you read it?

This book will show you how to truly put others first — and let everything else follow. Prioritizing those you care about will take care of many of the problems you worry about for yourself. It’s funny how it works, but it does. This book will convince you and show you how.

Key Takeaways

  1. Individualism causes a lack of social connections, which is why people feel adrift as they focus on the first mountain, material success. 
  2. Joy is better than happiness, and we receive it when we scale the second mountain — a life of caring for people. 
  3. Putting the needs of others above your own requires commitment and hard work; love alone won’t cut it.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Leadership Books With Out-of-the-Box Approaches

32. The Myth of the Strong Leader by Archie Brown

Best Books for Leaders #32: The Myth of the Strong Leader

Favorite Quote

“There are many qualities desirable in a political leader that should matter more than the criterion of strength, one better suited to judging weightlifters or long-distance runners.” — Archie Brown

The Book in One Sentence

The Myth of the Strong Leader reveals why being a bold, charismatic leader might not be all it’s cracked up to be, showing that we give way too much credit to “strong” leaders and illustrating the problematic consequences this societal pattern entails.

Why should you read it?

Are you worried about how you’ll lead when you’re neither literally tall nor figuratively larger than life? Don’t fret! This book will dispel the common myth that leaders must be (or at least appear) strong. It’s a cultural phenomenon more so than anything else, and even the best leaders have big flaws, like all of us. An encouraging read for anyone feeling like they’re out of their depth!

Key Takeaways

  1. We have a deeply skewed idea of what it means to be an effective political leader. 
  2. A truly good leader needs to be humble and know how to listen to people. 
  3. The people who become the most influential leaders usually employ a collegial style of leadership.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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33. How to Be a Leader by Plutarch

Best Books for Leaders #33: How to Be a Leader

Favorite Quote

“Leaders, in fact, must be more afraid of inflicting harm than of suffering harm themselves.” — Plutarch

The Book in One Sentence

How to Be a Leader is Greek philosopher Plutarch’s guide to leadership, using practical ideas, historical narratives, and political events to outline the qualities of the best leaders, including serving for the right reasons, speaking persuasively, and following more experienced leaders.

Why should you read it?

This book’s lessons aged like a fine wine. Leadership isn’t new. We’ve been doing it for as long as humans have existed. Plutarch will show you that the basics still apply, and that leadership isn’t rocket science. A fantastic read full of common sense and surprisingly relevant advice, given its age.

Key Takeaways

  1. A good leader wants to lead for the right reasons. 
  2. Persuasive speaking skills are a hallmark of leadership.
  3. We shouldn’t dismiss the strengths of more experienced leaders.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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34. Lead Yourself First by Raymond M. Kethledge & Michael S. Erwin

Best Books for Leaders #34: Lead Yourself First

Favorite Quote

“A critical element of effective leadership is not to let the immediate take precedence over the important.” — Raymond M. Kethledge & Michael S. Erwin

The Book in One Sentence

Lead Yourself First highlights the importance of solitude, sorting your mind, and self-awareness in leading others, recommending strongly aligned goals and an inspiring mission to get others to take initiative on your shared objectives.

Why should you read it?

Leadership is about leading others, but that doesn’t mean to do it well you have to be around people all the time. In fact, the opposite is true! Solitude is necessary to think clearly, recharge, and return to those you hope to guide with renewed energy and motivation. This book will show you how to look inward to better navigate the world outside and help others do the same.

Key Takeaways

  1. Great leaders use solitude to deal with four aspects of their life.
  2. FOMO is a dangerous trap for anyone who is serious about their responsibilities.
  3. Solitude can help you alleviate negative emotions and triggers.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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35. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson

Best Books for Leaders #35: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Favorite Quote

“The Stoic Sage, or wise man, needs nothing but uses everything well; the fool believes himself to ‘need’ countless things, but he uses them all badly.” — Donald Robertson

The Book in One Sentence

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor combines the story of famous Stoic and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius with lessons from modern psychology to help you become more emotionally resilient and develop the strength to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Why should you read it?

If a shy boy 2,000 years ago managed to get through life as an emperor (a life Marcus never would have chosen), then you, too, can show others the way. Inspiring through its story and enlightening through its lessons, this is a fantastic book full of pragmatic wisdom.

Key Takeaways

  1. We come from nature, and we’ll return to it eventually, so it’s only logical to live in agreement with it. 
  2. Life is about constant improvement, which is why we should all work on our virtues every day.
  3. Stoics know there’s no point in worrying over what you can’t control, so best just make your peace with it.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Best Inspiring Biographies of Famous Leaders

36. A Promised Land by Barack Obama

Best Books for Leaders #36: A Promised Land

Favorite Quote

“Enthusiasm makes up for a host of deficiencies.” — Barack Obama

The Book in One Sentence

A Promised Land is former president Barack Obama’s memoir in which he explains how he got into politics, what it was like for him to be president of the United States from 2009 to 2017, and how he felt during some of his biggest achievements, like passing the Affordable Care Act.

Why should you read it?

If you’re a fan of Obama, you’ll get a lot out of this book. If you’re not, you have to at least give the man credit: He led with composure and clarity, even if not all of his choices were right. Especially if you hope to lead in politics, this will be an enlightening read.

Key Takeaways

  1. Barack wanted to change the world from a young age, and he almost gave up trying to do so by political means.
  2. Once Obama’s popularity began to grow, it wasn’t long before running for president became the obvious choice.
  3. The Affordable Care Act and the assassination of Osama bin Laden are just two of the many notable events of Obama’s presidency.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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37. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Best Books for Leaders #37: Becoming

Favorite Quote

“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child — What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.” ― Michelle Obama

The Book in One Sentence

Becoming will use Michelle Obama’s life story to motivate you to move forward with your dreams regardless of your circumstances, criticism, or what people think.

Why should you read it?

Whether you’re the woman behind a strong man, charting your own path, or simply wondering how a First Lady deals with all the pressure and attention, this book is for you. Barack’s success can be credited as much to Michelle as to him, and together, they make for an extremely inspiring pair of human beings.

Key Takeaways

  1. Regardless of the changes in your world, you can strive to be your best and learn.
  2. Ignore people who tell you what they think you can’t be, pushing yourself to excel will lead you to people who believe in your potential.
  3. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you live in a place as traditional as the White House.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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38. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Best Books for Leaders #38: Long Walk to Freedom

Favorite Quote

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela

The Book in One Sentence

Long Walk to Freedom is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid activist, national icon, and the first South African Black president, elected in the first, fully democratic election in the country.

Why should you read it?

If you think you’re facing hardship, think again. This man spent more than 20 years in prison, yet still came out ready to forgive his oppressors — and he went on to do great things because of it. One of the most inspiring stories of all time. Highly recommended!

Key Takeaways

  1. Your best bet at finding true freedom is education.
  2. If you want to be remembered, you must learn to challenge authority.
  3. It’s most important that you don’t give up right after your biggest setback.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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39. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Best Books for Leaders #39: The Ride of a Lifetime

Favorite Quote

“Ask the questions you need to ask, admit without apology what you don’t understand, and do the work to learn what you need to learn as quickly as you can.” ― Robert Iger

The Book in One Sentence

The Ride of a Lifetime illustrates Robert Iger’s journey to becoming the CEO of Disney, and how his vision, strategy, and guidance successfully led the company through a time when its future was highly uncertain.

Why should you read it?

Do you dream of being a CEO of one of the world’s most beloved brands? Then this book is for you. Bob Iger was loved as much by his employees as their customers love Disney. He truly is a one-in-a-million example of good leadership, and that’s why his story is worth listening to.

Key Takeaways

  1. Pay attention to what you think is coincidence — it just may end up leading you to success.
  2. Even if an idea you have sounds crazy, try it anyway, because you never know what great opportunities might come from it.
  3. Don’t give up on even the toughest of aspirations, and use your connections to make great things happen.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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40. All In by Billie Jean King

Best Books for Leaders #40: All In

Favorite Quote

“Face your fears; live your passions, be dedicated to your truth.” — Billie Jean King

The Book in One Sentence

All In is the autobiography of tennis and LGBT icon Billie Jean King, the first professional female athlete to come out as homosexual, as well as an astonishing player who won countless matches and tournaments, all while fighting for gender equality in sports up to the point of changing US legislation and significantly reducing discrimination in sports for women all over the globe.

Why should you read it?

Talk about winning against the odds. Billie Jean did it not just in tennis, but in politics too, managing to change the laws of the sport she played. She was also the first professional female athlete to come out as lesbian, and that requires yet another kind of leadership. What an inspiring individual!

Key Takeaways

  1. A combination of talent and hard work turned Billie Jean into a champion.
  2. A good role model can inspire determination and motivate us to push forward.
  3. Billie Jean had a tough romantic life and other significant challenges to face, none of which kept her from achieving her objective.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

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Conclusion

“When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you,” Simon Sinek says. “But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you.” That’s what leadership is about. It’s an attitude of service, of putting others first, and when we do that, the people around us want us to succeed too.

I think most of us aspire to being inspiring, and often, that’s easier than we think. But even when leadership forces you to make tough choices, usually, the hardest decision is the one to lead in the first place. Once we’ve made up our mind to walk into the unknown, even when we’re afraid like everyone else, we’ll find that the path keeps unfolding right in front of us — and now, others can follow in our footsteps.

Whether you want to learn more about the basics of leadership or have 20 years of experience as an executive, we hope our list of the best leadership books will provide the little bit of inspiration you’ll need to keep taking small steps every day. Thank you for doing your best to lead. The world needs it more than you know.


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Last Updated on February 20, 2023