Whether you’re an avid reader or not, it is a fact that reading quality books can offer words of wisdom that can have a positive impact on your life. There are numerous books out there which are packed with valuable information, able to provide insight on the quintessential human experience. And yes, these books can help you become a better leader.
Of course, no one can go through every book that’s available out there. But what you can do is read some highly recommended titles. These books will help you understand what is meant by being a leader and communicate with your team, employees, and even clients in the proper manner.
Reading has been known to improve one’s emotional intelligence, reduce stress, and organization effectiveness. All of these things are expected from a great leader.
Don’t think that you have time to read books? Well, you need to make time. Reading should become a natural part of your routine. Even reading a couple of books a year is a good start. The important thing is that you read helpful titles, ones that will stay with you once you finish the last page.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of the five best leadership books you should read!
1.“The Truth About Leadership” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
When it comes to being a leader, there are some essential things that will always be required. Some of the things that are included are ethics, credibility, trust, and motivation. It is recommended that you take in information that is supposed by research. In “The Truth About Leadership” both authors present core principles related to leadership that are backed by 30 years of research.
There’s a lot that you can from this book. While it is more than two hundred pages long, the authors write in an engrossing manner that will keep you hooked.
2. “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins
Numerous startups pop up every year but only a few are able to succeed as businesses. As a leader you need to know the right way to lead your team to success. In “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t,” author Jim Collins provides information after evaluating thousands of interviews and articles to find out what makes a business successful.
You can think of this book as a guide which you can follow to learn what you need to do as a leader and visionary to build a great future for your business.
3.“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven R. Covey
This is a book that appears in almost every list that has to do with finding success in life. And there is a good reason for that. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven R. Covey is more or less a masterpiece when it comes to educating you in what it means to be a leader.
It talks about changing your cognition, the way you think, to learn how to perceive the world around you. The book talks about Independence, Interdependence, and Continual Improvement. It is a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve continuous and meaningful growth as a leader.
4. “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh
An awesome way for you to learn what to do as a leader is by learning from other successes. “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh is able to offer you just that. As the CEO of the highly successful business, Zappos, the author has provided everyone with a good example when it comes to building an impressive brand.
The book talks about company culture and how to serve customers. There’s a lot of advice in there about how, as a leader, you can make both your customers and employees happy. Even if you don’t own a business yet, this book can still help you handle your team members properly.
5.“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
As a leader there will be times will you are required to innovate. And innovators will tell you that introducing something different isn’t always welcomed by the rest. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen (a Harvard professor and businessman) talks about the being ahead of the pack and getting other on your team onboard for a successful future.
An honorable mention you should check out:
6.“Tribes” by Seth Godin
In “Tribes,” Seth Godin talks about doing your own thing but in a meaningful way. You can learn how to be a leader that will encourage others to follow.
So, go ahead and grab any one of the books mentioned in this list and get to reading. The valuable information shared in these titles will help you understand what is meant by being a leader and how you can polish your skills. Leave us a comment below and tell us what you do to be a better leader.