Great Leadership Reads

I am often asked what are the best leadership books. There are so many titles on leadership, one wonders where to begin. While I obviously have not read them all, these books challenged me to see things from a new perspective and take my leadership to a higher level.

Learning Leadership by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner is a great overview based on research showing how a leader acts explains, more than any other variable, whether people feel engaged in their work.

Mastering Leadership by Bob Anderson and Bill Adams is built on research showing that leading with purpose, vision, and a commitment to team building has a high correlation with effective leadership.

Dare to Lead is the latest book by Brené Brown, a leading voice for our times, who describes the deep connection between courage and vulnerability, 

Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler draws on research to show how choice, connection, and competence sustain motivation.

What You Don’t Know About Listening Could Fill a Book by Jon White and Alexandra Taketa is a little-known gem on effective listening skills with practical “how to” chapters on key leadership competencies.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey stands the test of time as a blueprint for continuous professional and personal improvement and self-renewal.

For more information on these books, as well as some good online resources, check out my NH Business Review column https://www.nhbr.com/great-leadership-reads/.

For Further Thought:  Up your leadership game by picking one of these books and, as you read, developing three specific actions that would improve your life.
 
As a leader, you have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Don’t underestimate your impact!