It can be tough being a leader. For so many people, they have to do the job before they’ve learnt the skills. This is obviously where Executive Coaching can really help. But around that, we always recommend reading. After all, can you ever learn too much?
If you’re interested in furthering your knowledge on leadership, then here are our top 7 books that we highly recommend.
1. Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee
Based on the key principles of Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence model, this leadership book is a must-read for any leader.
Throughout the book, real-life case studies, tips and insights share everything a new leader needs to know about leading with Emotional Intelligence and the difference this makes to the bottom line.
2. The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner
A fabulous how-to for leaders, The Leadership Challenge breaks down the five practices of exemplary leadership, which are:
1) Model the way
2) Inspire a shared vision
3) Challenge the process
4) Enable others to act
5) Encourage the heart
The Leadership Challenge additionally focuses on the importance and value of engaging the team you lead and appreciating the importance of broader stakeholder networks.
3. The Tao of Coaching by Max Landsberg
A personal favourite of our Director of Coaching due to being a very short story, this book brilliantly illustrates how to coach using an example of a new manager and direct report.
During the book, Alex is learning how to manage, and he’s constantly practising his new skill of coaching whilst learning what works and what doesn’t.
4. Legacy by James Kerr
A beautiful read about the culture and legacy of the ‘All Blacks’ and their goal to “leave the jersey in a better place”, Legacy is an inspirational read.
This book shares ideas and steps that leaders can deploy to bring together a team in which each person shines and collectively are brighter than anyone alone.
5. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
For many leaders, their biggest challenge is the imposter in their own heads.
In Dare to Lead, Brown looks through several lenses to help leaders lean into vulnerability and uncertainty and take control of those inner thoughts. Addressing self-leadership first and then leading others, she has some great tips for new leaders to be their best.
6. Future – Engage – Deliver: The Essential Guide to Your Leadership by Steve Radcliffe
This is a helpful short guide to developing your leadership.
Throughout this book, Radcliffe encourages readers to focus on the importance of ambition and securing the interest, ideas and commitment of others before delivering on organisational plans and goals that have been identified.
7. Jump!: Deliver Astonishing Results by Unleashing Your Leadership Team by Chris Henderson
Throughout his book, Henderson shares his belief that in many leadership teams, there is often untapped potential.
To help enhance collective performance and contribution that can have a tremendous impact on organisation change, Henderson encourages readers to focus on what he calls game-changing conversations.
If you’re leading a team, this book is highly recommended. Sharing case studies, exercises, models, and tools, you’ll have the chance to refocus your attention on the importance of full team conversations.
Our Thoughts
With so many fantastic leadership books by industry experts out there, whittling down our top 7 was by no means an easy task. We hope that you'll find these recommendations helpful regardless of where you are in your leadership journey.
As a side note, most books are available as Audiobooks. If you prefer listening to books over reading them, there’s no need to worry about missing out. We’ve only linked to the paperbacks, but hopefully that can lead you to the Audiobooks as well.
Reading is a powerful way of gaining insight and knowledge. But if you need more help, please contact us at The Leadership Coaches.
