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Best Leadership Books: 25+ Top Leadership Books to Read in 2024

Last Updated: 11 October 2024

Read more: Books. Business. Lifestyle

Leadership is an essential skill for any professional and successful business. It requires knowledge, vision, and dedication to helping professionals and companies achieve their goals. To gain a better understanding of leadership principles, numerous books offer insights and advice from experts in the field.

In this article, we have shortlisted the best leadership books to help you enhance your understanding and practice of effective leadership. From inspiring stories to practical advice, these books provide invaluable insights into the strategies and techniques required for successful leadership.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Leadership Books to Read this Year

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides practical strategies for improving daily habits and achieving remarkable results. Clear emphasises the importance of having the right system for change, as habits are formed by tiny behaviours. The book offers a proven framework to help readers form good habits, break bad ones, and reach new heights. Drawing on ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience, it features true stories from successful individuals to illustrate its points.

This book simplifies complex topics to help create good habits and eliminate bad ones. It provides strategies to make time for new habits, overcome lack of motivation, and design environments for success. With its transformative insights, Atomic Habits reshapes thinking on growth and success. This leadership book has sold over 4 million copies, highlighting its widespread impact and effectiveness.

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Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell is an updated version of his classic work on leadership. Maxwell examines various leadership styles and provides principles for inspiring and influencing others. The revised edition includes additional insights and aims to help leaders succeed in fostering integrity and positive change. It encourages readers to develop their vision, value, and leadership potential.

Maxwell’s book, which revolutionised leadership thinking 25 years ago, has been updated with new insights and practices he has learned over the years. The revised 2.0 collection offers comprehensive tools for leadership development, including a book, audio messages, a workbook, and group activities. These effective leadership principles are designed to positively impact your life and the lives of those around you, enhancing your vision, value, influence, and motivation as a leader.

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    Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

    Renowned as one of the best leadership books available, Thinking, Fast and Slow has dominated the bestseller lists for nearly a decade, solidifying its status as a modern classic. This book by Daniel Kahneman, a renowned psychologist and Nobel Prize recipient in Economics, has transformed the lives of millions of readers. With his revolutionary insights into human cognition, Kahneman takes us on an extraordinary journey through the inner workings of our minds, unravelling the dual systems that govern our thought processes.

    Thinking, Fast and Slow discusses the two systems of thinking: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slower and logical. Understanding these systems is crucial for decision-making. Through practical insights garnered from both business and personal experiences, Kahneman explores the limitations of intuition and provides techniques to make better decisions. This bestselling leadership book, with more than 2.6 million copies sold, has received numerous accolades. In 2015, The Economist listed Daniel Kahneman as the seventh most influential economist in the world.

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    Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

    When it comes to leadership books, one cannot overlook the significance of Emotional Intelligence. This book challenges the common belief that a high IQ guarantees success, happiness, or virtue. Daniel Goleman’s exceptional work delves into the depths of psychology and neuroscience to offer unprecedented insights into our two minds: the rational and the emotional, and how they intricately shape our destiny. This bestseller redefines what it means to be smart.

    In his exploration of leadership, Goleman draws upon groundbreaking research in neuroscience and psychology to unveil why individuals with exceptional intellectual abilities often falter, while those with modest intellectual abilities surprisingly thrive. Factors such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy are identified as components of emotional intelligence that can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood. This book has revolutionised the understanding of intelligence and has gained widespread popularity as one of the top leadership books available.

    The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker

    The true measure of an executive’s competence lies in their ability to get things done effectively. This often involves addressing overlooked aspects while avoiding unproductive endeavours. Even with intelligence, imagination, and knowledge at their disposal, executives may fail without the necessary mindset to transform these attributes into tangible results.

    According to Peter F. Drucker, there are five indispensable practices that drive business effectiveness: managing time efficiently, selecting meaningful contributions to the organisation, identifying the most effective ways to leverage strengths, prioritising tasks appropriately, and integrating all of these with effective decision-making. Drucker showcases the unique abilities of executives and provides fresh perspectives on familiar, yet seemingly obvious, business scenarios.

    Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

    Ray Dalio, a successful investor and entrepreneur, shares his unconventional principles for achieving success in life and business. He founded Bridgewater Associates in 1975 and has since become one of the most influential people in the world. Dalio attributes his success to the unique principles that have created an effective culture at Bridgewater. He believes that anyone can adopt these principles to achieve their goals.

    Principles by Dalio offers practical lessons for decision-making, problem-solving, and team-building based on radical truth and transparency. The book also discusses the innovative tools used by Dalio’s firm, such as creating baseball cards for employees and using computerised decision-making systems. Dalio believes that anyone can apply his approach to decision-making. This business and leadership book has been praised for its instructive and moving content. It is a New York Times bestseller and offers unique advice not found in conventional business press.

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    The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell

    The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell is an updated edition of his bestselling book. Maxwell has updated this book with new insights and relevant stories for today’s leaders. Maxwell’s book on leadership continues to be one of the best resources for individuals, groups, and mentors, as it includes insights from his 30 years of leadership experience in various fields.

    John C. Maxwell, a leadership expert, shares life-changing principles after three decades of business experience. This new leadership edition is popular among both new and longtime readers. It offers fundamental insights for leaders based on Maxwell’s experiences and observations from various industries. Follow these laws of leadership, and people will follow you. Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 33 million books in fifty languages. He has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in business and a leadership expert in the world.

    Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown

    This book, named one of the best of the year by Bloomberg and a #1 New York Times bestseller, is essential for anyone aspiring to embrace brave and daring leadership in a world marked by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty. It emphasises the importance of developing uniquely human traits such as empathy, connection, and courage, especially as we seek to distinguish ourselves from what machines and AI can achieve. Author Brené Brown, who has spent two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders globally, addresses the common question of how to cultivate braver, more daring leaders and embed the value of courage within organisational cultures.

    In her new book, Brown builds on her previous teachings about daring greatly, rising strong, and braving the wilderness. She presents new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, offering practical guidance on how to implement these concepts. Brown highlights that daring leadership involves four skill sets that are entirely teachable, observable, and measurable. It requires brave work, tough conversations, and wholehearted engagement. While choosing courage over comfort is challenging, it is always worthwhile, as it enables us to be brave in our lives and work, fulfilling our purpose.

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    Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

    Organisational psychologist Adam Grant advocates for the principle of arguing as if he is right but listening as if he is wrong. In his book “Think Again,” he encourages readers to question their own beliefs and embrace mental flexibility over rigid consistency. Grant highlights the importance of recognising that we do not have to accept every thought or feeling as truth, and that wisdom lies in understanding what we do not know. This approach can lead to greater success at work and a deeper understanding in life, as it prioritises the ability to rethink and unlearn over traditional measures of intelligence.

    Grant also explores how many of us prefer the comfort of certainty over the discomfort of doubt, often seeking out opinions that reinforce our existing beliefs rather than those that challenge us. He argues that this tendency can make our beliefs fragile and limit our growth. By surrounding ourselves with people who challenge our thinking and viewing disagreement as an opportunity to learn, we can avoid the pitfalls of intellectual arrogance. Ultimately, Grant suggests that the ability to rethink and adapt is crucial in a rapidly changing world, where being open to new ideas can lead to greater wisdom and resilience.

    The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations 6th Edition by James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner

    ” The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations” is widely regarded as one of the best leadership books and the definitive guide for effective leadership, rooted in extensive research and authored by leading experts in the field. This book explores the intricate interpersonal dynamics of the workplace, presenting leadership as both a skill to be acquired and a relationship to be cultivated. The newly revised sixth edition addresses contemporary challenges, incorporating more international examples and a strong focus on business issues. Through engaging stories and straightforward frameworks, readers learn how extraordinary leaders achieve remarkable results and how to develop their own leadership skills to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

    The book distinguishes between good leaders, who get things done, and great leaders, who inspire and achieve more. It provides practical insights into the critical role of leadership in organisational health, the shift towards team-oriented work relationships, and strategies to motivate and inspire in the face of modern cynicism. As business evolves rapidly, “The Leadership Challenge” equips leaders to stay relevant and effective, emphasising the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in the modern workplace. This comprehensive guide is praised for its practical advice and ability to help readers start and maintain meaningful conversations in any situation.

    The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael D. Watkins

    The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins is a highly regarded guide for leaders navigating transitions, whether starting a new job, being promoted, or taking on an overseas assignment. Transitions are pivotal for leaders, presenting both opportunities for fresh starts and significant challenges. Missteps in the first three months can jeopardise success, making it crucial to manage this period effectively. Watkins, an expert in leadership transitions, provides strategies to overcome these challenges, addressing the increasing demands and expectations faced by modern managers.

    Watkins’ book offers practical advice, identifying common pitfalls and providing tools to secure early wins and establish oneself in a new role. Each chapter includes checklists, practical tools, and self-assessments to help leaders apply key lessons to their situations. This updated and expanded edition serves as a trusted guide, helping leaders avoid mistakes and succeed in their transitions.

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    Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization by John Wooden

    Wooden on Leadership focuses on John Wooden’s 12 Lessons in Leadership and his renowned Pyramid of Success, detailing the mental, emotional, and physical qualities necessary for building a successful organisation. The book guides readers on developing the skills, confidence, and competitive spirit to perform at their best when it is most needed, and to instil these qualities within their teams. Wooden’s consistent goal throughout his 41-year coaching career was to elicit maximum effort and peak performance from his players in a way that best served the team, and this book explains how he achieved this.

    The book compiles Wooden’s key observations on various aspects of leadership, including teamwork, self-control, concentration, and handling defeat. It highlights the 15 fundamental leadership qualities that form the building blocks of his Pyramid of Success, demonstrating their importance in creating a winning organisation. Each chapter ends with Wooden’s “Rules to Lead By,” which are actionable steps summarising the chapter’s main concepts, along with significant moments from Wooden’s own leadership journey.

    John Wooden’s Quote: “Team spirit, loyalty, enthusiasm, determination. . . . Acquire and keep these traits and success should follow.” – Coach John Wooden

    Reviews and Highlights

    A compelling look inside the mind and powerful leadership methods of America’s coaching legend, John Wooden. * A Wall Street Journal Bestseller.

    “Wooden On Leadership offers valuable lessons no matter what your endeavor. ‘Competitive Greatness’ is our goal and that of any successful organization. Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success is where it all starts.” – Jim Sinegal, president & CEO, Costco

    “What an all-encompassing Pyramid of Success for leadership! Coach Wooden’s moral authority and brilliant definition of success encompass all of life. How I admire his life’s work and concept of what it really means to win!” -Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

    Tools Of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Timothy Ferriss

    The latest groundbreaking tome from Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek.

    From the author:

    “For the last two years, I’ve interviewed more than 200 world-class performers for my podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. The guests range from super celebs (Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc.) and athletes (icons of powerlifting, gymnastics, surfing, etc.) to legendary Special Operations commanders and black-market biochemists.

    “This book contains the distilled tools, tactics, and ‘inside baseball’ you won’t find anywhere else. It also includes new tips from past guests, and life lessons from new ‘guests’ you haven’t met.

    “Everything within these pages has been vetted, explored, and applied to my own life in some fashion. I’ve used dozens of the tactics and philosophies in high-stakes negotiations, high-risk environments, or large business dealings. The lessons have made me millions of dollars and saved me years of wasted effort and frustration.

    “I created this book, my ultimate notebook of high-leverage tools, for myself. It’s changed my life, and I hope the same for you.”

    Tim Ferriss has been called “a cross between Jack Welch and a Buddhist monk” by The New York Times. He is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies.

    He is also the author of four #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, and Tools of Titans.

    Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

    The Challenge:

    Built to Last, the defining management study of the nineties, showed how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of an enterprise from the verybeginning.

    But what about the company that is not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness?

    The Study:

    For years, this question preyed on the mind of Jim Collins. Are there companies that defy gravity and convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? And if so, what are the universal distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?

    The Standards:

    Using tough benchmarks, Collins and his research team identified a set of elite companies that made the leap to great results and sustained those results for at least fifteen years. How great? After the leap, the good-to-great companies generated cumulative stock returns that beat the general stock market by an average of seven times in fifteen years, better than twice the results delivered by a composite index of the world’s greatest companies, including Coca-Cola, Intel, General Electric, and Merck.

    The Comparisons:

    The research team contrasted the good-to-great companies with a carefully selected set of comparison companies that failed to make the leap from good to great. What was different? Why did one set of companies become truly great performers while the other set remained only good?

    Over five years, the team analyzed the histories of all twenty-eight companies in the study. After sifting through mountains of data and thousands of pages of interviews, Collins and his crew discovered the key determinants of greatness — why some companies make the leap and others don’t.

    The Findings:

    The findings of the Good to Great study will surprise many readers and shed light on virtually every area of management strategy and practice. The findings include:

    Level 5 Leaders: The research team was shocked to discover the type of leadership required to achieve greatness.

    The Hedgehog Concept: (Simplicity within the Three Circles): To go from good to great requires transcending the curse of competence.

    A Culture of Discipline: When you combine a culture of discipline with an ethic of entrepreneurship, you get the magical alchemy of great results. Technology Accelerators: Good-to-great companies think differently about the role of technology.

    The Flywheel and the Doom Loop: Those who launch radical change programs and wrenching restructurings will almost certainly fail to make the leap.

    “Some of the key concepts discerned in the study,” comments Jim Collins, “fly in the face of our modern business culture and will, quite frankly, upset some people.”

    Perhaps, but who can afford to ignore these findings?

    About the author: Jim Collins is a student and teacher of what makes great companies tick, and a Socratic advisor to leaders in the business and social sectors. Having invested more than a quarter century in rigorous research, he has authored or coauthored a series of books that have sold in total more than 10 million copies worldwide.

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    Leading Change, With a New Preface by John P. Kotter

    The international bestseller. Millions worldwide have read and embraced John Kotter’s ideas on change management and leadership.

    John Kotter’s now-legendary eight-step process for managing change with positive results has become the foundation for leaders and organizations across the globe.

    By outlining the process every organization must go through to achieve its goals, and by identifying where and how even top performers derail during the change process, Kotter provides a practical resource for leaders and managers charged with making change initiatives work.

    From the ill-fated dot-com bubble to unprecedented M&A activity to scandal, greed, and ultimately, recession—we’ve learned that widespread and difficult change is no longer the exception. It’s the rule. Now with a new preface, this refreshed edition of the global bestseller Leading Change is more relevant than ever.

    Leading Change is widely recognized as his seminal work and is an important precursor to his newer ideas on acceleration published in Harvard Business Review.

    Needed more today than at any time in the past, this bestselling business book serves as both visionary guide and practical toolkit on how to approach the difficult yet crucial work of leading change in any type of organization.

    Reading this highly personal book is like spending a day with the world’s foremost expert on business leadership. You’re sure to walk away inspired—and armed with the tools you need to inspire others.

    Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory

    This New York Times bestseller and business classic has been fully updated for a world where skilled communication is more important than ever.

    This new edition addresses issues that have arisen in recent years. You’ll learn how to:

    •     Respond when someone initiates a Crucial Conversation with you
    •     Identify and address the lag time between identifying a problem and discussing it
    •     Communicate more effectively across digital mediums

    The book that revolutionized business communications has been updated for today’s workplace. Crucial Conversations provides powerful skills to ensure every conversation―especially difficult ones―leads to the results you want.

    Written in an engaging and witty style, it teaches readers how to be persuasive rather than abrasive, how to get back to productive dialogue when others blow up or clam up, and it offers powerful skills for mastering high-stakes conversations, regardless of the topic or person.

    When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, you have three choices: Avoid a crucial conversation and suffer the consequences; handle the conversation poorly and suffer the consequences; or apply the lessons and strategies of Crucial Conversations and improve relationships and results.

    Whether they take place at work or at home, with your coworkers or your spouse, Crucial Conversations have a profound impact on your career, your happiness, and your future. With the skills you learn in this book, you’ll never have to worry about the outcome of a Crucial Conversation again.

    ‘It’s hard to improve on a classic. For 20 years, Crucial Conversations has been the go-to resource for people, teams, and organizations looking to improve how they work and live together. And yet, in this new edition, the authors have made these classic skills more relevant than ever.”—Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter and New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit

    “This is a must-have manual for navigating the tough conversations that occur in every aspect of life. Brilliantly researched, easy to read, and highly practical…bravo!”—David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done

    “Crucial Conversations draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships, and our world. . . . This book deserves to take its place as one of the key thought leadership contributions of our time.”—Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition by Stephen R. Covey

    New York Times bestseller—over 40 million copies sold.

    The #1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century.

    One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents—millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 Habits with modern additions from Sean Covey.

    The 7 Habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work!

    With Sean Covey’s added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 Habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.

    They include:

    Habit 1: Be Proactive

    Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

    Habit 3: Put First Things First

    Habit 4: Think Win/Win

    Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

    Habit 6: Synergize

    Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

    This beloved classic presents a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and practical anecdotes, Stephen R. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity—principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

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    No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

    Most people think success comes from good luck or enormous talent, but many successful people achieve their accomplishments in a simpler way: through self-discipline. No Excuses! shows you how you can achieve success in all three major areas of your life, including your personal goals, business and money goals, and overall happiness.

    Each of the 21 chapters in this book shows you how to be more disciplined in one aspect of your life, with end-of-chapter exercises to help you apply the “no excuses” approach to your own life. With these guidelines, you can learn how to be more successful in everything you do –instead of wistfully envying others you think are just “luckier” than you. A little self-discipline goes a long way — so stop making excuses and read this book!

    Brian Tracy was born in eastern Canada in 1944 and grew up in California. After dropping out of high school, he traveled and worked his way around the world, eventually visiting eighty countries on six continents.

    His extensive personal studies in business, sales, management, marketing, and economics enabled him to move up to become the head of a $265 million company before he turned his attention to consulting, training, and personal development. He is the president of three companies with operations worldwide. He is married, has four children, and lives in San Diego, California.

    Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise by Horst Schulze, Dean Merrill Ken Blanchard

    For over twenty years, Schulze fearlessly led the company to unprecedented multibillion dollar growth, setting the business vision and people-focused standards that made the Ritz-Carlton brand world renowned. In Excellence Wins, Schulze shares his approach to everything from providing the best customer service to creating a culture of excellence within your organization.

    With his tried-and-true methods and inspiring, hard-earned wisdom, Schulze teaches you everything you need to know about:

    •     Why leading well is an acquired skill
    •     Serving your customers
    •     Engaging your employees
    •     Creating a culture of customer service
    •     Why vision statements make a difference
    •     What it really means to practice servant leadership

    Let Schulze’s incredible story help you unleash the disruptive power of your true potential, beat the competition, own your career trajectory, and experience the game-changing power of what happens when Excellence Wins.

    Schulze’s principles are designed to be versatile and practical no matter where you are in your career. He’ll remind you that you don’t need a powerful title or dozens of direct reports to benefit from the advice he shares in Excellence Wins–you have everything you need to apply it to your life and career right now.

    Horst Schulze knows what it takes to win. In Excellence Wins, the cofounder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company lays out a blueprint for becoming the very best in a world of compromise. In his characteristic no-nonsense approach, Schulze shares the visionary and disruptive principles that have led to immense global success over the course of his still-prolific fifty-year career in the hospitality industry.

    Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

    A groundbreaking look at why our interactions with others hold the key to success, from the bestselling author of Originals

    For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But in today’s dramatically reconfigured world, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others.

    In Give and Take, Adam Grant, an award-winning researcher and Wharton’s highest-rated professor, examines the surprising forces that shape why some people rise to the top of the success ladder while others sink to the bottom. Praised by social scientists, business theorists, and corporate leaders, Give and Take opens up an approach to work, interactions, and productivity that is nothing short of revolutionary.

    “Give and Take will fundamentally change the way you think about success. Unfortunately in America, we have too often succumbed to the worldview that if everyone behaved in their own narrow self-interest, all would be fine. Adam Grant shows us with compelling research and fascinating stories there is a better way.” —Lenny Mendonca, Director, McKinsey & Co.

    “Give and Take is an enlightening read for leaders who aspire to create meaningful and sustainable changes to their environments. Grant demonstrates how a generous orientation toward others can serve as a formula for producing successful leaders and organizational performance. His writing is as engaging and enjoyable as his style in the classroom.” —Kenneth Frazier, Chairman, President, and CEO of Merck & Co.

    “Give and Take is a brilliant, well-documented, and motivating debunking of ‘good guys finish last’! I’ve noticed for years that generosity generates its own kind of equity, and Grant’s fascinating research and engaging style have created not only a solid validation of that principle but also practical wisdom and techniques for utilizing it more effectively. This is a super manifesto for getting meaningful things done, sustainably.” —David Allen, author of Getting Things Done

    Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

    The inspirational bestseller that ignited a movement and asked us to find our WHY.

    Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time—with more than 56 million views and counting. Over a decade ago, Simon Sinek started a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, to ask what was the WHY of their organization. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, and these ideas remain as relevant and timely as ever.

    START WITH WHY asks (and answers) the questions: why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others? Why do some command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike? Even among the successful, why are so few able to repeat their success over and over?

    People like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, and the Wright Brothers had little in common, but they all started with WHY. They realized that people won’t truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.

    START WITH WHY shows that the leaders who have had the greatest influence in the world all think, act and communicate the same way—and it’s the opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.

    SIMON SINEK, the bestselling author of LEADERS EAT LAST and TOGETHER IS BETTER, is an optimist who believes in a brighter future for humanity.  He teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people and has presented his ideas around the world, from small startups to Fortune 50 corporations, from Hollywood to Congress to the Pentagon. His TED Talk based on START WITH WHY is the third most popular TED video of all time.

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    What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How successful people become even more successful by Marshall Goldsmith

    Your hard work is paying off. You are doing well in your field. But there is something standing between you and the next level of achievement. That something may just be one of your own annoying habits. Perhaps one small flaw – a behaviour you barely even recognise – is the only thing that’s keeping you from where you want to be.

    It may be that the very characteristic that you believe got you where you are – like the drive to win at all costs – is what’s holding you back. As this book explains, people often do well in spite of certain habits rather than because of them-and need a “to stop” list rather than one listing what “to do”.

    Marshall Goldsmith’s expertise is in helping global leaders overcome their unconscious annoying habits and become more successful. His one-on-one coaching comes with a six-figure price tag – but in this book you get his great advice for much less.

    Recently named as one of the world’s five most-respected executive coaches by Forbes, he has worked with over 100 major CEOs and their management teams at the world’s top businesses. His clients include corporations such as Goldman Sachs, Glaxo SmithKline, Johnson and Johnson and GE.

    Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek

    The New York Times bestseller by bestselling author of Start With Why and Together is Better. Now with an expanded chapter and appendix on leading millennials.

    Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders create environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.

    In his work with organizations around the world, Simon Sinek noticed that some teams trust each other so deeply that they would literally put their lives on the line for each other. Other teams, no matter what incentives are offered, are doomed to infighting, fragmentation and failure. Why?

    The answer became clear during a conversation with a Marine Corps general. “Officers eat last,” he said. Sinek watched as the most junior Marines ate first while the most senior Marines took their place at the back of the line. What’s symbolic in the chow hall is deadly serious on the battlefield: Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort–even their own survival–for the good of those in their care.

    Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a “Circle of Safety” that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside.

    Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking.

    The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle

    New York Times Bestseller. Named one of the best books of the year by bloomberg and library journal. The author of The Talent Code unlocks the secrets of highly successful groups and provides tomorrow’s leaders with the tools to build a cohesive, motivated culture.

    Where does great culture come from? How do you build and sustain it in your group, or strengthen a culture that needs fixing?

    In The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle goes inside some of the world’s most successful organizations—including te U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, IDEO, and the San Antonio Spurs—and reveals what makes them tick.

    He demystifies the culture-building process by identifying three key skills that generate cohesion and cooperation, and explains how diverse groups learn to function with a single mind.

    Drawing on examples that range from Internet retailer Zappos to the comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade to a daring gang of jewel thieves, Coyle offers specific strategies that trigger learning, spark collaboration, build trust, and drive positive change.

    Coyle unearths helpful stories of failure that illustrate what not to do, troubleshoots common pitfalls, and shares advice about reforming a toxic culture.

    Combining leading-edge science, on-the-ground insights from world-class leaders, and practical ideas for action, The Culture Code offers a roadmap for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, problems get solved, and expectations are exceeded.

    Culture is not something you are—it’s something you do. The Culture Code puts the power in your hands. No matter the size of your group or your goal, this book can teach you the principles of cultural chemistry that transform individuals into teams that can accomplish amazing things together.

    “If you want to understand how successful groups work—the signals they transmit, the language they speak, the cues that foster creativity—you won’t find a more essential guide than The Culture Code.”—Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better

    “I’ve been waiting years for someone to write this book—I’ve built it up in my mind into something extraordinary. But it is even better than I imagined. Daniel Coyle has produced a truly brilliant, mesmerizing read that demystifies the magic of great groups. It blows all other books on culture right out of the water.”—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Option B, Originals, and Give and Take

    Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

    New york times bestseller with more than one million copies sold. Essentialism isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done.

    Have you ever:

    • found yourself stretched too thin?
    • simultaneously felt overworked and underutilized?
    • felt busy but not productive?
    • felt like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people’s agendas?

    If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist.

    Essentialism is more than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.

    By forcing us to apply more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy—instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us.

    Essentialism is not one more thing—it’s a whole new way of doing everything. It’s about doing less, but better, in every area of our lives. Essentialism is a movement whose time has come.

    Featuring the new Essentialism 21-Day Challenge. “A timely, essential read for anyone who feels overcommitted, overloaded, or overworked.”—Adam Grant

    “In Essentialism, Greg McKeown makes a compelling case for achieving more by doing less. He reminds us that clarity of focus and the ability to say ‘no’ are both critical and undervalued in business today.”—Jeff Weiner, ‎CEO, LinkedIn

    How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

    You can go after the job you want—and get it!

    You can take the job you have—and improve it!

    You can take any situation—and make it work for you!

    Dale Carnegie’s rock-solid, time-tested advice has carried countless people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives. One of the most groundbreaking and timeless bestsellers of all time, How to Win Friends & Influence People will teach you:

    • Six ways to make people like you
    • Twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking
    • Nine ways to change people without arousing resentment

    And much more! Achieve your maximum potential—a must-read for the twenty-first century with more than 15 million copies sold.

    Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) described himself as a “simple country boy” from Missouri but was also a pioneer of the self-improvement genre. Since the 1936 publication of his first book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, he has touched millions of readers and his classic works continue to impact lives to this day.

    Noemi’s Final Thoughts

    The leadership books we have shortlisted are essential resources for anyone looking to enhance their skills and become a better leader. These books offer valuable insights and strategies that can inform decision-making, foster collaboration, and increase organisational effectiveness.

    As leaders navigate the ever-changing complexities of today’s business environment, these books will serve as trusted companions on their journey. Moreover, when combined with a leader’s unique experience and perspective, they can be invaluable tools in developing an effective leadership style.

    Noemi is the Founder of Online Harbour. Noemi is also the Founder and CEO at CG Strategies. Noemi has a global entrepreneurial and futuristic mindset. Noemi holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration [MBA]. Noemi has also done extensive studies in IT, Computer Sciences, and the Financial Markets.

    Noemi has extensive working experience in leadership, management and executive roles in Australian and in International companies. Noemi has been highlighted as one of the top Australians and Global Influencers, and a LinkedIn Top Voice by LinkedIn. To find out more about Noemi; visit her LinkedIn,  Twitter, and Instagram, and Facebook, and YouTube profiles.

    Connect with Online Harbour on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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