The Top 10 Leadership Books
Developing your leadership skills takes courage and practice, no matter where you’re at in your life. Whether you’re trying to build your dream career or fine-tune existing management skills, reading leadership books is an effective way to learn at your own pace while getting inspiration from seasoned leaders.
What types of books should you look for? Top leadership books are recognized for addressing the many factors that impact someone’s ability to lead and manage. The best leadership books also provide hands-on applications so that a reader at any stage of the learning curve can benefit. Here, you’ll find a collection of great leadership books curated to provide guidance and inspiration.
The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart
The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History delivers its message through the biographies of famous people who had a significant impact on U.S. and world history. The book offers a glimpse into the role of magnetism – the ability to win and influence people. Through self-discovery, you will learn to appreciate and take confidence in your unique personality.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers
The 48 Laws of Power distills 3,000 years of history into 48 essential laws, all derived from renowned world philosophers. The author uses engaging stories to relay strategies for achieving success in life. In studying the 48 laws, you will learn how to navigate interpersonal relationships so that they help you engage and influence others.
Business Wisdom of the Electronic Elite by Geoffrey James
One of the top leadership books out there, Business Wisdom of the Electronic Elite provides a synthesis of management practices used by recognized business leaders (including Bill Gates). Through a series of interviews with high-profile executives, the author presents strategies for running a business in today’s highly competitive world. You will gain inspiration as well as practical skills for building your competitive edge through the use of technology.
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know holds cultural literacy as the key to effective education. Recognized as one of the best leadership books on education, Cultural Literacy presents 5,000 little-known facts on the U.S. education system, including its failure to teach cultural literacy, the medium people use to grasp language, emotion and meaning. Hirsch stresses that via understanding cultural literacy, you will learn how to improve your communication skills.
Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Don’t Shoot the Dog presents intention as the driving force of human behavior. By using the principles of training and reinforcement, you can train anyone to do anything. You will gain practical skills for teaching yourself (and others) to achieve desirable goals.
Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus
Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge highlights leadership issues in corporate America, making the case that it’s not your business operations but your interpersonal skills that make or break effective management. You will gain mastery of four key principles to leadership: Communication, trust-building, inspiration and self-awareness.
The Roaring 2000s: Building the Wealth and Lifestyle You Desire in the Greatest Boom in History by Harry S. Dent
Published in 1999, The Roaring 2000s identifies opportunities and trends the author predicted would occur by 2008. One of the highest-regarded leadership books on the market, The Roaring 2000s foresaw the rise of small high-growth businesses, technological changes, shifting corporate practices and economic changes that would transform the American Dream. You will gain hindsight perspective on modern-day business best practices and strategies for adapting to an ever-changing landscape.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People presents an integrated approach to overcoming personal and professional challenges. The book presents step-by-step guidance on how to treat yourself and others with fairness, integrity and dignity while being proactive in your life. You will also gain the ability to adapt more readily to change and the courage to pursue your goals.
The Situational Leader by Dr. Paul Hersey
The Situational Leader recognizes the pivotal role of people in any organization, counting it among the great leadership books of its generation. Since your team can make or break your business, it’s critical that you learn to lead your team effectively. You will learn strategies for adapting your leadership style to meet the needs of your staff, recognizing that different situations call for different management approaches.
Spin Selling by Neil Racham
Spin Selling is a handbook designed specifically for sales managers. The book looks at the Huthwaite Corporation’s massive successes and how to replicate its methods. The book details how to increase profits through customized sales strategies. You will learn to acknowledge, identify and solve any problem that lands on your plate.
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