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 Want to know what is a secret ingredient for being a better leader? It’s reading. The adage "Read to lead" rings true, as history's most influential leaders, like Warren Buffet and Elon Musk, attribute their success to voracious reading. Oprah Winfrey even champions books as a pathway to freedom through her beloved book club.

Reading not only equips you with invaluable leadership skills but also enhances your vocabulary, alleviates stress, and sharpens your memory. With countless inspiring titles available, choosing the right ones can be daunting. That's why we've curated a list of the 25 best leadership books for 2025, your essential guide to becoming an impactful leader this year! 

25 top leadership books you must read in 2025 

Here are 20 best leadership books everyone should read to become a great leader. 

Leadership development 

1. “The First 90 Days” By Michael Watkins 

In this book the author gives a complete guide for leaders who are at the beginning stage of their career and want to convert themselves into a new and strong role. The author discusses how important it is to effectively manage the first 90 days in a new position for long-term success. Practical strategies and advice on building relationships, make better decisions, and many more are given by the author. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn how to promote yourself and will also learn to build a strong and winning team. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “The First 90 Days” from Amazon 

2. “The Leadership Challenge” By James Kouzes and Barry Z.Poser 

In this book, the author provides a research-based approach for leadership development. Five important practices are discussed by the author in this book. With the help of motivational stories and practices the author conveys how anyone can become a better leader, just by accepting and implementing these practices for improving leadership skills. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn how to consistently improve both you and your team’s performance and also how to strengthen your ability. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “The Leadership Challenge” from Amazon 

3. “True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership” By Bill George 

The author in this book guides readers to explore and understand the real purpose of leadership throughout their journey. The book shares real life examples and strategies to highlight the importance of aligning one's passions and strengths with their leadership skills. The author talks about how self-care and staying truthful to oneself while leading others can enhance leadership qualities. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to improve the effectiveness of your leadership and also to align your power with your leadership skills. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “True North” from Amazon 

4. “How to Lead: Wisdom from the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers” by David M. Rubenstein 

This compilation of insights from interviews with prominent leaders offers valuable lessons on leadership challenges and successes. 

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Learnings: Gain practical advice and wisdom from diverse leadership experiences. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

5. “Lead From the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change” by Stacey Abrams 

This book empowers individuals from marginalized backgrounds, providing strategies for leveraging unique perspectives in leadership roles. 

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Learnings: Learn how to turn minority status into a strength in leadership contexts. 

Ratings: 4.8/5 

Team management 

6. “The Five Dysfunction of the Team” By Patrick Lencioni 

The author of this book suggests the advice to overcome the elements of dysfunctions that can obstruct team performance. With the help of a fictional story, the author presents five key dysfunctions and provides strategies for building a high-performing team. This book offers valuable resources for leaders and team members to improve collaboration and productivity. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn how to build trust among your team members and to achieve real power and the objective of teamwork. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “The Five Dysfunction of the Team” from Amazon 

7. Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim Scott 

Scott's book advocates for a management style that combines caring personally with challenging directly, fostering open communication within teams. 

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Learnings:Discover how to create a culture of feedback that enhances team performance. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

8. “Execution” By Ram Charan and Larry Bossidy 

This book is all about how we can turn strategies into actions. The book highlights that even the best strategy is meaningless without an appropriate execution. The book offers the importance of proper goal and clean communication to gain organization success. The author provides proper guidance on how to align people, processes, and resources to achieve the objective. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how execution can change your career path and also the importance of discipline of execution in work culture. 

Ratings: 4.4/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Execution” from Amazon 

The author of this book allows readers to explore the factors of leadership they learned and how they can apply it into different situations in business and life. The author provides practical leadership advice to strengthen the team relationships, responsibility and accountability. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to manage the risk and challenges by predicting it and also to be strong enough to take responsibility for your team members. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Extreme Ownership” from Amazon 

10. Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards 

This book emphasizes the importance of nonverbal cues in communication, teaching leaders how to enhance their influence through subtle changes in behavior. 

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Learnings:Understand how to effectively read and respond to verbal and nonverbal signals. 

Ratings: 4.7/5 

Motivation and engagement


11.Drive: The Surprising Truth of What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink 

12.Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don't by Simon Sinek 

11. “Start With Why” By Simon Sinek 

The author of this book challenges standard thinking about leadership and motivates individuals and organizations to focus on their "why". The author says that it is very important to know the reason “why” before taking any action and decision, this is important to be more successful. The author offers real-life examples for better understanding of the readers to figure out their “why” and improve engagement. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to motivate employees and customers to create and strengthen brand loyalty. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Start With Why” from Amazon 

12. “Drive: The Surprising Truth of What Motivates Us” By Daniel H.Pink 

The author of this book challenges the standard knowledge about motivation and explores what truly motivates individuals to perform at their best. The author says that the traditional motivators like money and rewards are no longer effective as internal motivators. Both research and real-world examples are given to highlight how internal motivation can improve performance and satisfaction of both individuals and organizations. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn the difference between science motivation and business motivation. Also, how inner motivation is stronger and more helpful than external force and motivation. 

Ratings: 4.4/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Drive” from Amazon 

13. "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek 

It is a profound exploration of effective leadership and its impact on organizational culture. In "Leaders Eat Last," Simon Sinek argues that the most successful leaders prioritize the needs of their team members above their own, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. He emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others and creating an environment where individuals feel safe and valued. 

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Learnings:"Leaders Eat Last" serves as a call to action for leaders to adopt a mindset focused on serving their teams. By doing so, they can cultivate a culture where everyone thrives, ultimately leading to greater organizational success. 

Rating: 4.6/5

Where can you buy it: Buy "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together, and Others Don't" on Amazon. 

Personal growth 

14. “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” By Stephn R.Covey 

The author of this book provides a complete approach to personal and professional effectiveness. Seven basic habits are introduced in this book to transform one's life. These habits include being energetic, putting first things first, positive thinking, and many more. The author guides readers on developing and implementing these habits into daily life. 

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Learnings: You’ll understand the internal perspective and will learn to be independent without any dependency. 

Ratings: 4.4/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” from Amazon 

15. “Principles” By Ray Dalio 

In his book the author shares his principles which helped him to achieve success and maintain stability in both personal and professional life. The author highlights the importance of complete transparency and thoughtful decision-making. The book motivates readers to accept failure as a learning opportunity and try to get honest feedback from others which will improve their growth and decision-making power. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to create a better environment for employees by using the principles so that innovative and creative ideas can be generated. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Principles” from Amazon 

16. “The Effective Executive” By Peter F. Drucker 

The book shares important advice on how to maximize one's effectiveness in a leadership role. The author talks about how focusing on contributions, making effective decisions, and managing time can help a person to transform into a better leader. The author also highlights how setting clear objectives, prioritizing tasks, and generating strengths is important to enhance the leadership journey.

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Learnings:You’ll learn the importance of improving your skills to be a good leader and making better decisions. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy ”The Effective Executive” from Amazon 

Emotional intelligence 

17. “Primal Leadership” By Annie McKee, Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatizis 

The author of this book discusses emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness. The book argues that emotional intelligence is an important component for successful leadership. It offers strategies to develop and improve skills and it also highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional touch to motivate others. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to build a strong and emotionally intelligent organization and also what changes in your life can lead you to be a strong leader. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Primal Leadership” from Amazon 

18. “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves 

This book presents a comprehensive guide to understanding and improving emotional intelligence (EI), which is crucial for effective leadership. The authors provide insights into the four key components of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Additionally, the book includes strategies for enhancing these skills through practical exercises and assessments. 

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Learnings:You'll learn how to recognize and manage your emotions, understand others' feelings, and improve your interpersonal relationships to foster a more productive work environment. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” from Amazon 

Strategic thinking 

19. “Good To Great” By Jim Collins 

The author of this book explores the factors that differentiate great companies from good companies. The book introduces a model for organizational transformation whose main objective is disciplined leadership, a culture of quality strategic decision-making, and the importance of getting the right people. 

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Learnings: You’ll develop a deep understanding of your organization's core ability and focus on your strength. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Good To Great” from Amazon 

20. “Thinking, Fast And Slow” By Daniel Kahneman 

In this book the author talks about the workings of our minds and presents two systems that shape our thought processes. System 1 is fast and natural and System 2 is slow and thoughtful. After exploring the thinking process the author discloses how our decision-making is often defective. This book helps readers to understand human behavior, decision-making, and the factors that affect our judgments and decisions. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to analyze, understand and identify the mistakes and errors made by you, your team members and others to improve effectiveness. 

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Thinking, Fast And Slow” from Amazon 

Communication skills 

21. “How To Win Friends and Influence People” By Dale Carnegie 

The book gives practical knowledge and tips on how to enhance interpersonal skills for strong and long-term relationships. The author in this book highlights the importance of showing appreciation, focus-listening and many more. The book offers important advice to improve communication and behavior which help them to be a better leader. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn the ways in which people can like and understand you and also how to offer your proposal without offending others. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “How To Win Friends and Influence People” from Amazon 

22. “Leadership and Self-Deception” By The Arbinger Institute 

In this book the author explores the concept of how not being truthful to oneself can impact leadership and relationships. The book shares an interesting and powerful story which forces readers to examine their own behavior and mindset. The book talks on how self-deception affect communication, trust, and partnership. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn to predict the scenarios more effectively to help others and overcome self-deception for better growth.

Ratings: 4.6/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “Leadership and Self-Deception” from Amazon 

Change management 

23. “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” By John C. Maxwell 

The book talks about some important and less time consuming principles which are important for effective leadership. The author shares few laws of Influence, Respect, and Empowerment in a very simple and effective manner. The author shares his experience and some real-life examples to help readers develop and enhance their leadership skills in various aspects. 

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Learnings: You’ll learn how to create value and respect for yourself in front of your followers and also to constantly improve yourself. 

Ratings: 4.7/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” from Amazon 

24. “Leadership in Turbulent Times” by Doris Kearns Goodwin 

This book explores the leadership qualities of four significant U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Goodwin draws upon her extensive research to illustrate how these leaders recognized their own leadership potential and navigated through personal and national crises. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how personal challenges can shape effective leadership and the importance of resilience and moral purpose in overcoming adversity. 

Ratings: 4.5/5 

Where can you buy it: Buy Leadership in Turbulent Times from Amazon. 

Ethics and values 

25. “First, Break All The Rules” By Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman 

The author of this book challenges basic management practices and presents a new way of seeing leadership. From a very famous research the author shares and highlights the key factors that contribute to employee engagement and team performance. The author argues in this book on how managers focus on maximizing individual strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses. The book focuses on creating a positive work environment and increasing productivity. 

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Learnings:You’ll learn how to assign and track targets of the team member so that they can perform more effectively without any error and burden. 

Where can you buy it: Buy “First, Break All the Rules” from Amazon 

Conclusion 

The world of leadership is vast and ever evolving, but with the help of the best leadership books, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge and insights to enhance your leadership skills. The books featured in this blog have given us a glimpse into exceptional leaders' minds, offering valuable lessons, strategies, and inspiration. 

Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth. The best leadership books serve as valuable resources, guiding us through challenges, inspiring us to embrace change, and empowering us to lead with authenticity and purpose. 

As you embark on your leadership journey, make it a habit to read and reflect on the wisdom shared by renowned leaders. Apply these insights in your day-to-day interactions, cultivate strong relationships with your team, and create a positive and empowering work environment. 

Ultimately, the best leadership books serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path to becoming an exceptional leader. Embrace the lessons learned, seek new perspectives, and continue evolving as a leader who inspires, motivates, and drives success. 

FAQs 

1.What is the best book on management and leadership?

One of the top books on management and leadership is "The Leadership Challenge" by James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, which emphasizes practices that can lead to extraordinary results in organizations. 

2.Who wrote the best book on leadership?

While opinions vary, "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek is often cited as one of the best books on leadership due to its focus on inspiring action through understanding purpose. 

3.What is the best book on being a CEO?

A highly recommended book for aspiring CEOs is "The Effective Executive" by Peter F. Drucker, which provides essential insights into maximizing effectiveness in leadership roles. 

4. What books do great leaders read?

Great leaders often read classics such as "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek, and "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott, among others. 

5.What are the big 5 for leaders?

The "Big 5" traits for leaders typically include: 

  • Openness to Experience 
  • Conscientiousness 
  • Extraversion 
  • Agreeableness 
  • Emotional Stability 

These traits are essential for effective leadership and team dynamics. 

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