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A report conducted by Gartner has suggested that 72% of sales leaders have shifted their focus on prioritizing improving the sales processes. The same study also showed that 61% of chief sales executives believe improving sales managers’ effectiveness should be a top priority.
No matter what the goal is, whether it is establishing a smooth pipeline or motivating the sales reps to close a deal, a true leader ensures that they smoothen operations, improve collaboration across team members, and build engagement.
We've curated a handpicked selection of the 20 Leadership Books You Must Read. These books offer invaluable insights, strategies, and inspiration from renowned thought leaders in leadership.
This collection covers many topics, from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, including emotional intelligence, decision-making, team building, and visionary leadership. Each book is a treasure trove of wisdom, empowering you to cultivate your leadership skills, inspire your team, and navigate the complexities of today's ever-changing business landscape.
So, if you're ready to take your leadership journey to new heights, join us as we delve into these must-read books that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to become an exceptional leader.
Let's embark on this transformative reading adventure together.
20 Top leadership books You Must Read in 2024
Here are 20 best leadership books everyone should read to become a great leader.
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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Review
Must read for every transitioning Leader
I am personally very impressed with the structured approach. This is something that you can use as you are going thru the transition as well as post the transition to recap the different phases. It is very important that you also get your Manager read the book as this is not just for the transitioning leader but for the organization as well
- Vasudeva Rao Kothamasu
Where can you buy it: Buy “The First 90 Days” from Amazon
2. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Review
Great insight for any new leader
Written as a storyline, this book illustrates a very simple but difficult to implement idea. The content will help any leader to succeed in building a highly functional, cohesive, efficient team. I recommend this book to anyone who manages a team, large or small.
- Sabyasachii
Where can you buy it: Buy “The Five Dysfunction of the Team” from Amazon
3. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Reviews
Why is it question your kids ask you over and over… Why did you stop asking?
Start with why is a really solid book for leaders and sellers. It helps you dig down to the root cause. One of the exercises that I teach and design thinking is called the five wise. When you ask those questions over and over about the same situation… Pretty soon you get to the underlying reason. It's worth learning. By the book!
- Marc C.
Where can you buy it: Buy “Start With Why” from Amazon
4. “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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Reviews
Even better than I remember
I first read The Leadership Challenge 15 years ago, and it had a very big impact; not just on my thinking and behaviour, but on my career. So it was with a real sense of nostalgia that I recently purchased the 25th anniversary edition - and I'm so glad I did. I found it even more powerful this time around and just couldn't put it down. Of course it's been updated in lots of great ways, but what really struck me this time is how Kouzes and Posner masterfully balance complexity and accessibility in their work. In other words, it possesses the substance required for credibility, with the simplicity required for action. This is an incredibly delicate balance to attain, which is why so few ever find it. I love this book, and it certainly won't be 15 years before I read it again.
- Peter Fuda
Where can you buy it: Buy “The Leadership Challenge” from Amazon
5. “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.
Ratings: 4.4/5
Review
Good book with nice paper quality
I purchased this book on someone's recommendation and found this interesting and worth reading about personal change and the application. Highly recommended for anyone who intrested in self development.
- Sameer Prasonn Barath
Where can you buy it: Buy “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” from Amazon
6. “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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Review
This book will teach you a lot of new things. Highly recommend.
Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a timeless classic that offers practical advice on human relations and personal development. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, genuine interest in others, and positive reinforcement. The book provides practical techniques for effective communication and encourages personal growth. It is a must-read for anyone seeking personal and professional success, as it highlights the power of kindness, empathy, and genuine human connection.
- Anamitra Ghosh
Where can you buy it: Buy “How To Win Friends and Influence People” from Amazon
7. “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.
Ratings: 4.4/5
Reviews
Amazing book which takes you to each & every details ...
Amazing book which takes you to each & every details required to learn Execution. Great work by both; Mr.Larry Bossidy & Mr.Ram Charan.
Great experience at Amazon-Kindle. - SD
Where can you buy it: Buy “Execution” from Amazon
8. “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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Review
Very well-researched and written and organized for layman to understand
Book contains in depth research on the topic and the topics presented are put together in logical sequence.
The main points of the book remain in front of the reader so that the reader does not lose focus and puts the topics in his mind map. I thoroughly enjoyed reading, planning to buy the other famous one by the author, build to last.
- Habib
Where can you buy it: Buy “Good To Great” from Amazon
9. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Review
Using Emotional Intelligence in Organizations
The best book on understanding the link between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership and how to use this in your organization. Great emphasis is put on understanding culture of the organization before implementing any training and coaching intervention......
- Babita Bajaj
Where can you buy it: Buy “Primal Leadership” from Amazon
10. “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.
Ratings: 4.4/5
Reviews
Captivating read
Drive truly gave me an outlook of how we were motivating our workforce, team and executives wrong all this while. I love Daniel H Pink's writing style that is so powerful yet captivating at the same time. Really enjoyed the research led case studies that draw the parallels to what the author wants us to know. Would recommend that you grab a copy and change the outlook of motivating your team in this newer economy the right way.
-Manish Chandak
Where can you buy it: Buy “Drive” from Amazon
11. “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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Review
A great leadership tool!
I have read a few leadership books recently, but this one really cut through the clutter. Each chapter is filled with stories from key leaders at different stages of their career. Each story is woven in to the larger lesson within the chapter and is very powerful at provoking self-reflection.
I highly recommend completing the appendix exercises as you read through each chapter. It takes a lot of time and thought to complete but exponentially increases the value you'll get out of this book.
- Darren
Where can you buy it: Buy “True North” from Amazon
12. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Reviews
How to reconcile our two mental systems, and capitalize on the best each has to offer
Thoughtful, applicable, insightful, entertaining. I enjoyed dissecting the numerous thought experiments and studies for merit that I could apply to my everyday thinking.
System 1 and System 2 form the backbone of this book.
System 1 is impulsive, and provides heuristic and intuitive guesses and reactions to stimuli without prompting. It can't be turned off. Why You See Is All There Is (WYSIATI). But it's also responsible for remarkably well-tuned intuitions, fast information-processing, "muscle memory," pattern-matching, intensity matching, face & situation recognition, and much of what makes human minds human……
- Harordain
Where can you buy it: Buy “Thinking, Fast And Slow” from Amazon
13. “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.
Ratings: 4.7/5
Review
Great book to achieve Great
We must breath, exercise, diet, rest etc to keep our body mind and healthy.
Same way the 21 laws explained in this book must required most of them in our life to achieve successful leadership
- Kindle Customer
Where can you buy it: Buy “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” from Amazon
14. ”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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Reviews
Great management book... a must read
In this fabulous book, Peter Drucker brings out the most important aspect of being an executive, which is being effective. If you are not effective, then you are not doing justice to your job. Isn’t it so obvious, yet majority of us don’t even know and practice this fundamental thing. - Debashish C.
Where can you buy it: Buy ”The Effective Executive” from Amazon
15. “Extreme Ownership” By Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Reviews
After an Year....
I have just touched 100 pages of the book and it has already delivered immense value.
The Author beautifully blends his life lessons learnt in Army into real life business scenarios where he trained and coached multiple successful companies on the most important factor that changes the direction of any company towards SUCCESS... and that is “Extreme Ownership”.
I love the book and the way it is written. JUST WONDERFUL.
I will be taking “Extreme Ownership” of my business to steer it in the direction which I want irrespective whether the COVID-19 Issue exists are not. - AK
Where can you buy it: Buy “Extreme Ownership” from Amazon
16. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Reviews
This book has potential of becoming the base of your Mental Framework
Often we read books about Steve Jobs and Elon Musk written by other people which tries to understand how these guys function. The views are still third party.
Ray Dalio, on the other hand, wrote a book on his way of dealing with the world. For the first time ever you can see through a brain of a billionaire. He doesn't only shares his own set of principles, he tells you how to build your own set of principles by embracing your reality and your world. This book is insanely rational and analytical and teaches you how to look at everything related to you objectively.
This book can help you become a more evolved human being at a faster rate!
- Mayank Jaiswal
Where can you buy it: Buy “Principles” from Amazon
17. “Spark” By Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch & Sean Lynch
The author of this book allows readers to explore the skills which will help them to be effective leaders. The book highlights that the leader should be a good listener, advisor and decision maker. The author in this book shares some real-life examples and their strategies to bring a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Reviews
SPARK is a wonderful collaboration of great ideas and best practices from the ...
SPARK is a wonderful collaboration of great ideas and best practices from the best of the best leaders from Lead Star. I have gifted this book personally to business partners and the excitement over the book continues. - Deborah Becker
Where can you buy it: Buy “Spark” from Amazon
18. “EntreLeadership” By Dave Ramsey
This book's author shares strategies and personal experiences to guide readers to be strong leaders. The book talks about important topics such as team building, strong interaction, financial management, and personal growth. The book highlights the important elements of leadership to achieve long-term success.
Ratings: 4.7/5
Reviews
Entrepreneurs! must read before starting
Every entrepreneur should read this book during the initial stage of their startup. Nice book with very simple and thoughtful words. Mr. Ramsey have added all parts of business as well as social and personal life experiences.
Go for it… - Sagar Patel
Where can you buy it: Buy “Entreleadership” from Amazon
19. “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.
Ratings: 4.6/5
Reviews
Is it possible to recommend the same book too many times?
It's now been 11 years and I'm still recommending this book. It's a weird book, but then I'm a little weird too. Let me cut to the chase: Self-deception is rather hard to acknowledge, but that doesn't make it any less real. Writing a straightforward book about it is therefore rather pointless. This book just tells a story. If you or I see ourselves in it, whose fault is that? And if the author(s) didn't see themselves in it, why didn't they put their names on the book. Seriously, when is the last time you read a book about leadership that doesn't identify the leader who wrote it?
Here's the synopsis: A developing leader discovers his own self-deception one small encounter at a time, ultimately realizing that he deceives himself in all his important relationships. Along the way he discovers that all the leaders alongside him have looked in the same mirror and discovered the same dilemma. He is thus challenged to begin a journey of turning away from self-deception toward a deeper engagement with everyone he leads or hopes to lead.
I first read this book in 2009 in paperback. - Steven P. Spinella
Where can you buy it: Buy “Leadership and Self-Deception” from Amazon
20. “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.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Reviews
Rules are good, but generally followed as a standard.
Nice book. Recommended by a friend.
It just opens one's mind and challenge's one not just follow a standard blindly but to ask why, and what else can be done differently to create a impact. One must try to break rules for a different experience.
- Vaibhav
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.
