pdf books about leadership

25+ Leadership Books for Free! [PDF]

Adding another list of free books to our virtual library , we chose to include the topic of Leadership . With a selection of books on the subject, we present you with a whole compendium of the most important information on the subject.

We have selected books in PDF format for your ease and convenience.

The concept of Leadership consists of a group of skills that are used to influence the way other individuals think and act. However, the concept cannot be limited to this alone. A leader also has the ability to provide ideas and take initiative, not just give orders.

Although the leader is the one who decides in the end, the people who make up his team also have power of opinion. In fact, it is teamwork that provides the best results.

Leadership is important in many areas, not just in the business world. The leader is responsible for achieving the objectives in a faster and more effective way.

A good leader will be able to establish excellent communication and optimize the integration capacity of his team members, all with the sole purpose of achieving common goals. That is why companies depend on good leadership to develop and maintain their leadership over time.

We have chosen more than 25 books on Leadership in PDF format , in which you can find publications in Spanish and Portuguese so that you can choose in which language to read the information.

Each and every one of the texts is in the public domain or was given for free distribution.

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Here we present our complete selection of Leadership books:

1) becoming a better leader.

Routledge & CRC Press

2) Leading from within: Building Organizational Leadership Capacity

David R. Kolzow

3) Introduction to Leadership & Management

Health knowledge

4) Leadership Training Manual for Women Leaders of Cooperatives

International Labour Office

5) Global Definitions of Leadership

University of Cambridge

6) A guide to developing enlightened leadership

University College Dublin

7) Management and Leadership

Stephen J. Skripak

8) Leadership Handbook

Helena Kovac, Martina Sirol, Marinela Sumanjski

9) The 7 Crucial Skills of Leadership

Dennis Haley

10) Leadership Development

National Minority AIDS Council

11) The role of leadership in organizational change

Wasim Abbas, Imran Asghar

12) Successful leadership

Christopher Day, Pamela Sammons

13) A review of leadership theory and competency frameworks

Bolden, R., Gosling, J., Marturano, A. and Dennison, P.

14) An Integrative Definition of Leadership

Bruce E. Winston, Kathleen Patterson

15) Team leadership

Stephen J. Zaccaroa, Andrea L. Rittmana, Michelle A. Marksb

16) Leadership Management: Principles, Models and Theories

Manoj Kumar Sharma

17) Leadership vs Management

George A. Bohoris

18) Qualities of a Good Leader and the Benefits of Good Leadership to an Organization: A Conceptual Study

Rudolph. P. T. Muteswa

19) Leadership styles

Nan jundes waras wamy T. S., Swamy D. R

20) Gender and leadership? Leadership and gender? A journey through the landscape of theories

Steven H. Appelbaum, Lynda Audet, Joanne C. Miller

21) Understanding management and leadership styles

Chartered Management Institute

22) How Effective Leadership can Facilitate Change in Organizations through Improvement and Innovation (Article)

Moo Jun Hao, Rashad Yazdanifard

23) Business Leadership (Article)

Beatty & Company

24) Transformational leadership ( Article)

Langston University

25) Definitions on Leadership

INFLIBNET Centre Gandhinagar

26) Leadership and professional development

Donald Klingborg, Dale Moore, Sonya Varea

Here ends our selection of free Leadership books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!

If you found this list useful, do not forget to share it on your social networks. Remember that “Sharing is Caring” .

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HBR Reading List: Leadership

Harvard Business Review is the leading destination for smart management thinking.

How do managers become extraordinary leaders? HBR editors have combed through hundreds of Harvard Business Review articles on leadership and selected the most important ones to aid in this challenging transformation.

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By Hannah L. Miller Leaders Staff

Hannah L. Miller

Senior Editor

Hannah L. Miller, MA, is the senior editor for Leaders Media. Since graduating with her Master of Arts in 2015,...

Learn about our editorial policy

Updated Oct 25, 2023

15 of the World’s Best Leadership Books

• The 15 top leadership books every great leader needs on their bookshelf:

Create a Goal for Monthly Leadership Education

Great leaders intentionally make time for continued education. As difficult as it may be to step away from the office, reading a variety of books on leadership is an important key to refueling and refocusing yourself as a leader. For instance, it helps reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and provide the tools needed for innovation and growth.

Ready to reach your full potential as a leader? The following list of leadership books helps build a solid foundation of team-building and problem solving skills.

The 15 top leadership books every great leader needs on their bookshelf :

1. the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.

Author: John Maxwell 

One-Sentence Description: Maxwell finds the commonal ities of great leaders, while also guiding readers through the 21 universal laws of successful leadership. 

Favorite Quote: “ I believe the bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others. That is achieved by serving others and adding value to their lives. ”

Why You Should Read It: There’s a reason it’s ranked as one of the best leadership books of all time. Entrepreneurs, executives, and managers find Maxwell’s advice useful because it’s practical and easy to follow. Furthermore, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership helps high performers figure out what they’ve been doing right and play into their strengths. Additionally, the book is beneficial because it offers plenty of ideas on how to fine-tune weaker leadership qualities . 

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2. Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t

Author: Jim Collins

One-Sentence Description: This book follows a five-year study that determines how “good” companies become great, beat their competitors, and achieve long-lasting success. 

Favorite Quote: “ Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline. ”

Why You Should Read It: Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t emphasizes the point that success doesn’t happen overnight. For entrepreneurs and leaders who feel frustrated, tired, and out of steam, this book helps reinvigorate drive and passion . Additionally, it’s comforting to know that many of the difficulties business owners experience as they grow aren’t uncommon. In fact, growing pains are evidence that a company is developing. Overall, the core message is progress is a process.  

3. Start with Why

Author: Simon Sinek

One-Sentence Description: Sinek provides a three-step framework that purpose-driven leaders use to inspire people to take action.  

Favorite Quote: “ People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe. ”

Why You Should Read It: Start with Why is one of the best leadership books for receiving a foundational understanding of what it means to lead with purpose. Those wanting to refresh and revive their organizations should read this book first. Without a doubt, Start with Why changes the game on how leaders guide their companies. It explains the importance of putting purpose at the center of the business so owners and executives don’t lose focus on fulfilling the company’s mission . An understanding of how to lead with why has the power to truly transform any business for the better.

4. Think and Grow Rich 

Author: Napoleon Hill 

One-Sentence Description: Published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich studies the lives of wealthy individuals such as Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie, defining 13 habits successful people share. 

Favorite Quote: “ The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat. ”

Why You Should Read It: Consistently ranked as one of the best books on leadership of all time, Think and Grow Rich helps readers understand the unique mindset of high performers. On the whole, Hill spent 25 years researching, analyzing, and understanding what makes people successful. Through 500 interviews, he found and wrote a formula for prosperity. Undoubtedly, the directive strategies are easily applicable, motivational, and provide timeless wisdom to anyone interested in leadership .

5. Wooden on Leadership 

Author: John Wooden

One-Sentence Description: Famed basketball coach John Wooden explains the 15 principles of success and the characteristics great leaders share. 

Favorite Quote: “ The best leaders are lifelong learners; they take measures to create organizations that foster and inspire learning throughout. The most effective leaders are those who realize it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts most. ”

Why You Should Read It: Wooden on Leadership inspires leaders through adages and advice given by one of the most successful coaches in sports history. In summary, Wooden teaches business professionals how to build a great team people love belonging to through his motivational words focused on morals and ethics. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to build an inspiring, sustainable team culture within their organization.

6. Extreme Ownership

Author: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 

One-Sentence Description: Written by two Navy SEAL officers, this best-selling book relates their special operations experience to the leadership qualities all business owners, executives, and managers should possess.  

Favorite Quote: “ Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team. ”

Why You Should Read It: The unique, interesting angle the authors take creates a fresh perspective within the genre. While some professionals might not feel this book would be applicable to their businesses, Extreme Ownership teaches lessons that help leaders understand what it truly means to lead—not manage or direct—others. With unique messaging filled with real-life experience, the book additionally provides instruction on how to successfully develop high-performing teams that can fulfill even the most difficult mission.

7. Dare to Lead

Author: Brené Brown

One-Sentence Description: Dare to Lead focuses on building a strong culture at work through vulnerability, courage, core values, and trust.  

Favorite Quote: “ I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential. ”

Why You Should Read It: Dare to Lead is one of the best leadership books for building team culture . Brown, an accomplished researcher with a Ph.D. in social work, argues the long-standing belief that vulnerability correlates to “weakness” is false. In fact, she writes an entire book to prove that being vulnerable is both courageous and brave. Specifically, this trait is one of the best leadership qualities found in business owners, executives, and managers. For this reason, Dare to Lead is perfect for anyone interested in creating a constructive, supportive workplace. It teaches people how to connect, be more empathetic, and show up with authenticity.

8. The Effective Executive

Author: Peter F. Drucker

One-Sentence Description: This book focuses on effectiveness as a form of self-discipline—a requirement for all leaders (and a skill anyone can learn).

Favorite Quote: “ Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into results. ”

Why You Should Read It: Success is dependent on effectiveness. From exacting change to inspiring employees, this is a quality leaders can’t afford to lack. Nevertheless, many business owners and executives unknowingly or knowingly behave, act, and communicate in ways that don’t positively impact their organizations. For example, ineffective leaders lack emotional intelligence and don’t dedicate themselves to learning how to become stewards of their employees and customers. In essence, The Effective Executive is for people who want to actively learn how to work on eliminating ineffective leadership traits and become drivers of positive impact.

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen R. Covey 

One-Sentence Description: Covey believes effective people align their values with universal principles—the seven habits describe a person’s relation to independence, interdependence, and continuous improvement. 

Favorite Quote: “ As you care less about what people think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves .”

Why You Should Read It: While this leadership book has a simple title, the pages inside reveal Covey’s philosophical nature. For instance, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People asks readers to examine themselves by challenging their beliefs, perception, and world view. This book is important for leaders at all levels because it essentially teaches people how to be better, more connected, empathetic humans.

10. The Art of War

Author: Sun Tzu

One-Sentence Description: The Art of War teaches leaders how to create and implement strategic initiatives.

Favorite Quote: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

Why You Should Read It: Out of all the best leadership books mentioned, this 5th century B.C. military treatise is the oldest. There’s a reason it’s continued inspiring generations of strategic thinkers. While it was written for military leaders, the text translates well for business owners and executives who are responsible for developing and executing the company’s vision. In short, it takes readers through 13 chapters, each dedicated to a particular stage in the strategic implementation process.

 11. Awaken the Giant Within

Author: Tony Robbins

One-Sentence Description: World-renowned motivational speaker and coach Tony Robbins helps readers replace their bad habits, retrain their mindset, and increase their happiness so they can step into their greatness. 

Favorite Quote: “ Enjoy making decisions. You must know that in any moment a decision you make can change the course of your life forever . . . If you really want your life to be passionate, you need to live with this attitude of expectancy. ”

Why You Should Read It: Published in 1991, Awaken the Giant Within is full of the passion and charged words people would expect from a young Tony Robbins. As a coach focused on elevating people to their full potential, this is a great read for leaders dissatisfied by mediocracy. Although this book is more targeted toward young entrepreneurs and new business owners, it is a powerful read for those who want to live extraordinary lives as leaders.

  12. The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Author: Patrick Lencioni 

One-Sentence Description: Lencioni uses his knack for storytelling to resolve five common dysfunctional behaviors that inhibit even the best teams.  

Favorite Quote: “ Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare. ”

Why You Should Read It: Leaders must know how to both guide their teams and be a team player. This book stresses the importance of having a cohesive team dynamic. While the book is a fictional fable, it is a story many business owners and executives struggle with. Companies cannot succeed unless their teams work together. For this reason, the book points out dysfunctional behaviors that harm team culture . As a result, leaders can repair and avoid toxicity within their organizations using this insight.

13. How to Win Friends and Influence People 

Author: Dale Carnegie 

One-Sentence Description: Carnegie’s book provides insight on how likability leads to strong relationships, new friends and influence. 

Favorite Quote: “ You can’t win an argument. You can’t because if you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. ”

Why You Should Read It: First published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People provides timeless lessons on how to win people over without using manipulation and morally unethical tactics. In essence, this book is a great read that proves likability goes a long way in life. The knowledge provided in Carnegie’s work is invaluable to leaders and customer-facing team members, such as sales teams. Additionally, the book teaches you how to advance your interpersonal skills.  

14.   Team of Rivals

Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin

One-Sentence Description: In this Lincoln biography, Kearns shows how the president united his former political competitors to abolish slavery and win the Civil War. 

Favorite Quote: “ In order to ‘win a man to your cause,’ Lincoln explained, you must first reach his heart, ‘the great high road to his reason. ‘”

Why You Should Read It: This leadership book is a masterclass on leadership and an interesting read for anyone who loves history. It shows how important it is to toss your ego aside when working with others. Rather than punishing his rivals, Lincoln welcomed several of these people into his cabinet and created a unified front that was capable of holding the country together. While the book has a rather political motif, it teaches executive leaders the value of bringing teams together toward a collective cause. Personal beliefs of individual group members may vary but there can be healthy competition among them, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of a larger, common objective.

15.   15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

Author: John C. Maxwell

One-Sentence Description: The third book in Maxwell’s “Laws” series provides readers with a new set of principles designed for growth and self-development. 

Favorite Quote: “ Most people who decide to grow personally find their first mentors in the pages of books. ”

Why You Should Read It: The continuous path of self-improvement differentiates a good leader from a great leader. When starting a business or accepting a leadership role, a person is really accepting the responsibility of dedicating their life to learning how to become better for those they’re responsible for guiding. To summarize, Maxwell helps people understand the required growing process and how to apply it to everyday life. 

Improving leadership skills by reading books requires an insatiable desire for applicable knowledge. However, those in leadership positions live busy lives, so it can be difficult to find time for continued education. This is why scheduling time on the calendar for learning and development is an important component of effective time management . Furthermore, doing so also helps keep people accountable for developing their leadership qualities and abilities.

Get started by:

• Selecting five books from this list.
• Determining how much time it will take to finish each book.
• Setting reading completion goals.
• Meeting the established deadline.
• Starting the process again.

Making reading a habit keeps leaders continuously learning. It’s also a great idea to share what you’re learning. For example, after finishing a book, write an encouraging, personal message on the cover page and pass it along to the friend, coworker, or employee it would best serve.

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Blog – Posted on Monday, Jul 19

The 40 best leadership books of all time.

Who even needs leadership books? Surely I can just learn everything on the job, right? But try asking any CEO and they’ll no doubt tell you about how much they wished they’d known before setting out on their leadership journey.

The greatest leadership books offer insight and advice you can apply to both your professional and personal lives. In this post, we've put together the 40 best leadership books to give you a headstart on your peers. From world leaders like Nelson Mandela to business titans like Warren Bennis, they'll cover all the angles of leadership you'll need to sharpen your instincts and prepare to tackle the role head-on.

1. Legacy by James Kerr

What can the world’s most successful national sports team, New Zealand’s All Blacks, teach us about business and leadership? A lot, in fact: in Legacy, bestselling author, speaker, and coach James Kerr shares 15 lessons to learn from this legendary squad. 

Legacy offers a perspective that many others don’t, tackling everything from achieving world-class standards to creating a legacy to be proud of. However avid a rugby fan you are, this is one of the best leadership books to read if you want to learn from people who are the best at what they do.

2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

In his global bestseller (and third most-watched TedTalk of all time), Simon Sinek posits the idea that why you do something is much more important than what you’re actually doing. Start With Why is based on that compelling premise: anyone can be a leader if they start by questioning their ‘why.’ Only once you find it, Sinek argues, can you encourage customers to believe in your business and lead a team of employees who understand your mission — giving your business the longevity it needs to survive.

3. The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

Transitioning into a new role, especially as a manager, can be one of the most daunting and stressful challenges within a workplace. In The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins reveals a way to make these transitions as smooth as possible, offering strategies to avoid  the most common mistakes made by new leaders. With self-assessments and checklists to complete as you go, this leadership book is the perfect guide for leaders of any level who want to make the most of their first 90 days in a new role.

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4. Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is one of the most influential and accomplished politicians in the US. In reaction to her home state’s voter suppression laws, she worked tirelessly to galvanize 800,000 people of color to register as voters in Georgia. 

Lead from the Outside is her must-read guide, based on years of Abrams’ personal experiences, on how to harness your strengths as an outsider to become a better leader and inspire others to do the same. Particularly relevant for future leaders outside of the traditional white male hierarchy, it touches upon rarely discussed topics (such as the relationship between leadership and money), and will give you practical tools to make a difference yourself.

5. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Do you know what really motivates you? According to Daniel Pink, too many business leaders mistakingly rely on extrinsic motivators (spoiler alert: it’s usually money). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us shows how, by first understanding how motivation works, leaders can encourage their team far more effectively and produce real, meaningful results. Pink’s engaging writing style makes this book an easy read, powerfully inspiring people to examine their own motivational practices.

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

Great leaders make sacrifices so that their whole team can thrive — not just those at the top. The second Simon Sinek entry on our list of the best leadership books, Leaders Eat Last pulls back the curtains on all of the qualities of a true leader, including that willingness to eat last. After all, an office isn't so different from the battlefield. As in the Marine Corps, the best teams are formed when leaders put the needs of their teammates above their own, creating a trusting, mutually cooperative environment in the process.

7. How to win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnies

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People has achieved superstar status within the genre of leadership books. And for good reason: Carnegie’s 1936 bestseller was one of the first to reveal how to achieve your maximum potential as a leader, sharing then-revolutionary advice such as being generous with praise, remembering people’s names, and showing genuine interest in other people’s opinions. 

Now in its tenth decade, the book has naturally been criticized in recent years for being somewhat outdated in its outlook — however, with investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett swearing by the book’s lessons, there’s still much you can  learn from Carnegie’s words.

8. The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo

At 25, Julie Zhuo taught herself how to manage a team on the job. In her 30s, she published this critically acclaimed book so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes she did. 

The Making of a Manager is the culmination of her years of leadership experience, offering crucial strategies for dealing with pressure at work — especially when you don’t have formal management training. Zhuo is generous with her wisdom, sharing tips on succeeding in your first three months as a manager, hiring well to build the best team possible, and giving feedback which leaves people feeling more inspired and driven.

9. Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Change — whether that be personal or professional — happens every day. And in his book, Leading Change, John Kotter argues that we shouldn’t be afraid of it: instead, we should learn to make the most of it in order to maximize our opportunities. His legendary 8-step process is meant for people who not only want to deal with change, but also lead change within their organizations.

10. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

If you want to learn from one of the world’s most outstanding moral and political leaders, then Nelson Mandela’s autobiographical work Long Walk to Freedom should be on your list of great leadership books. An undeniably important voice in human rights and the fight for racial equality, there is much to be learned about leadership from the way Mandela approached struggle and adversity, becoming an inspiration for millions. You don’t have to be changing the world to implement some of his lessons — which include learning to forgive and to develop the strength to never give up — into your daily life.

11. The Truth About Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

James Kouzes and Barry Posner, two of the biggest names in leadership circles, offer ten truths that all leaders should know in their bold, honest, and personal book, The Truth About Leadership . Based on 30 years of advanced research, it offers proven advice to help leaders move beyond the temporary trends and fads that modern-day social media spurs on. For millennials who want to go back to the basics and understand the simple truths of leadership, this is a must-read.

12. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Feeling overworked and yet unproductive in a fast-paced environment? Trying to figure out what, exactly, is negatively impacting your leadership and overall output? As a Silicon Valley CEO, Greg McKeown is well-placed to impart the strategies needed to survive — and lead — in intense, competitive environments. McKeown believes the best leaders should develop set criteria for what is deemed essential work: as leaders, this allows us to channel our time and energy more efficiently to achieve greater results.

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

Next up on our list of the best books on leadership, Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead calls for more daring leaders who will take responsibility for finding potential in those around them. The struggles of leadership are not sugar-coated in this book! Instead, Brown reveals that to ‘dare to lead’ means tackling difficult conversations head-on, staying curious, and sharing our power with others around us to see the results we need.

14. The Four Fixations of a Brilliant Leader by Alan J. Sears

The Four Fixations of a Brilliant Leader continues the trend of Alan J. Sears’s brilliant books about leadership and management. Sears presents a unique setup: Part one is structured as a fictional anecdote, with leadership teachings woven throughout part one of the book. Part two then pulls back the curtains and explains the technical features, background, and key management behaviors shown in Part one. 

After his previous bestselling success, The Four Fixations of a Brilliant Leader proves that Sears has perfected the art of creating easy-to-visualize and relatable leadership scenarios for you to understand.

15. First, Break All the Rules: What the world's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Jim Harter

A few years ago, management consulting company Gallup studied more than 80,000 managers to reveal what the best ones do to stand out from the rest. Their findings? The best leaders didn’t hesitate to First, Break All the Rules — and they weren’t afraid of deviating from the norm. How do you blaze a fresh trail when it’s tempting to follow the crowd and safely blend in? Read this to find out.

16. Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt

Unconscious biases affect our behaviors every day, no matter how well we think we navigate them. Jennifer Eberhardt is a pioneer in the field and has compiled her revolutionary findings in Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think and Do. 

For all leaders, this book is doubly important to read: biases can affect staff diversity and retention rates and negatively impact the sense of unity among your team. Although bias is a universal human phenomenon, Eberhardt reassures us that, with a bit of work, it can be overcome.

17. The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler

Jennifer Kahnweiler’s The Introverted Leader deals with an underrepresented topic in business. The broader culture often dismisses introversion as shyness or a lack of confidence. But Kahnweiler explains that the assumption that all introverted people are too shy to lead a team couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, introverts have a different (but no less worthy) set of strengths which they can harness. And she’ll show you just how to capitalize on those strengths to shine in the workplace as an introverted leader.

18. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

A staple in any list of the best books on leadership, Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been read by millions of people worldwide. First published in 1989, Covey’s book's timeless insights cover proactivity, time management, and how to take the lead on what’s within your control. By Habit 7, you’ll be learning how to ‘Sharpen the Saw’ by creating a better work-life balance, leaving you with more energy to apply yourself as a leader to the right places.

19. Seeing Around Corners by Rita McGrath

The best leaders can anticipate change before it happens and “see around corners,” so to speak. Seeing Around Corners — the aptly titled book by Columbia Business School professor Rita McGrath — reveals just how to do that. More than that, McGrath demonstrates how to use what she calls ‘discovery-driven planning’ to predict and take control of these changes to lead your organization to success.

20. How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking by Viv Groskop

While women have made numerous advancements in the business world in recent years, we have yet to arrive at true gender equality in the workplace. Viv Groskop wrote How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking to show what some of the world’s most influential and inspirational women can teach us all about how we can replicate their confidence and conviction in our own personal and professional lives. From classic heavyweights like Virginia Woolf to modern-day icons like Michelle Obama, every woman is given a voice in this book to inspire others to own the room for themselves and continue fighting for a fair workplace for all.

21. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Kahneman

In a fast-paced and highly accessible read, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind and explains how to utilize it to the fullest extent. Thinking, Fast and Slow breaks our thinking process down into two systems: System 1 is fast, instinctive, and emotional; System 2 is slower and more logical. 

While leaders of the past have often propped up System 1 as the preferred mode of thinking, Kahneman argues that the obvious assets of fast thinking can also incur faults and biases. By shedding light on the benefits of rational thought, Kahneman offers practical advice to help you tap into your own thinking system and take the lead in your business as well as your personal life.

22. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

If you prefer to take age-old advice from emperors, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (the final of the “Five Good Emperors” of the Roman Empire) is the one for you. Aurelius famously adhered to the Stoic philosophy, which focused on humility, awareness, and control of one’s emotions. 

Meditations outlines the complex spiritual reflections and practices that Aurelius developed to lead a little organization known as the Roman Empire. While never intended for publication, the collection has since inspired countless leaders — including former president Theodore Roosevelt, who took a copy with him on a near-fatal eight-month journey through the Amazon.

23. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins

What makes a company go from simply ‘good’ to ‘great’? What does it take to stand out from the crowd and make that leap? After five years of research and some surprising results, Jim Collins singled out 11 top businesses who have done just that for his book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don’t. This bestselling leadership book introduces key concepts such as ‘Level 5 Leadership’ and ‘A Culture of Discipline,’ offering a comprehensive framework for both new and experienced  business leaders to take their companies to the next level.

24. On Becoming a Leader by Warren G. Bennis

Warren Bennis believes that leaders aren’t born — they’re made. And in times of so much global uncertainty, it’s never been more important to encourage people to take up leadership roles. On Becoming a Leader offers essential insights into what it takes to lead and has become a frequently-cited classic within the genre. Warren Bennis’s decades of experience (as President of the University of Cincinnati, visiting Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter, and an advisor to four US Presidents) make him more than qualified to offer advice on becoming a leader.

25. If I Could Tell You Just One Thing by Richard Reed

Can’t settle for reading just one person’s leadership advice? Don’t worry. If I Could Tell You Just One Thing brings together the big names from a wide-ranging spectrum of industries to present all of their most valuable life tips. With people ranging from Sandi Toksvig and Olivia Coleman to Bear Grylls and Bill Gates, there’s truly something for everyone in this illustrious archive of advice. This book contains advice on work, relationships, creativity, and so much more — all of which can help boost your confidence and leadership skills in your own life. If we could tell you just one thing, it’s to pick this book up.

26. High Output Management by Andrew Grove

High Output Management immortalizes the management skills that Andrew Grove developed as the driving force behind Intel Corporation. This leadership handbook sugarcoats nothing and unveils Grove’s tried-and-tested techniques to motivate teams and increase performance. With his hard-won knowledge about building and managing a company from the ground up, High Output Management is an excellent handbook for anyone looking to actually exercise leadership!

27. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead quickly topped bestseller lists after its release in 2013, igniting crucial discussions on women and leadership. Gender equality in the workplace has undoubtedly improved in recent years — however, as Sandberg explains, there is still a long way to go. 

Indeed, many have criticized Lean In itself for its limited white and white-collar feminist perspective, and Sandberg has since admitted that her book wasn’t as inclusive as it could be. That said, the groundbreaking COO of Facebook still provides concrete advice for women on how to feel more confident in the workplace through small but crucial day-to-day changes.

28. Mental Models: 30 Thinking Tools that Separate the Average From the Exceptional. Improved Decision-Making, Logical Analysis, and Problem-Solving by Peter Hollins

Written by bestselling author and human behavior researcher Peter Hollins, Mental Models divides the psychological traits of good leadership into thirty defined models. With a laser-sharp focus on typical psychological traits in leaders, Hollins takes the best-fitting ways natural leaders react psychologically to situations and teaches you how to apply them to your own life as a leader.

29. Now It Can Be Told: The Story Of The Manhattan Project by Leslie R. Groves

Everyone knows of the Manhattan Project, perhaps the most intense and deadline-driven project in history. And for this project, one man was placed in charge of America’s efforts to build the first atomic bomb: Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves. 

This is his story, which doubles as a revealing and compelling account of multifaceted project management. From the technical details that Groves shares about decision-making and mitigating mistakes to dealing with conflict resolution in a large team, this book covers everything you need to know about large-scale leadership and management. If you’re looking for detailed insight on planning, communication, or how to lead a massive, compartmentalized team, then you won’t be let down by the man who went through it all under immense pressure to deliver.

30. Leadershift by John C. Maxwell

Globally renowned leadership-guru John C. Maxwell offers a written masterclass in how you can continue to innovate and improve your business in his formative work Leadershift. Maxwell outlines 11 key shifts — such as ‘Ladder Climbing to Ladder Building’ and ‘Positional Authority to Moral Authority’ — which every leader must embrace if they want to see success across their team. 

And you can trust him on this: each of these shifts played a role in shaping his personal trajectory, setting him up for new and better opportunities. The book’s simple and straightforward approach makes it one of the best leadership books for anyone ready to examine how they think and put in the work to achieve the best results possible.

31. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl’s 1946 book chronicling his time captive in Nazi concentration camps during World War II has riveted readers for decades. Man’s Search for Meaning is a deep exploration of Frankl’s lessons for spiritual survival, based on his own experiences surviving Auschwitz, as well as those of his patients during his time as a psychiatrist. Most of all, it is an enduring testament to Frankl’s theory that humans are driven by finding meaning in life — even if it stems from suffering.

32. Becoming by Michelle Obama

A captivating memoir in its own right, Becoming is a heartfelt invitation into Michelle Obama’s world that shines a light on her experiences and challenges from childhood to her time as the first African American First Lady of the U.S.A. As one of the most recognizable world leaders, Obama explains how the biases she faced motivated her to create the most inclusive White House to date. Like the woman herself, Becoming will inspire you, too, to carry on leading despite the adversities that you may face along the way.

33. More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth

Brought to you by the revolutionary editor who introduced social awareness to Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth’s More Than Enough will take you on a journey to come into your own. Welteroth draws on her experiences of climbing the ranks in the media and fashion world, particularly as a Black woman from small-town California, to share the lessons she learned along the way. 

This book stays true to its name, exploring how young women (particularly young Black women) bosses are more than enough, despite often being told otherwise — a highly recommended read, especially for aspiring Black female leaders.

34. Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee

In Primal Leadership , Daniel Goleman argues that the critical role of a leader is to manage the emotional atmosphere of their community. We’ve all experienced our moods brightening and dampening based on the people around us; Goleman expands upon this to build a compelling case that people look to their leaders to set the overall mood. This book shows that it’s possible to learn effective leadership, and Goleman has the practical advice that will help you develop that emotional intelligence and leadership competency.

35. Leadership Is an Art by Max DePree

If you’re less interested in the “hows” of leadership — particularly corporate leadership — and more interested in the “whys,” then you may want to turn to Max DePree’s pivotal book, a treatise on leading in a way that focuses on employee autonomy and well-being. DePree views leadership as a stewardship that cannot work without also empowering employees first. His book underscores the importance of building relationships, developing ideas, and creating strong systems within an organization.

36. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

After becoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005, Robert Iger had a clear idea of where the company needed to go. The Ride of a Lifetime details his successful leadership as one of the most prolific CEOs in the world. Iger breaks down Disney’s success into four parts: quality content, embracing technology, large-scale thinking, and, most importantly, taking a decency-over-dollars approach to every project. According to Iger himself, this isn’t just a leadership book for aspiring CEOs , but for “anyone wanting to feel less fearful [and] more confidently themselves.” This is a large-scale success story to teach large-scale leaders!

37. How to Be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact by Jane E. Dutton and Gretchen M. Spreitzer

How to Be a Positive Leader captures insights into how the small actions that leaders take can greatly affect individuals and organizations, encouraging them to be their best. Jane E. Dutton and Gretchen M. Spreitzer have built this book on a foundation of contemporary research from positive organizational scholarship to give you the most informative read. If you’re focused on creating a positive atmosphere and impact in your workplace, then Dutton and Spreitzer have got your back.

38. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adapted from her viral TEDx talk, We Should All Be Feminists draws on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s experiences as a professional woman in a world filled with issues from blatant discrimination to more normalized and insitutionalized sexism. Adichie offers an analysis of what “feminism” means in the twenty-first century, and why gender discrimination is detrimental to both women and men. Of course, Adichie's nonfiction prose is just as witty and observant as in her fictional books — her recognizable writing style makes this book a masterclass in leadership as a woman and a joy to read as well.

39. The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

Ben Horowitz does not shy away from the thorniest leadership issues that even business schools don’t cover. Indeed, the whole premise of The Hard Thing About Hard Things discusses the problems that aren’t usually spoken aloud — like having to fire friends or poaching from competitors. This brutally authentic book breaks down the hardships that come with being a leader into three key ideas: being clear about what you want to be done, making sure other people are clear about what has to be done, and facing difficult questions early. Discussions on honesty and transparency — and their positive effects  on leadership — are at the forefront of this read.

40. Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise by Horst Schulze

A no-nonsense compilation of the leadership values that helped Horst Schulze triumph as cofounder of the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand, Excellence Wins argues that you can still follow the same principles to success, no matter your title or age. And of the principles that it advocates, Excellence Wins champions self-discipline and self-standards above all else — even in scenarios where it may not seem necessary. Give this a read if you’re willing to challenge yourself to become a more self-aware — and overall better — leader.

Looking for more books to leave you inspired and motivated? Check out our lists of 35 Inspirational Books to Change Your Life or 50 Best Self-Help Books of All Time !

Continue reading

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14 Best Leadership Books to Read in 2023

You discovered our list of the best leadership books .

Leadership books are resources that teach leadership competencies, skills, and best practices. These works analyze which qualities great leaders share, and provide frameworks for building effective teams.

These books are similar to management books and books for CEOs , and include leadership books by women and mentorship books . These books help explore styles of leadership and develop leadership skills , executive skills and good leaders .

This article contains:

• the best leadership books for new leaders
• top leadership books
• good business leadership books
• executive leadership books
• the best books on leadership and management

So, here is the list!

List of leadership books

Here is a list of newer releases and older bestsellers that cover effective leadership.

1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Like many great leadership books, Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek draws inspiration from military principles. The concept in question: high-ranking officers eat after their men, putting their reports’ needs before their own. Sinek makes the case that people-first leadership makes crews feel supported and respected. These feelings in turn compel employees to exhibit loyalty and exceed expectations. Sinek states that trust and psychological safety are the keys to excellence, illustrating this argument with multiple examples from different types of organizations around the world.

Notable Quote: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Buy Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek .

2. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sanderson

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Facebook executive Sheryl Sanderson is one of the most popular leadership books for women. Inspired by personal experience and a TED Talk Sanderson gave in 2010, Lean In details the ways women hold back and miss career opportunities by being passive and polite. Sanderson encourages women to seek strong mentors, advocate for themselves, and assert their place in the business world. These actions can empower women to transform into leaders instead of merely accepting assigned roles.

Although the book is a few years old, the lessons are still relevant. Given the challenges to women’s careers a remote workforce presents, Lean In is worth a revisit.

Notable Quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”

Buy Lean In .

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

In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell outlines clear guidelines for leaders to follow to maximize influence and ensure that employees achieve a common vision. The book shares wisdom such as “leadership develops daily, not in a day,” and “leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment.” The book explains each rule plainly and provides anecdotal examples, covering every aspect of leadership from attracting and forming teams to securing legacy by planning for succession.

Notable Quote: “You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion…. The heart comes before the head.”

Buy The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership .

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

Dare to Lead shares lessons on the power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Renowned “courage and shame” researcher Brené Brown makes the case that leadership is not about status or control, but rather recognizing potential in individuals and ideas. Dare to Lead presents a guide to becoming a courageous and confident leader.

Notable Quote: “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”

Buy Dare to Lead .

5. The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently by Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy is a celebrated former NFL coach, and this work is a valuable leadership book. The Mentor Leader explains how to elevate those around you towards success with one simple principle: “your only job is to help your players be better.” Dungy outlines the critical elements of mentor leadership, including introspection, altruistic mindset, and modeling values. The Mentor Leader demonstrates how to maximize team potential and drive individuals towards optimal performance.

Notable Quote: “Engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and elevate. Those are the methods for maximizing the potential of any individual, team, organization, or institution for ultimate success and significance. Those are the methods of a mentor leader.”

Buy The Mentor Leader.

6. Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrahms

Representative Stacey Abrahms’ Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change is one of the best leadership books around. The book gives instructions for leading as an outsider. For example, by using your unique perspective and resilience to enact impactful and lasting change even in the most seemingly rigid institutions. This work is a mix of memoir and instruction, guiding readers through steps to find passion and develop skills through topics like embracing otherness, owning opportunity, and overcoming failure.

Notable Quote: “Logic is a seductive excuse for setting low expectations.”

Buy Minority Leader .

7. The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

Becoming a leader may not mean assuming a pre-existing executive position within an established organization, but rather blazing an entirely new path and creating a company from scratch. In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz illustrates the realities of entrepreneurship, addressing how to build a business from the ground up, uncover unclear answers, and make tough calls and hard decisions with minimal guidance or backup.

Notable Quote: “Build a culture that rewards—not punishes—people for getting problems into the open where they can be solved.”

Buy The Hard Thing About Hard Things .

8. Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee

Emotional intelligence is one of the most underrated leadership skills. Leaders need to connect with their people to motivate and resonate with employees. Primal Leadership teaches professionals to identify and navigate feelings, empathize with employees, and build emotionally intelligent organizations. Emotionally intelligent leadership enables leaders to avoid misunderstandings and incorrect judgements, relate more closely to workers, and collaborate in true tandem with employees. The authors are professionals with years in the psychology and business consulting worlds, and illustrate their arguments through lived and observed experiences.

Notable Quote: “Not that leaders need to be overly “nice”; the emotional art of leadership includes pressing the reality of work demands without unduly upsetting people.”

Buy Primal Leadership .

9. Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Leaders have a lot of pressure to lead their staff through times of turmoil. Perhaps the guidance leaders most need is on navigating a crisis, and reassurance that history’s greats encountered comparable challenges. Leadership: In Turbulent Times analyzes the obstacles faced by four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. Goodwin’s work examines the struggles, triumphs, and tactical approaches of each subject, holding each president up as an example of how to turn tragedy into achievement. This book is a masterclass in crisis management and transformational leadership, as well as a roadmap out of dark times.

Notable Quote: “Establish a clear purpose; challenge the team to work out details; traverse conventional departmental boundaries; set large short-term and long-term targets; create tangible success to generate accelerated growth and momentum.”

Buy Leadership: In Turbulent Times .

10. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

The extreme environments of Navy SEAL missions provide the ultimate platform for leadership. Former commanders Jocko Willink and Leif Babin apply battlefield wisdom to the business world, preaching the philosophy of admitting mistakes and owning failure as a means to earn trust and respect from followers. Only by overcoming ego and facing reality head-on can leaders gain the clarity and strength to act in difficult situations. The authors employ military discipline and combat strategy to break down traits and approaches necessary to effective leadership.

Notable Quote : “Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team.”

Buy Extreme Ownership .

11. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People is one of the top leadership books of all time. Almost a century after the book’s initial publication, the sentiments within the pages still ring true. Carnegie’s guide to winning favor in the business world is a masterclass in soft skills. Leadership hinges upon resonating with people and winning followers. Carnegie breaks down the basics of persuasion, revealing how to sell others’ on your abilities, convince them of your vision, and assure folks that you have their best interests in mind. After all, one of the main components of effective influence is reading your audience’s feelings and motivations and reflecting that psychology and desire in your pitch.

Notable Quote: “Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. “To know all is to forgive all.”

Buy How to Win Friends & Influence People .

12. Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, and Carter Phipps

Conscious Leadership is a manifesto to moral business practice. Head author John Mackey founded Whole Foods, and his commitment to sustainability, integrity, and compassion flavor his leadership advice. Conscious Leadership champions purpose and value-based leadership, urging leaders to embody beliefs and serve as role models for their working and wider communities.

Notable Quote: “Whether they know it or not, every person and every organization has the potential to embrace, enact, and unify people around a higher purpose.”

Buy Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business .

13. Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse

Peter G Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice is one of the best leadership books for new leaders. The book serves as a comprehensive textbook for leaders, covering a wide range of academic concepts and evidence-based learnings related to the field of leadership. The book covers various traits, behaviors, approaches, theories, and styles of leadership, serving as a catch-all index and manual for managers looking to make a mark.

Notable Quote: “Leaders who use coercion are interested in their own goals and seldom are interested in the wants and needs of followers. Using coercion runs counter to working with followers to achieve a common goal.”

Buy Leadership: Theory and Practice .

14. How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein

In How to Lead, David M. Rubenstein gathers insight, advice, and philosophies from trailblazing visionaries like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and more. Each chapter has a unique perspective on leadership, offering multiple viewpoints on the secrets of success and the qualities of an effective leader . From these examples, readers can find inspiration and guidance to achieve their own visions. The content of How to Lead comes straight from Rubenstein’s own experience interviewing these industry leaders throughout the years.

Notable Quote: “A fair question might be, why should anyone really want to be a leader? First, a leader can create the type of change or results that will improve the lives of others. Second, a leader can motivate others to become leaders, and in turn improve others’ lives. And third, a leader can feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement that provides human fulfillment and happiness.”

Buy How to Lead .

The simple act of reading a book will not automatically transform an individual into a skilled leader. However, these books provide insight, guidelines, and actionable advice to build strong teams, earn respect, maximize potential, and leave a lasting impression on organizations.

Next, check out our lists of employee engagement books and books on diversity and inclusion , and these post with employee engagement best practices and leadership activities for work .

You may also be interested in executive team building activities , these ways to differentiate managers vs leaders , this guide to collaborative leadership and this one on servant leadership at work .

Plus, this guide to employee management styles and this list of the top leadership conferences .

FAQ: Leadership Books

Here are answers to common questions about leadership books.

What are leadership books?

Leadership books are works that teach readers how to be skilled and influential leaders. These books tend to be a mix of instructions, advice, and anecdotes from experts in the realms of psychology and business, and provide step by step guides to becoming a role model and visionary.

What are the best books about leadership to read?

There is no shortage of books about leadership full of expert advice on the market. Some great options include:

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Lean In by Sheryl Sanderson
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy
• Minority Leader by Stacey Abrahms
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
• Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
• Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Conscious Leadership by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, and Carter Phipps
• Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse
• How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein

Though these authors employ different approaches, one underlying principle runs throughout these works: good leaders are not necessarily born gifted, but rather, leadership is a developed skill that requires continual learning and effort.

What are good leadership books for women?

There are certain books that speak to the unique challenges of being a female visionary in the modern workforce. Particularly good leadership books for women include Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sanderson, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown, and Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrahms.

What are the best leadership books for new leaders?

The best leadership books for new leaders include Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse, How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein, How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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• Management /

50+ Books to Develop Leadership Skills (Buy here)

• Updated on  
• Oct 26, 2023

Reading augments your knowledge about the world and life in general but it also forms the best foundation for developing your thoughts and finding your own unique perspective on diverse aspects of life. A human being’s best friend and the mind’s wonderful recluse, books not only offer us a respite from boredom but provide us with new ideas and information to sharpen our knowledge. So, when it comes to becoming a good leader, the first thing you need to begin with is to learn from the great leaders of the world and take their wisdom and lessons to trod this challenging path. And what can be better than a good book on leadership to learn these lessons? Well, here is an exclusive reading list of must-read leadership skills books that you must add to your shelves to imbibe the qualities of a leader and become the best one you can be!

This Blog Includes:

Best leadership books on audible.

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

Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee

• Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan
• On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Leading change by john kotter , the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership by john c. maxwell, 10 best books for leadership skills, 10 best leadership books for entrepreneurs, 10 best leadership books on blinkist, 10 best leadership books for beginners.

Download 50+ Books to Develop Leadership Skills

• The 100 Best Business Books of All Time
• The Best Team Wins
• The Leader You Want to Be
• Unstoppable
• Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition
• The Motivation Code
• Leadership Wisdom from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
• The Harvard Business Review Leader’s Handbook: Make an Impact, Inspire Your Organization, and Get to the Next Level
• Leaders Eat Last
• Extraordinary Leadership

“When the reward is the activity itself–deepening learning, delighting customers, doing one’s best–there are no shortcuts.”

Do you know what motivates you? Is there a common thing between all the human beings that motivates us? Based on decades of scientific research, the author attempts to answer this particular question in this brilliant leadership book. Daniel H. Pink terms the conventional Carrot and Stick Approach for motivation as erroneous and suggests that purpose, mastery and autonomy are the three main elements that contribute towards people’s drive to increase their achievements and productivity. You can get a copy of this book here .

“Experience has taught me that the most efficient leaders agree on one fundamental aspect: they all possess a high level of what has come to be called emotional intelligence”

A must-read for anyone aspiring to lead, Primal Leadership brings forward the argument of how the primal characteristic that makes a great leader is his emotional intelligence. The three authors discuss six different identifiable leadership styles and indicate that the best leaders possess the ability to change their leadership styles based on the situation. It is one of the top-recommended leadership books and its main takeaway from the book is to use your emotional intelligence to connect with people and encourage them for positive results.

“But if you have to choose between someone with a staggering IQ and an elite education who’s gliding along, and someone with a lower IQ but who is absolutely determined to succeed, you’ll always do better with the second person.”

This best-selling book by former CEO Larry Bossidy and well-known business consultant Ram Charan discusses the processes that set successful companies apart from unsuccessful ones. Amongst the best leadership books with an essential emphasis on entrepreneurial and business success, the authors have explored the main purposes of the leader which include getting things done while achieving the objectives of their organisations and delivering expected results. The book is divided into three main parts, discussing execution and why it is needed, what constitutes it, and its core processes. A must-read book for anyone looking forward to venturing into business! Get your copy here !

“If knowing yourself and being yourself were as easy to do as to talk about, there wouldn’t be nearly so many people walking around in borrowed postures, spouting secondhand ideas, trying desperately to fit in rather than to stand out.”

Written by bestselling author Warren Bennis, On Becoming a Leader is one of the most popular leadership books of all time. The author discusses the qualities needed to become a successful leader and the strategies that can help you achieve it, along with putting forward various examples of such people. This book aims to shatter the very popular myth that leaders are born, not made.

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

An amazing book by Simon Sinek, Start With Why draws upon a wide range of real-life stories to explain that the “Why” behind any idea, business, product etc. which is its most important selling point. The author goes on to discuss that great leadership comes from knowing and using this ‘why’ in an advantageous way. This book is sure to provide you with a different understanding of human behaviour, impact, communication and leadership.

“A useful rule of thumb: Whenever you cannot describe the vision driving a change initiative in five minutes or less and get a reaction that signifies both understanding and interest, you are in for trouble. Error”

A very popular leadership book, Leading Change by John Kotter puts forward a legendary 8-step process of change, which is of significant importance for organisations and leaders around the world. Change is an essential component of success in business in the present times, this book talks about the ways and methods to lead during times of change.

“If you don’t have peace, it isn’t because someone took it from you; you gave it away. You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control what happens in you.”

Authored by world-renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is one of the best leadership books you will ever read. He discusses 21 laws or principles that need to be learnt and mastered in order to become a successful leader. The ultimate goal of the book is to help in the creation of a leader admired by people.

• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden & Steve Jamison
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
• Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis & Annie McKee
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James Kouzes & Barry Posner
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham
• How to Win Friends & Influence People Leadership Books by Dale Carnegie
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition Leadership Books by Stephen R. Covey
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Leadership Books by Daniel Pink
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Leadership Books by Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves, Patrick Lencioni
• Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest Leadership Books by Peter Block
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Leadership Books by Simon Sinek
• The Athena Doctrine: How Women (and the Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule the Future Leadership Books by John Gerzema, Michael D’Antonio
• Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence Leadership Books by Daniel Goldman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee
• Radical Candor Leadership Books by Kim Scott
• The Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life Leadership Books by Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan
• Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek
• The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength by Jennifer Kahnweiler
• Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
• Change the Culture, Change the Game: The Breakthrough Strategy for Energizing Your Organization and Creating Accountability for Results by Roger Connors and Tom Smith
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
• How to Be a Positive Leader: Small Actions, Big Impact by Jane E. Dutton and Gretchen M. Spreitzer
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
• The Emperor’s Handbook
•   Man’s Search for Meaning
•   A Man in Full  
• Liar’s Poker
•   Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t
•   Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
• Giants of Enterprise: Seven Business Innovators and the Empires They Built
•   The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World
•   The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Here are some more brilliant leadership books you must read:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek is the best book to develop leadership skills.

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