Learning and improving from personal experience is a great way to grow as a leader. Great leaders also know that preparation and research can teach lessons more quickly than if they were to make the mistakes themselves.
Here are 6 books that every leader should read if they want to be the best leader they can be.
Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality
By Dr. Henry Cloud
Integrity is a complex characteristic. In this book, Dr. Henry Cloud makes an impressive argument for why integrity is the key to success. Furthermore, he illustrates that integrity isn’t just something you’re born with. All of us have the opportunity for personal growth that will change both our personal and professional lives.
The Power of Positive Leadership
By Jon Gordon
Leaders are sure to face obstacles and negativity on a regular basis. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of life’s challenges can be difficult, but it is absolutely essential to be genuinely positive as a leader. Positivity can create a great culture of empowered and motivated teams that achieve results.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
By Susan Cain
Introverts may not be the loudest voice in a room, but innovative people who would rather listen than speak are significantly undervalued in some businesses. From Rosa Parks to Dr. Seuss, introverts have made major contributions to our world. This well-researched book does wonders in letting us see the benefit of harnessing an introvert’s skill set.
Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success
By Adam Grant
It’s universally accepted that hard work, talent and a bit of luck will lead to a successful career. Here, Adam Grant focuses on a fourth factor — bringing others with you on your way to the top. Grant is a professor at Wharton Business School, and he uses his own research and other success stories to demonstrate that nice guys don’t have to finish last.
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
By Simon Sinek
Why are some businesses and people more influential and successful than others? Simon Sinek has an idea called the Golden Circle that explains how any person can become more inspired and inspire others in return. The basis of this idea is that people are inspired by the reason behind something, then make that mission their own.
By Jeff Boss
Sometimes, the only thing holding you back is yourself. In this book, former Navy SEAL Jeff Boss provides top executives with 23 mental exercises that enhance leadership and success.
