Great leadership isn’t just learned in boardrooms or built through promotions—it’s cultivated over time through consistent self-reflection, intentional action, and perhaps most importantly, reading. A mentor once shared with me, “You have to read what you want to become.” That stuck with me.
Books are mentors in print. They open doors to timeless wisdom, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies that sharpen your leadership edge. Over the last 15 years, I’ve read around 200 leadership books and led 11 different teams. Along the way, I’ve come to believe this: leadership is a lifelong journey, full of learning curves, humility, and growth. It applies not just to leading teams—but also to leading yourself, your family, and your life.
If you’re ready to grow as a leader, this curated reading list is a powerful place to begin. Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or looking to refresh your mindset, these titles have left a lasting impact on me—and they just might do the same for you.
Must-Read Leadership Books That Will Shape Your Thinking
1. The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell
This is the book that started it all for me. Maxwell explains how to lead from the middle—upward, across, and downward—making it perfect for those without a formal title. It’s a tactical, realistic guide for how to develop influence regardless of where you sit in the organization.
2. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Backed by years of research, Collins identifies what sets elite companies—and their leaders—apart. With its emphasis on humility, discipline, and getting the right people on the bus, this book is a gold standard in understanding transformational leadership.
3. The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
Used in government and corporate leadership training programs alike, this book is grounded in decades of scientific research. It provides a practical framework of leadership behaviors proven to deliver extraordinary results.
4. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
Leadership begins with personal habits. Olson breaks down how consistent small choices lead to massive success. It’s a great reminder that your daily disciplines shape your destiny.
5. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
This book helped me strip away the noise and focus on what truly matters. McKeown’s message is clear: doing fewer things, better, is a leadership superpower. In today’s hyper-distracted world, this mindset is more important than ever.
Additional Reads to Deepen Your Leadership Arsenal
| Title | Author | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Ownership | Jocko Willink & Leif Babin | Leadership begins with taking full responsibility—no excuses. |
| Spiritual Leadership | J. Oswald Sanders | A countercultural approach to leadership rooted in character, not charisma. |
| Eat That Frog | Brian Tracy | Quick, actionable productivity tactics to help leaders tackle high-value tasks. |
| Deep Work | Cal Newport | A guide to regaining focus and doing meaningful, undistracted work. |
| The Ideal Team Player | Patrick Lencioni | The hiring blueprint every leader should follow—humble, hungry, and smart. |
| Mentoring 101 | John Maxwell | The legacy of leadership lies in developing others; this book shows how. |
Why Leadership Books Matter More Than Ever
Leadership is more than just influence—it’s stewardship. It’s about taking ownership of the impact you have on others and continuously striving to be better. Reading widely on leadership gives you access to wisdom from centuries of thinkers, practitioners, and visionaries. It’s like getting mentored by the best minds across time.
If you’re serious about leadership, don’t wait. Pick a book from this list and commit to reading it over the next 30 days. And if you’ve already read a few of these titles, revisit them—great books reveal new insights with every read.
Have a leadership book that’s impacted you? Share it—I’d love to hear what’s shaped your journey.