10 Leadership books for every intending leader

Leadership is more than just a title or position. Leadership is a way of guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal. A leader is someone who not only has the authority to make decisions but also possesses the vision, empathy, and integrity to influence and motivate others. They lead by example, while encouraging collaboration, trust, and growth within their team or organization.

A leader isn’t necessarily the person with the loudest voice or the most charisma, but rather someone who listens, empowers, and supports those around them. They embody qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, enabling them to navigate challenges and inspire others to overcome obstacles.

Books on leadership offer valuable insights, strategies, and perspectives from experts and practitioners in the field. They provide practical advice on how to develop essential leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, and inspire others to achieve their full potential.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, these 10 leadership books can help you navigate the complexities of leadership and achieve success.

1.”Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action”
In this book, Sinek delves into the importance of defining your purpose as a leader and how understanding the ‘why’ behind your actions can inspire and motivate others to follow your vision.

2. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek:
Simon Sinek explores the concept of selfless leadership and how putting the well-being of your team first can lead to greater trust, collaboration, and success within an organization.

3. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey:
Covey’s classic book outlines seven timeless principles for personal and professional effectiveness, offering practical advice on how to cultivate leadership skills and achieve lasting success.

4. “Emotional Intelligence: Why it can Matter More than IQ” by Daniel Goleman:
Goleman examines the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, highlighting how self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills contribute to effective leadership and organizational success.

5. Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown:
Brené Brown explores the role of vulnerability in leadership, arguing that true courage and authenticity are essential for building trust and fostering innovation within teams.

6. Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter” by Greg McKeown & Liz Wiseman:
This book talks about the traits and behaviors of ‘multiplier’ leaders who amplify the intelligence and capabilities of those around them, offering valuable insights for leaders on how to unleash the full potential of their teams.

7. “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink:
Pink explores the science of motivation, challenging traditional notions of what drives human behavior and offering practical insights for leaders on how to create environments that foster intrinsic motivation and high performance.

8. “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: follow them and people will” by John C. Maxwell:
John C. Maxwell outlines 21 timeless principles of leadership, drawn from his decades of experience as a leadership expert, offering practical advice and real-world examples for leaders at every level.

9. “Primal Leadership” by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee:
This book explores the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, offering practical strategies for leaders to develop their emotional intelligence competencies and create resonant relationships with their teams.

10. “Leadership and Self-Deception” by The Arbinger Institute:
This book explores the concept of self-deception and its impact on leadership effectiveness, offering a powerful framework for cultivating self-awareness and building stronger relationships with others.