{"id":33530,"date":"2015-06-15T20:47:02","date_gmt":"2015-06-16T04:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=33530"},"modified":"2015-06-21T19:50:22","modified_gmt":"2015-06-22T03:50:22","slug":"25-books-that-will-teach-you-the-most-powerful-leadership-lessons-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/25-books-that-will-teach-you-the-most-powerful-leadership-lessons-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Books That Will Teach You The Most Powerful Leadership Lessons Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019ve heard the old saying right?<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAll great leaders are readers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u2026 Well, it\u2019s true. <\/span>And I\u2019m reminded of it at least once a week, when I interview an inspiring author, entrepreneur, or thought leader on my show<\/span><\/a>. I ask my guests a series of questions about what contributed to their success and ability to become such great leaders. You want to know what nearly every single one of them tells me? They read books. Books are like training weights for the brain. And reading the right ones can provide you with powerful leadership lessons in a very short period of time. In this list, we\u2019re going to go over 25 powerful books on leadership.<\/p>\n

Ready? Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. <\/b>The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Written by the most prolific management and leadership writer of his time (and perhaps, of all time), Peter R. Drucker, this is the definitive guide to getting the right things done that every leader needs to read. Get the book here.<\/span><\/a> Or pickup the book summary here.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/b>The Seasons of Life<\/a> <\/b><\/span><\/span>by Jim Rohn<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"the-seasons-of-life\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Jim Rohn was one of the greatest speakers and storytellers to have ever lived. Period. His books and teachings on leadership and business focused on the fundamentals of human behavior and how they have an impact on optimal performance, personally and professionally. My favorite thing about Jim Rohn\u2019s work is his ability to take complex ideas and simplify them<\/span><\/a> such that anyone could understand and apply them for immediate results. Read this book for powerful lessons in leadership and a primer on living well.<\/p>\n

3. <\/b>The Leader Who Had No Title<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Robin Sharma<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"the-leader-who-had-no-title\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cA Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life.\u201d The reason why this is such a powerful leadership book is because it gets down to the nitty gritty of some of those easily overlooked qualities of leadership: modesty, consideration, empathy. When those you lead begin to see you actually living the values preached by the organization or team you\u2019re leading \u2014 that\u2019s when you can lead without a title. Because that is when you can be confident that you\u2019ve gained more than mere compliance; but respect. Get the book here.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

4. <\/b>The Obstacle Is The Way<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Ryan Holiday<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t your typical leadership book, but it contains some profound leadership lessons that most books in this genre simply don\u2019t. Read along as the author pulls powerful leadership insights from thought leaders and Stoic Philosophers \u2014 all of which, oddly enough, are just as applicable in the modern workplace, as they were thousands of years ago. Grab this book of old-school leadership lessons here<\/a>, or checkout the book summary here.<\/a><\/p>\n

5. <\/b>The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by John C. Maxwell<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"21-irrefutable-laws-of-leadership\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Behold, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership<\/i><\/span><\/a> \u2014<\/i> follow them and people will follow you. This is a powerful set of principles written by one of the foremost minds behind modern leadership thinking, John C. Maxwell. All 21 \u201claws\u201d are very easy to understand, and the stories that support them make each of them actionable for us to apply within our own lives and individual leadership roles.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. <\/b>Strengths Based Leadership<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Tom Rath<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"strengths_based_leadership\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Written by the people who brought you StrengthsFinder 2.0<\/i>, the good folks at Gallup have also been focusing on the topic of leadership. And after studying over 1 million teams, and conducting more than 20,000 in-depth interviews with leaders, they\u2019ve come out on the other end with more than just a few big ideas on leadership. Read this book<\/span><\/a> to learn about great teams, and great leaders, and why people follow them.<\/p>\n

7. <\/b>Emotional Intelligence 2.0<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Travis Bradberry<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Emotional_Intelligence_2.0\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Complete with a testimonial by The Dalai Lama himself, Emotional Intelligence 2.0<\/i><\/span><\/a> provides you with a modern handbook of research-driven rules on connecting with others and building relationships to help you lead. The book also comes with an emotional intelligence test to help you determine where you should focus to become a more effective and well-esteemed leader.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. <\/b>Bold by Peter Diamandis, Steven Kotler<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Bold<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Want to learn how to leverage exponential technologies to accelerate growth like you\u2019ve never seen before? Bold<\/span><\/a> is the leadership book for you. In this powerful book, you\u2019ll learn about using exponential technologies, moonshot thinking, and crowd-powered tools to create extraordinary wealth while you make a meaningful difference<\/span><\/a> on the world doing work that matters<\/span><\/a>\u2026 Expect to learn new and unconventional methods to leveraging the web\u2019s infinite tools to raise money, make money, and manage money. Get the book here<\/a>, or listen to the audio summary here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

9. <\/b>Leaders Eat Last<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Simon Sinek<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Leaders<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is it that some teams pull together, and others don\u2019t?<\/span><\/a> You\u2019ll learn the difference in this superbly written book with stories peppered throughout. In Leaders Eat Last<\/span><\/a>, author Simon Sinek asks us to imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled\u2026 this is not some idealistic dream, Sinek says, but something that is actually happening in various organizations across the United States. Get the book here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

10. <\/b>The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People<\/i><\/a><\/span> is one of the most popular personal development books ever published. Essential reading for every leader. The subtitle says it all: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change<\/i>. It\u2019s true. Both in life and in business.<\/span><\/a> The author, Dr. Stephen Covey, provides research-driven advice gleaned from decades of data on what it takes to become as effective as possible across every dimension of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. <\/b>Influence by Robert Cialdini<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Influence<\/a><\/p>\n

Successful businesses and organizations are built by successfully selling quality products, programs, and\/or services to large numbers of loyal customers\u2026 Successfully selling to these customers requires an individual to possess the knowledge + skills of effectively influencing \u201cbrowsers\u201d into becoming \u201cbuyers.\u201d In his landmark book, \u201cInfluence\u201d<\/span><\/a>, Robert Cialdini breaks this down to a science (literally). In the book, you\u2019ll learn vital leadership lessons to help you persuade people more effectively. Pay particular attention to \u201cThe 6 weapons of influence\u201d, and how to utilize them in order to persuade and lead people in a scientifically sound way.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. <\/b>Good to Great by Jim Collins<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"good_to_great\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it that some leaders can take companies into the multi-million (or billion!) dollar level and beyond \u2014 and others struggle to lead the customer service department? Find out in Good To Great<\/i><\/span><\/a> as author Jim Collins guides you through the best leadership practices deployed by the best businesses, companies, and organizations around the world. If you aspire to lead a company to greatness, than this book<\/span><\/a> will provide you with the requisite leadership lessons to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. <\/b>Principle-Centered Leadership by Stephen R. Covey<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"principle_centered_leadership\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Another classic by Dr. Covey on the values and virtues of true leadership. InPrinciple Centered Leadership<\/i>, Stephen Covey gives examples of some of the greatest leaders from around the world and what they did to become so influential. In the book, he covers how these leaders would bridge gaps amongst people who might otherwise hate each other. And he shows us how to do it through meaningful communication strategies and gentle persuasion. This book is best consumed via audiobook<\/span><\/a> (I\u2019ve probably listened to it over 100 times, and because it\u2019s only about an hour long, you may end up doing the same thing too.) But if you prefer books, you can always go that route instead.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

14. <\/b>Drive by Daniel H. Pink<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"drive\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This book is packed with some of the most powerful leadership lessons<\/span><\/a> you\u2019ll ever learn. Author Daniel Pink debunks some of the biggest myths about what really motivates us at work<\/span><\/a>; immediately putting Drive<\/a> <\/i>on every serious leader\u2019s reading list. Drive<\/i><\/span><\/a> describes the characteristics of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation \u2014 and how far too many organizations rely on extrinsic motivators, even though these are often counterproductive. Instead, Pink explains how we can best motivate ourselves and others by understanding how to utilize intrinsic motivators. Bottom line? You can\u2019t lead anyone unless you know what moves and inspires them, and <\/i>Drive<\/i><\/span><\/a> is a cornerstone book on how to figure that out.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. <\/b>Willpower Roy F. Baumeister, John Tierney<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Willpower<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This book aims to re-ignite a conversation that leaders have been ignoring for decades: what\u2019s the role of willpower<\/span><\/a> in a high-performance work environment? The answers will surprise you. They\u2019ll also provide you with actionable ways to reshape your lifestyle and leadership in a way that allows you to lead with your strengths, as well as help others find and ignite that charge within<\/span><\/a> themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

16. <\/b>Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"benjamin-franklin-cover\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

How about some practical lessons on leadership, virtue, and meaningful living from the original king of productivity himself, Mr. Benjamin Franklin. This is a classic tome on the life and times of one of history\u2019s greatest and most influential leaders\u2026 Here\u2019s one of my favorite quotes from this work: \u201cIf you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

17. <\/b>Give and Take by Adam Grant<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"give_and_take_cover\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Most people operate as either takers, matchers, or givers. Whereas takers strive to get as much as possible from others and matchers aim to trade evenly, givers are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return. Adam Grant takes a deep dive into why helping others drives our success in life and business. Packed with profound and powerful lessons in how strategic giving and contribution helps us get ahead \u2014 both personally and professionally. Get the book here<\/a>, or pickup the summary version here.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

18. <\/b>Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Never<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Are you interested in getting ahead and getting the edge in life \u2014 without having to sacrifice your integrity to do it? If yes, then this is your book. Never Eat Alone<\/span><\/a> is a classic book on connecting with others, and must-read for anyone that leads others. As author Keith Ferrazzi says in the book, \u201cSuccess in any field, but especially in business is about working with people, not against them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

19. <\/b>The ONE Thing by Gary Keller<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results? Focus on your ONE thing<\/span><\/a>. If you can cultivate the habit of doing this, you\u2019ve already harnessed one of the most powerful leadership lessons out there. If you haven\u2019t, then go get this book.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

20. <\/b>The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr, Tony Schwartz<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"the-power-of-full-engagement\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The authors of The Power of Full Engagement<\/i><\/span><\/a> say that the real key to high performance isn\u2019t about managing your time \u2013 it\u2019s about managing your energy. Because let\u2019s face it \u2014 no matter how powerful your leadership title says you are, you\u2019re powerless without your health and wellbeing. When you break it down to the basics \u2014 you find that this book provides us with a much needed crash course on a much needed topic: well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

21. <\/b>Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"decisive\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Great leadership requires great decision making. If you\u2019re a leader, and you make the wrong decision, you\u2019re steering a whole lot of people in the same direction\u2026 People that depend on your leadership to help them succeed. In this book, the Heath brothers provide the leadership lessons you\u2019ll need in order to make better choices in life and at work.<\/p>\n

22. <\/b>Zero to One by Peter Thiel, Blake Masters<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Zero<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The most powerful leadership lessons in this book are about building the future without being too concerned about what people think, or feeling like you\u2019ve got to mould inspiring ideas into another boring business. Zero To One<\/i><\/span><\/a> is a powerful book about leading the future \u2014 both in technology and otherwise. And because of its focus on building a brighter future for humanity by way of innovation \u2014 Zero To One<\/i> also makes for excellent reading for leaders looking for better answers in the world of technology and business. Pick it up here.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

23. <\/b>Start With Why by Simon Sinek<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"start-with-why\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Simon Sinek\u2019s first book on leadership was an instant hit, because it gave easy-to-understand examples of how great leaders like MLK and the Wright Brothers defied the odds and inspired people to take action\u2026 and getting people to act, let alone inspiring them in the process, is one of the most difficult, but powerful leadership lessons anyone can learn. This book teaches you how\u2026 and why.<\/span><\/p>\n

24. <\/b>Primal Leadership<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>by Daniel Goleman<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/i>\"primal-leadership-cover\"<\/a><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Primal Leadership<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/i><\/a> Cool title, eh? This is the original book on emotional intelligence,<\/span><\/a> right here. Pick it up and learn classic lessons in dealing with people through empathy<\/span><\/a> and understanding (it\u2019s more powerful than you think.) The depth at which the authors get into the neuroscience of influence and impact is incredibly interesting. And they become especially powerful when you connect these insights to how you lead others.<\/span><\/p>\n

25. <\/b>How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"How<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Who could forget this classic? How To Win Friends & Influence People<\/i><\/span><\/a> will teach you some of the most powerful leadership lessons in dealing with people elegantly \u2014 even when dealing with the worst of personalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Which book will you read first?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that you\u2019ve got your list of top 10 business books books to books \u2014 there\u2019s only one question left\u2026 Which one do you read first? Should you go out and get all of them immediately? Should you read them all at once? Or should you take a lifetime to read them? So many options. So little time. Ultimately, it\u2019s totally your decision what you do with this list and how you apply it to your life and career. But if I may, here\u2019s what I would suggest you consider as you get started:<\/span><\/p>\n