12 Leadership Books to Shift your Thinking

bookstack culture leadership Nov 01, 2022

A Year in Books: Leadership Lessons That Resonate

In my first year outside of corporate roles, I challenged myself to read 50 books, leading me to purchase over 100! This tsundoku habit of mine is a tale for another time.

Below are twelve insightful books that profoundly shifted my thinking. These are titles I frequently recommend to leaders aiming to elevate their influence and effectiveness.

Culture and Leadership

Impact Players by Liz Wiseman
Liz Wiseman's earlier work, Multipliers, had a profound impact, and her latest exploration into those who significantly outperform in any setting is equally compelling. Impact Players offers invaluable insights into becoming a linchpin within your organisation.

Unlearning & Rethinking

Think Again by Adam Grant
I initiate every Culture Incubator and Leadershift program with a session dedicated to the art of unlearning and rethinking. Adam Grant's book, supported by robust research, challenges us to reassess our understanding and approach. It's an essential guide for leaders navigating the perpetual shifts of our professional landscapes.

Navigating Influence and Emotions with Integrity

Influence is Your Super Power by Zoe Chance
Zoe Chance provides a refreshing perspective on influence, grounded in integrity and enriched with neuroscience. This book distances itself from superficial influencer tactics, offering strategies that are both ethical and effective.

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Brené Brown delves deep into the emotional aspects of human connection in what I consider a masterwork of emotional intelligence. Her insights on belonging are particularly transformative and have become a staple in my discussions on leadership.

Ease, Timing, and Connection

Effortless by Greg McKeown
Following his hit Essentialism, McKeown's Effortless teaches us how to streamline professional life to make daily tasks more manageable and enjoyable. His techniques are now a daily practice in my own routine, advocating for simplicity and efficiency.

When by Dan Pink
Revisiting Dan Pink’s exploration of optimal timing provided new insights into how timing affects our decisions and productivity. Pink combines research with compelling narratives that offer practical advice for leveraging time to our advantage.

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Perfectly timed for its release, Priya Parker’s book explores how meaningful gatherings can transform our interactions and connections. I found this particularly relevant while developing a masterclass on leadership connection.

Fear and Asking More

The Loudest Guest by Dr Amy Silver
This book is a frequent recommendation for those I mentor, offering strategies to manage and mitigate fear, a common hurdle in personal and professional growth.

The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stainer
For leaders looking to step back from constant advising and engage more effectively, Stainer’s work along with The Coaching Habit provides practical guidance on fostering more meaningful dialogue and encouraging autonomy amongst team members.