When I was first promoted to manager, all I knew about leadership was what I saw others doing. I had great role models and crappy ones. I can tell you from first-hand experience that navigating leadership responsibilities from first-time leader to senior executive is exciting, confusing and stressful!
82% of managers entering management positions have not received any formal management or leadership training. Chartered Management Institute 2024
For me, leadership is about creating a legacy of positive change. Why? Great leaders can change the world. I'm not just talking about Martin Luther King Jr. or Oprah Winfrey. A great leader can be someone in your team that others naturally follow - someone who sets the team culture to one of collaboration, innovation, and inclusiveness. The ripple effect is real - you are role modelling for everyone around you.
I've compiled leadership books to read, including new leadership books, books on leadership styles, books on leadership communication, leadership books for women, and inclusive leadership books.
I hope that somewhere in here, there is a book that gives you fresh 🚀 perspectives.
Contents
Leadership Book Reading Tips
While the books are organised by category, such as women in leadership books - this does not mean they are exclusively for women - I highly recommend that men read these.
So, go to the category that least describes you - and start there.
Learning about lived experiences different from yours makes great leaders change the world.
Leadership Books for All Leaders
The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier
Anyone who leads will find this transformative. The author challenges the conventional approach to leadership and problem-solving through advice-giving. Stanier introduces the concept of the Advice Monster, which represents the instinct to offer solutions rather than fostering curiosity and deeper understanding. By cultivating curiosity and resisting the urge to give advice, readers can enhance their leadership effectiveness and create a more supportive work environment. This book was a game-changer for me. Check out his TedTalk.
Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim Scott
Another Kinkajou favourite that we use in some of our leadership development programmes. Plus, there's a podcast, too. The core idea is that great managers can provide honest, actionable feedback while genuinely showing they care about their team members as human beings. New managers can mimic what they think a boss is meant to be - controlling and having all the answers. It is the opposite of this - empowering and making space for your team to solve real problems. Scott's simple framework emphasises two critical dimensions of leadership: caring personally and challenging directly. Scott led operations teams at Google, overseeing AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick projects.
Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
I'm always pulling quotes from this book, for example; "leadership, at its core, isn’t about you. It’s about how effective you are at unleashing other people. Full stop. That’s it. That’s the secret."
The authors challenge the notion that leadership is about personal success, emphasising that true leaders empower those around them instead. Based on direct experience trying to turn around the toxic culture at Uber, the authors blend trust, love, and belonging with practical frameworks to help leaders cultivate environments where everyone can thrive.
Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
I am a big fan of these graphical illustrations. A picture tells a thousand stories and all that. We are not robots at work - we are living and breathing humans. This book explores seven feelings - like uncertainty, burnout, and perfectionism -helping readers with strategies to develop emotional awareness for themselves and others. Through illustrations and anecdotes, the authors remind us that big feelings are normal and lead to personal growth. With a blend of science and storytelling, this book is a comforting companion for anyone.
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
This is an older classic, but I pick it up repeatedly when delving into vision and strategy. Sinek invites us on a journey to uncover the secret sauce of inspirational leadership. He introduces the Golden Circle, a framework that emphasises starting with "Why" - the core purpose behind actions - before delving into "How" and "What". He illustrates that people are drawn to leaders and organisations that resonate with their values, making clarity of purpose essential for success. Through compelling examples like Martin Luther King Jr. and Apple, he shows that leaders who articulate their "Why" ignite passion and loyalty, transforming followers into devoted advocates.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
A leader's job is NOT to have all the answers. This book reinforces that for me, as Grant invites readers to embrace the art of rethinking. He argues that being open to changing our minds is more crucial than holding steadfast beliefs, especially in a rapidly evolving world. He shows us how to embrace the joy of being wrong and rethink our opinions like scientists testing hypotheses. Grant shows that joy can be found in being wrong, ultimately empowering us to lead more fulfilling lives.
The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth - Amy Edmonson
We do our best work when we feel psychologically safe. As a leader, you set the tone - so this is an essential book for fostering a thriving workplace. Edmondson argues that innovation flourishes when employees feel safe expressing their ideas, asking questions, and admitting mistakes. The book outlines practical strategies for leaders to cultivate this environment, emphasising the importance of de-stigmatising failure and demonstrating humility.
The Culture Playbook: 60 Highly Effective Actions to Help Your Group by Daniel Coyle
I love a practical playbook! Coyle emphasises the importance of safety, vulnerability, and purpose in cultivating a thriving team culture. Coyle distils his research into 60 actionable tips, such as scheduling regular team “tune-ups” and creating spaces for remote connections, making it easy for leaders to implement changes that foster trust and collaboration. This playbook is great for leaders to add to their toolkit of collaboration activities to build a cohesive, enjoyable and high-performing culture.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is THE thought leader on vulnerability and shame. Check out her TedTalk, with 7.5+ million views. Brown invites leaders to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. This groundbreaking book emphasises that true leadership involves tough conversations and emotional exposure, increasing trust and connection among team members. Brown outlines four essential skills: embracing vulnerability, living according to our values, braving trust, and cultivating resilience.
Leadership Books for First-Time Managers
Lunchtime Learning for Leaders: 16 Ways to Grow Your Resilience and Influence by Lucy Ryan
Lucy Ryan uses 16 bite-sized leadership lessons, with each chapter offering insights into leadership challenges, from navigating change to enhancing your leadership impact. With a blend of research, psychology, and practical advice, this book is brilliant for self-organised Peer Coaching Circles. Take a chapter each month and collectively share perspectives. It's simple!
The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo
The Making of a Manager is a fantastic guide for new managers navigating leadership. Drawing from her experience as Facebook's VP of Product Design, Zhuo shares practical insights and personal anecdotes that demystify management. She emphasises that a manager's role isn't just about delegating tasks but about fostering a collaborative team environment and aligning everyone with shared values. I love how Zhuo encourages managers to embrace their unique strengths, learn from mistakes, and cultivate empathy, making this book a must-read for anyone stepping into management.
Leadership Books for Inclusive Leaders
The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work by Ludmila Praslova
This book is a must-read for leaders who want to increase their understanding of neurodiversity and make the workplace inclusive for everyone. It presents a six-step framework that champions neurodiversity and intersectional belonging, emphasising the importance of creating environments where everyone can thrive. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting flexibility, transparency, and psychological safety, Praslova helps leaders recognise and harness the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace by Elizabeth Leiba
This book blew me away. Great for all leaders who want to understand lived experiences different from their own. With a blend of personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Leiba tackles challenges like microaggressions and imposter syndrome, empowering readers to reclaim their voices and assert their identities. The book emphasises the importance of community and mentorship, encouraging women to support one another in overcoming workplace barriers.
Revolting Women: Why Midlife Women Are Walking Out, and What To Do About It by Lucy Ryan
Another top-rated leadership book for leaders eager to understand the unique challenges faced by midlife women in the workforce. With compelling research and personal anecdotes, Ryan reveals that many talented women leave their careers during Midlife - not out of disinterest but due to a lack of flexibility, recognition, and supportive role models. This book is a rallying call for organisations to implement systemic changes that mean women stop walking out the door at the peak of their careers.
Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work by Ruchika T. Malhotra and Ijeoma Oluo
I first encountered Ruchika T. Malhotra in this brilliant HBR Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome article, and I was hooked. Malhotra emphasises that true inclusion requires awareness, intention, and practice, debunking myths like the “level playing field”. Centring on the experiences of women of colour, she highlights how structural biases can be dismantled through proactive leadership and packed with practical strategies for leaders to advocate for systemic change.
How To Get Your Act Together: A Judgement-Free Guide to Diversity and Inclusion for Straight White Men by Suki Sandhu and Felicity Hassan
Another book I have sign-posted many people to. This refreshing, judgement-free guide invites straight white men to embrace their role in diversity and inclusion. This book encourages male allies to engage and amplify women's voices in the workplace. It demystifies the complexities of diversity and inclusion efforts and gets us all in the game of making the workplace work for everyone.
Change the Game: The Leader's Route Map to a Winning, Gender-Balanced Business by Julia Muir
Looking to transform, or, change the game in your organisation? This engaging guide offers a 6-step roadmap packed with practical advice and real-world case studies that illustrate successful gender balance strategies. Muir emphasises that achieving gender equality isn't just a moral imperative but a business necessity that drives innovation and performance. With tools to inspire teams and actionable insights, this book empowers women to become transformative leaders, fostering environments where diverse perspectives thrive and contribute to sustainable growth. It’s time to change the game.
Equality vs Equity: Tackling Issues of Race in the Workplace by Jenny Garrett OBE
This isn't just another diversity book - it's a powerful guide that unpacks the critical difference between equality and equity. Garrett brilliantly explains how equity means understanding unique demographic needs and dismantling systemic barriers. Perfect for leaders who want to move beyond performative statements and create genuine, transformative change. With practical tips, lived experiences, and a hopeful vision, this book will help you build workplaces where everyone can thrive. It is a must-read for any leader committed to meaningful inclusion.
Leadership Books for Product Leaders
Empowered: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products by Marty Cagan and Chris Jones
I've been in the business of building and leading products for many years. So, I'm always interested in books specifically for product leaders wanting to improve their game in building great teams to build great products. Marty Cagan has defined and built products for some of the most successful companies in the world. I love that he emphasises the importance of empowering teams to innovate and create exceptional products, which is crucial in today's fast-paced tech landscape.
Leadership Books for Neurodivergent Leaders
Learning from Neurodivergent Leaders: How to Start, Survive and Thrive in Leadership by Dr. Nancy Doyle and Professor Almuth McDowall.
Due to be released February, 2025
I can't wait to get a hold of this one, as Doyle and McDowall are the thought leaders in all things neurodiversity. This book explores the strengths of neurodivergent leaders, showcasing how their distinct perspectives can drive innovation and inclusivity in the workplace.
Leadership Books for Women Leaders
And men...
Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve by Alison Fragale
I'm recommending this one a lot - it's my pick of 2024, so much so that I now identify as a likeable badass. :-) Fragale combines behavioural science with practical strategies, for women navigating the dynamics of power and status. Fragale emphasises that women can be both likeable and assertive, debunking the myth that these traits are mutually exclusive. With relatable stories and actionable advice, the book encourages women to embrace their unique strengths, fostering authentic leadership while breaking through traditional barriers.
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
This book was a red pill, blue bill moment for me (think The Matrix). I've gifted this for many people in life. Imagine a world where your phone is too large for your hand, where your doctor prescribes a medication that is unsuitable for your body, where you are 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident, and where the countless hours of work you put in every week go unrecognised and undervalued. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be a woman. By addressing data biases, women leaders can advocate for more inclusive policies and practices, ultimately creating a more equitable environment for all.
The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously than Men, and What We Can Do About It by Mary Ann Sieghart
I've written about my experience in Woman Leaders: Being the Only, and this book shares the research that backs up my experience. Sieghart uncovers the pervasive biases that undermine women's authority in professional settings. Through data and interviews with influential women, she illustrates how systemic sexism manifests in everyday interactions, from being interrupted more often to facing skepticism about their expertise. This book is essential for leaders as it highlights the challenges they face and offers practical strategies to bridge the authority gap. Embracing these insights can empower women to assert their leadership confidently and authentically.
How Women Rise - Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
The authors identify 12 habits preventing women from advancing in their careers. I'm not a fan of anything that smells like fixing women to fit into male-dominated environments - this book is not doing that. I like that the book highlights the workplace challenges rooted in societal expectations and self-critical mindsets, which lead to women's reluctance to claim achievements and the perfectionism trap. Highly recommend this for all genders to understand what could be going on for women in your team AND to help anyone with similar self-limiting beliefs.
How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking - Viv Gostrop
My first corporate job as a software engineer thrust me into the spotlight in month one, presenting my software product at a conference. Apparently, as well as writing code, I had to nail public speaking. I was mortified. I just wish I had this book! Gostrop knows a thing or two about public speaking - she is also a stand-up comedian. This is another super practical book aimed at women - but it is great for anyone who hates public speaking and wants or needs to get better.
Must Read Books Leadership Book Tips
While the books are organised by category, such as women in leadership books - this does not mean they are exclusively for women. Reading about lived experiences different from your own makes great leaders and the world more understanding and kinder.
Conclusion
From empowering women in leadership to guiding first-time managers and product leaders, discover transformative ideas and practical strategies to elevate your leadership. Whether you’re looking to empower your team, increase self-awareness or reflect on your leadership approach, at least one of these books should appeal.
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