6 Books That Teach You to Be a Better Leader

These recommendations address a plethora of crucial skills, from mastering effective communication to building a culture of trust.

Biba Kayewich

Management is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of skill; finding the right resources to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve is essential. There’s a wealth of knowledge available in books that are specifically tailored to address the challenges and opportunities of managers and supervisors.

While nothing takes the place of years of experience, successful bosses suggested these books, which helped them learn how to be more effective leaders and managers.

1. ‘Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High’

Open dialogue is important, especially in high-stakes situations where emotions run high and opinions differ. This book outlines strategies for creating a safe environment for dialogue, mastering the art of active listening, and expressing opinions respectfully. It equips readers with tools to address sensitive topics constructively and foster positive outcomes in personal and professional settings.

“This book was a game-changer for me,” Cesar Cobo, COO of marketing firm Webris, told The Epoch Times. “I used to have communication issues and was always looking for methods to get better at it. This book felt like having a trusted ally guiding me every step of the way.

“The big lesson I learned from reading this book is that crucial conversations aren’t just about not butting heads or sidestepping conflict,” he said. “Instead, it’s about having a roadmap for keeping the dialogue going strong, building understanding, and nurturing relationships along the way.”

2. ‘The New One Minute Manager’

Strong communication skills are required in order to be a good boss, a theme echoed by Joel Wolfe, president and founder of HiredSupport, a firm that outsources customer service. He recommended this book to anyone who wants to be a better boss.

“Originally published in 2015, this iconic book has been updated, and is filled with lessons and examples of how one can be a better leader,” he said. “The book’s motto—‘help people reach their full potential and catch them doing something right’—sums up what I found to be a very positive message.”

The book is among the most successful business how-to titles ever published, selling more than 15 million copies in 47 languages.

“The book advises in an easy-to-understand way, laying down what should be done and the outcome it would generate,” Mr. Wolfe said. “An emphasis is on the importance of effective communication, and how appreciating the people around you can help create a positive work environment.”

3. ‘Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t’

Exceptional leaders prioritize the wellbeing of their team members, according to author Simon Sinek, and inspire loyalty and commitment by creating a culture of safety and support. His book explores the dynamics of effective leadership and team cohesion, drawing on biology and anthropology to understand human behavior in organizational settings.

“If I had to recommend just one book to bosses looking to enhance their leadership and team-building skills, it would be this book,” said Gene Caballero, the cofounder of GreenPal, an online firm that connects homeowners to local lawn care professionals. “I found it helped me build a work environment of trust and collaboration, where my employees know they are valued.”

“Leaders Eat Last” was also recommended by David Janovic, founder of RJ Living.com, an Australian furniture manufacturer. “I believe continuous learning is key to being a great leader. This book is a must-read for bosses who want to cultivate a strong, cohesive team,” he said.

The bestseller features a timely chapter on managing millennials, which can be a challenge for some bosses.

“Sinek delves into the importance of creating a culture of trust and safety, one that makes those values the core ones of your business,” Mr. Janovic said. “It’s about putting your team first to unlock their potential.”

4. ‘The Coaching Habit’

Coaches can make their sessions more effective by asking powerful questions and fostering meaningful conversations designed to unlock potential and drive growth. Michael Stanier’s book introduces seven questions that spur coaches to use better practices.

This approach made an impact on Sara Lobkovich, who helps clients develop more effective leaders at Red Currant Collective. “This book helps those who manage others become more skilled in the art of coaching, which is often absent from leadership development programs, yet is a fundamental part of creating a productive, happy workplace,” she said.

“Coaching by asking questions allows employees to own their issues,” she added.

“By being effective coaches, strong senior executives are able to keep many different workstreams moving because they’re playing air traffic control, not trying to fly every individual plane,” she explained. “It takes practice, which is why I encourage people to read books like this one and start building a coaching skillset early in their career, long before they need it. Doing so may also help younger employees fast-track into leadership roles.”

5. ‘The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture’

Scott Belsky’s book is a roadmap for anyone leading a venture or creative project. Divided into three sections and over 100 lessons, it offers practical guidance for navigating the hardships of enterprise and optimizing strategies for hiring and team management.

Lee Rubin is the CEO and co-founder of Confetti, a firm that helps client companies develop dynamic working environments that encourage teamwork. She suggested this book “for its insightful guidance on navigating the challenging stages of any ambitious project.”

“Belsky emphasizes that success is not just about the exciting beginning or the triumphant end, but about managing the messy, often frustrating middle phase,” Ms. Rubin said. “I love how the book inspires its reader to embrace the messiness—a lesson I’m always trying to remind myself of during the day-to-day craziness of building and running a business, while keeping my employees feeling productive and empowered.”

As a business leader who was included on Inc.’s 2023 Female Founders List, Ms. Rubin said, “This book has helped me build my company, pivot it from in-person to virtual, and grow it to eight figures. It helped me learn the value of embracing an open mind and the importance of developing an understanding of what we don’t know—all of which are crucial components of managing others.”

6. ‘Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business’

Business organizations can be a challenge to master, which is why Gino Wickman introduced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): a holistic approach aimed at helping businesses gain traction and realize their full potential. By focusing on six key components, the book provides a roadmap for streamlining operations, enhancing communication, and fostering accountability within organizations.

“If your company values transparency, communication, and accountability, then Gino Wickman’s book is a must-read,” Estrellita S. Sibila, founder and real estate attorney at Sibila Law, told The Epoch Times. “It emphasizes the importance of finding the right people, setting the right priorities, and implementing disciplined processes that can be adjusted for greater success.”

EOS is particularly relevant to managers and their challenges, allowing managers to prevent issues from becoming problems and make sure that the right people are matched to each task.

“The techniques found in this book help me keep my associates productive and working together as a team,” Ms. Sibila said.

For those short on time, all of the titles on this list are available as audiobooks.

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