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11 Books To Refresh Your Leadership Library

We asked educators in our community to share the books that most profoundly influenced their leadership approach in recent years. Here are their top picks.

From Warren Buffet to Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, many of the most successful leaders are voracious readers . And yet, among school leaders, reading can get short shrift. “Of all the professional development lessons I’ve learned in the principalship, reading strikes me as one we don’t talk enough about,” writes Kathryn Fishman-Weaver , an author and the executive director of Mizzou Academy. “Are the texts we choose ones that shed light on a wide range of lived experiences, including the cultures and experiences included in our student body?”

We asked our community to weigh in and share which leadership books—recently published titles as well as classics—profoundly influenced their leadership approach in recent years. A few clear crowd favorites emerged, among them Harry and Rosemary Wong’s bestseller, The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher . Several authors—Anthony Muhammad, Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and Shane Safir—had multiple titles nominated, though we selected just one from each in order to keep the list lean. Finally, several unexpected suggestions showed up in the threads, including The Tao of Pooh , The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , and Treasure Island . 

The following books offer a cornucopia of perspectives and cover topics ranging from grading practice to staff dynamics, school culture and climate, to classroom instruction. Here are eleven books that school administrators say will challenge and strengthen your leadership practice.  

The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher Harry and Rosemary Wong A teacher-focused how-to manual originally published in the nineties (now in its fifth edition) may seem like an unusual pick for the top of a leadership books list—but it garnered the most votes by far on our social channels. While it’s considered a “must read” for teachers, it’s also a valuable resource for administrators, educators told us. Chapters examine the evidence-based practices of high-functioning classrooms and offer teacher-tested advice for structuring and organizing classrooms, and holding high expectations for all kids. Though some critics argue that the authors’ approach to classroom management may “stifle spontaneity in classrooms and lead teachers to become overly controlling,” many consider The First Days of School an authoritative resource for all educators—especially leaders who regularly observe and evaluate teachers in action. 

Dare to Lead Brené Brown Brown believes leaders face pervasive cultural challenges to organizational success, including a desire to avoid hard conversations, a lack of honest but productive feedback, a fear of taking smart risks or sharing bold ideas, and perfectionism. Her exploration of vulnerability, shame, relationships, and communication echoes some of her other work, and the book’s inspirational and self-improvement focused tone may not be for everyone. Yet leaders looking to create a culture of empowerment may benefit from what Brown offers. Courage and trust are important components of any workplace, and this book offers a lens through which to look at both. 

The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity George Couros When a student walks into a classroom, full of questions and curiosity, what happens next? Couros—whose career credentials include classroom teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator—explores what it looks like to create a learning environment where students are encouraged to think differently, innovate, and do more than just perform well when tested. With accessible insights on leadership and learning interspersed with discussion questions, we heard from many educators and school leaders who tackled this text together in their PLCs or as part of their personal professional development. One caveat from a reviewer: “If you are looking for a book that provides all of the answers, this is not the one.” But it may be the book that inspires you to start looking in the right direction. 

Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns After cataloging conversations that moved the needle with students, authors Bare and Burns—currently serving as an assistant superintendent and principal, respectively—felt they had hard-won insight to contribute on the topic of how to talk to kids in school. The pair channeled their collective 40 years of education experience to develop a student-centered, trauma informed, and culturally responsive framework for communicating with and building durable relationships with students. This book includes a conversation planning guide, sentence stems, and an array of other resources. Connecting Through Conversation, the authors explained in a Q&A , offers insights on how to “use body language, tone, and volume to communicate safety and invite connection,” navigating challenging behaviors, while also ensuring educators prioritize their own physical, emotional, and mental health.

Leaders Eat Last Simon Sinek In the U.S. Marines during mealtime, Sinek explains, it’s common for the highest ranking officers to fix their plates last. This not only ensures everyone on the team is fed, but sends an important message: Leaders look after their people first. But Sinek’s people-first approach is only one component of a larger narrative that includes segments on creating a safe environment within your organization—he refers to this as the “Circle of Safety”—and the surprising impacts of what he calls “selfless chemicals” like serotonin and oxytocin on leadership style. 

Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire A lot has changed since 1968 when this book was first published in Portuguese, but it’s still widely considered a seminal text on education. Freire’s own experiences with poverty in Brazil, as well as his work with marginalized communities—many of which could not read—helped forge his views on knowledge, access, education reform, and class. Heavily academic and at times jargon-filled, this can be a dense philosophical read though its central message is simple: Education at its core, Freire writes, is a symbiotic relationship in which neither the role of the student or the teacher is fixed. Teachers themselves have many things to learn alongside their students; students have lots of things that they can teach. Freire’s pioneering analysis of the “banking” system of education urges educators to examine their pedagogy and practices. 

Street Data Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan When checking on the health of a school, administrators often turn to what the authors refer to as satellite data like attendance, graduation rates, and test scores. While this information is important, it doesn’t provide a nuanced enough picture, they argue. For a more equitable and comprehensive approach, the authors examine what they call map data , a sort of “GPS of learning trends and gaps in a school community,” Safir writes in EdWeek . They also look at street data , which provides “real-time, leading indicators on the messy work of school and instructional improvement.” For some schools already deep into their equity journey, this book may not feel particularly new, some reviewers say. What it may introduce, however, are resources and tools to help leaders and school communities understand why data should be utilized differently and how to begin that process. 

Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms Joe Feldman Ensuring accuracy, preventing bias and subjectivity, and presenting a dynamic picture of academic performance can all be factors that make grading a particularly challenging task. What’s more, how can educators help students focus on the learning and not the grade? Feldman examines these points as well as how grading relates to identity, the history of grading, unreliable practices, why traditional grading can demotivate and disempower students, and how to chart a path forward. In spite of the nuance involved in determining what works best for each school community, Feldman’s insights provide a starting point for an examination of school-wide grading practices. 

The Assistant Principal 50: Critical Questions for Meaningful Leadership and Professional Growth Baruti K. Kafele Whether you’re pursuing a career as an assistant principal or aspiring to become a principal, Kafele argues the role of an AP is “one of the most misunderstood and underutilized positions in education.” Kafele aims to help prospective and current APs navigate the ambiguity of each step of their journey, offering reflective questions, insights, and guidance with some personal anecdotes mixed in. Although some readers note the book's emphasis on the role of the administrator as disciplinarian, which may not apply depending on your school's culture and climate, Kafele offers a wealth of ideas that can be adapted to a variety of school ecosystems. 

Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division Anthony Muhammad Every school building has its own unique cast of characters. The tensions that may arise between them—potentially becoming a roadblock to progress and change, Muhammad explains—stem from shifting dynamics, relationships, and the beliefs or assumptions of four groups: the Believers, the Fundamentalists, the Tweeners, and the Survivors. Based on a study of 11 elementary, 14 middle, and 9 high schools, Transforming School Culture offers solutions for transforming an ailing school climate into a healthy high-functioning environment for learning. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students Zaretta Lynn Hammond What does it mean to be a culturally responsive educator? Hammond’s take is informed by recent neuroscience research and aims to help schools with diverse classrooms bolster engagement and foster deeper learning in a way that honors students. Designed to prompt self-reflection and action, Hammond’s book aims to leave educators and instructional leaders with a more fleshed out understanding of how to effectively implement brain-based culturally responsive instruction and create a culture of independent learners.   

February 29, 2024 — Comments are off for this post.

Top 10 (plus 2!) Education Leadership Books for School Leaders

As a school leader, you're probably often on the hunt for books that can provide recommendations and insights regarding wellbeing, leadership advice, and general education information. At Edurio we regularly produce research related to school improvement, staff and pupil wellbeing, EDI and more , so we’re always on the lookout for the best books talking about education.

Here are some excellent books (in no particular order) that have been published on school improvement recently, surrounding school improvement and leadership. As an added bonus, we’ve included a book for teachers and one book to look out for this year!

1. Outstanding School Leadership by Peter Hughes (2023)

Through a series of case studies and interviews with successful school leaders, Hughes identifies the core principles and practices that lead to outstanding outcomes for schools and students alike creating a blueprint for excellence in educational leadership. This book is an essential resource for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills and drive meaningful change in the education sector.

2. Diverse Educators: A Manifesto by Bennie Kara and Hannah Wilson (2022)

The importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in schools is more important than ever. This book takes the structure of the Equality Act and lays out chapters on each of the Protected Characteristics with contributions from various people in the sector speaking directly to their experience. An enlightening read for anyone dedicated to creating a more inclusive environment in their organisation.

3. Terms of Engagement: New Ways of Leading and Changing Organizations by Richard H. Axelrod (2010)

Although not one of the newest books on our list, Terms of Engagement is a must read for any leader working to make changes happen in their organisation. The key to successful change is communication and Axelrod lays out a framework that will guide you through roadblocks when communication stalls or miscommunication happens, getting you to involve the right stakeholders and building true solutions no matter what type of organisation you work in.

4. Women Navigating Educational Leadership by Jana L. Carlisle (2024)

What’s it like to be a woman working in educational leadership today? Interviewing 37 women leaders between 2020 and 2022, this book takes a look at their experiences in a broad range of settings and experiences. This speaks to the underrepresentation of women in educational leadership positions today and invites discussion around what can be done to support women more effectively.

5. Humble Leadership by Edgar H. Schein (2018)

In "Humble Leadership," Edgar H. Schein, with his extensive experience in organisational psychology, explores the power of humility in leadership. Schein argues that the key to effective leadership and organisational success lies in building deeper, trust-based relationships with team members. By fostering an environment where vulnerability and openness are valued, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams. This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in transforming their leadership style to cultivate a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.

6. Imperfect Leadership in Action: A practical book for school leaders who know they don’t know it all by Steve Munby and Marie-Claire Bretherton (2022)

A practical resource based on Munby’s previous book, Imperfect Leadership, is designed to help leaders reflect on their role and embrace the imperfect aspects of leadership. A great resource for anyone wanting some more directed prompts and practical case studies to grow as a leader in challenging situations.

7. School Leaders Matter by Helen Kelly (2023)

Drawing on research and real-world examples, Kelly highlights the strategies and qualities that distinguish effective school leaders, emphasising the pivotal role of leadership in shaping the success of educational institutions. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in educational leadership, offering valuable insights for current and aspiring school leaders aiming to make a significant impact on their communities.

8. New School Leader. What now? By Neil Renton (2023)

This is the definitive guide for newly appointed school leaders navigating the complexities of their roles. This book covers everything from setting a vision and building a supportive culture to managing finances and handling difficult conversations. Renton's practical advice and real-life anecdotes provide a roadmap for making a positive and lasting impact in your school.

9. The Authentic Leader by Andrew Morrish (2022)

Morrish challenges conventional leadership wisdom, advocating for a leadership style rooted in authenticity and integrity. Through personal stories and examples from a range of sectors, Morrish illustrates how authentic leaders inspire trust, foster innovation, and drive performance. This book is a must-read for leaders seeking to develop a leadership style that is true to themselves and effective in today’s dynamic world.

10. My School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide by Al Kingsley (2023)

This is an essential manual for educational leaders looking to navigate the complexities of expanding their schools and trusts. With a practical approach, Kingsley shares insights on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and sustainable growth practices. This book also delves into the importance of leveraging technology and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. A must-read for any leader aiming to scale their educational institution while maintaining quality and integrity.

If you’re looking to support teaching and learning, get teachers to read this:

Just Great Teaching by Ross Morrison McGill (@TeacherToolkit) (2019)

Ross Morrison McGill, known online as @TeacherToolkit, distils decades of teaching experience into "Just Great Teaching." This book delves into practical strategies and innovative approaches to overcome common classroom challenges. With a focus on enhancing pupil engagement, curriculum design, and assessment methods, McGill offers insights that are both practical and inspiring. A go-to guide for teachers seeking to refine their practice and make a tangible impact in their students' learning journey.

Coming soon: Schools of Thought by David James and Jane Lunnon (2024)

We’re excited for "Schools of Thought" by David James and Jane Lunnon, an upcoming exploration into the diverse educational philosophies and practices that shape today’s schools. By examining the theories and ideas that underpin various educational models, the authors aim to provide educators and school leaders with a deeper understanding of how they can adopt and adapt these practices to benefit their students. Anticipated to be a thought-provoking read, this book is expected to spark debate and inspire innovation in the field of education.

Stakeholder Feedback Hub Digital Book

Complementary resource ! This is a good practice guide to stakeholder surveying in schools and multi-academy trusts.

This resource brings clarity and structure into the surveying process to help your school or multi-academy trust gather, analyse, and implement stakeholder feedback.

Inside, you will find a handy guide to help you conduct a successful survey:

• Setting Smart Goals
• Designing and Running Surveys
• Analysing Survey Results
• Taking Informed Action

Access your free copy here.

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For more good stuff like this, follow us on social media - you can find us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn . Or pick up the phone and give us a call .

The 10 must-read books for every school leader

Lots of school leaders often ask us what books we’d recommend and so we’ve put together this handy list of our 10 top must reads. Below you’ll find books on everything from wellbeing to practical tips and advice on becoming a leader. 

Making the Leap: Moving from Deputy to Head - Jill Berry

Is currently number 1 on Amazon’s best sellers list for school governors. The book offers practical advice to anyone considering a headship. The book leans on Jill’s own experiences in the matter and answers questions such as how can I ensure the early months and years of headship are as successful as possible and how can I establish the most positive and productive relationship with the outgoing head?

It’s a definite must read for any teachers, middle leaders or senior leaders who are considering becoming a headteacher within a school setting. 

A Manifesto for Excellence in Schools - Rob Carpenter

Rob Carpenter is the CEO of the Inspire Partnership and author of the aforementioned book. He took  a school from Special Measures to Outstanding in less than two years and firmly believes that the quality of teaching and leadership holds the key to raising standards in our schools today.

The book contains a balance of practical advice, examples, resources and ideas to help teachers and school leaders alike plan and deliver high quality learning experiences. When asked why he wrote A Manifesto for Excellence Rob said:

“I want people to use A Manifesto for Excellence in Schools as a reference point for what schools can be when we place 'whys' before 'whats' and 'hows'. Above all else, I hope those who read this can feel inspired to stand up to the policy wonks, placing children at the centre of our beliefs and actions. There is a better way….”

Back on Track: Fewer Things, Greater Depth - Mary Myatt

Released just last year, Back on Track is already becoming a firm favourite for school leaders. The book calls upon leaders to reevaluate their focuses and look at whether some of the processes in our schools are really adding value to the core purposes of schools.

Chunked into short sections the book is easy to read and easily digestible. Despite only being released less than a year ago It’s racked up 165 reviews on Amazon with 93% of those being 5-4 star! 

Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools: A blueprint for a revitalised profession - John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley

Wellbeing is high on everyone’s agenda so it’s no surprise that this book made its way onto the list. Authors John Tomsett (headteacher at Huntington School, York) and Jonny Uttley (CEO of The Education Alliance Multi Academy Trust) believe that happy teachers provide the best educational experience for their students. In their book is a blueprint which unapologetically puts staff first.

The Wisdom of Heads: short advice for school leaders - Dr Denry Machin PhD

Combining wisdom and humour with knowledge and experience, you’ll certainly find it tough to put this book down. This book full of insightful anecdotes from a range of headteachers on a variety of topics. One reviewer actually described it as being similar to a “Zoom meeting between the world’s best heads”.

Reading this book will give you an insight into how leaders cope with change and how they survive the stresses of the job and what resources you should buy to make your life easier and those to avoid - all from headteachers who have been there and done it. 

The Headteacher's Handbook: The essential guide to leading a primary school - Rachel Snape

As the title suggests this book is aimed at primary headteachers - both aspiring and existing. Though, we have a slight confession to make - it’s not actually out yet - it gets released in August this year. Early reviews, however, have been positive and describe the book as: “comprehensive guide which covers every aspect of taking on the headteacher role. It is at once practical, honest, insightful and, probably most importantly, incredibly useful.”

If that doesn’t convince you, it may be worthwhile knowing a little more about Rachel who is an experienced headteacher in Cambridge and is a National Leader of Education.  She is also Vice Chair of the DfE's Primary Headteachers' Reference Group, Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and Ambassador for HundrED.org. 

Riding the Waves: Finding joy and fulfilment in school leadership - James Hilton

Here, author James Hilton explores how primary and secondary school leaders can find fulfilment in their challenging roles in order to lead their schools successfully. Riding the Waves offers practical strategies, advice, reflective questions and activities for developing the fulfilling aspects of school leadership to carry school leaders through these challenging times.

This is the book for you if you are a school leader looking enhance your mental health, improve your work-life balance, you want to take control and take a break. 

Supporting the Emotional Work of School Leaders - Belinda Harris 

Another book which focuses on wellbeing. This practical book deals with the emotional and moral dimensions of school leadership. If you are seeking to develop your own emotional resilience this book will provide you with a few tools to help you bounce back that much higher when the inevitable challenges of school leadership come your way. Belinda provides a range of person-centred strategies for building communities of professionally committed, relationally competent, collaborative individuals.

It comes highly recommended by headteachers and deputy heads alike with one saying commenting that if schools leaders are to read any book it should be this one! 

Staying A Head: The Stress Management Secrets of Successful School Leaders - Viv Grant

Staying A Head is a book about overcoming the stresses of school leadership. The book is written by Executive Coach and Director of Integrity Coaching, Viv Grant, specialises in working with head teachers and school leaders in urban schools, where both the challenge to succeed and the stress levels are high.

You should read this book if you are a school leader who is looking to develop greater emotional resilience, stop stressing and achieve their vision without sacrificing their own health and personal wellbeing. 

Leaders With Substance: An Antidote to Leadership Genericism in Schools' - Matthew Evans

This book draws on research evidence to explore the specific things that expert leaders know and do, arguing for a notion of school leadership rooted in the realities of leaders' daily experiences. It presents a case for how school leaders can develop their expertise and, in doing so, places domain-specific knowledge at the heart of school improvement efforts.

But do not be fooled, Leaders With Substance is not a handbook. It sets out to change the way we think of leadership and school improvement. It is both a critique, a manifesto, and a call to arms.

If you’d like more help or advice, Smile Leadership is on hand to help. We have over 10 years experience working in a range of educational settings and have supported school leaders all over the UK in finding their dream role.

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Leadership Books That’ll Up Your Game

There’s a book for every skill you need to work on.

Being a school leader means constantly being in improvement mode. It also means having an ever-running loop of new ideas about how to make your school the best it can be for your students, staff, and community. And though there is a seemingly endless supply of valuable advice, time is precious, and you can’t read every leadership book on the market. That’s why we put together this list of thought-provoking school leadership books.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

Start strong.

The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo

In a personal, approachable style, Julie Zhuo, a VP of design at Facebook, writes, “Your job, as a manager, is to get better outcomes from a group of people working together.” This is an essential read for anyone just starting out as an administrator.

Lead boldly.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Brené Brown is the leadership guru that we’ve been waiting for. With her approachable style and her honest storytelling, Brown has the unique ability to inspire with the truth. In Dare to Lead, she lays out four skill sets that are, in her words, “100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable.”

Seek balance. 

The Principal’s Survival Guide: Where Do I Start? How Do I Succeed? When Do I Sleep? by Susan Stone Kessler, April Snodgrass and Andrew Davis

Most school leadership books focus on how to juggle the many aspects of the job from a performance perspective. This one has a refreshing focus on not only meeting the needs of your students and teachers, but doing so in a way that ensures you also take care of yourself. A great for newbies and veterans alike. 

Challenge conventional thinking. 

Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm by Hamish Brewer

Brewer, a National Distinguished Principal®, is on a mission of “total passion and purpose.” His no-holds-barred approach to placing love at the center of the practice will empower children to overcome adversity and create a better future for themselves. 

Fine-tune your vision.

Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t  by Jim Collins

As an administrator, it’s common to lose your way at times. Collins’ classic book can help an administrator get to the heart of what’s important. Best of all, he addresses how to get even your grumpiest faculty member on board.

Be a better coach.

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier

This book provides a fascinating framework for helping your colleagues reach their full potential. Rather than doling out advice and suggestions, Stanier’s method is to ask simple yet strategic questions which can have transformational results. The questions that Stainer has designed clearly communicate and prompt the people you are trying to support, even in moments when communication is difficult.

Master the art of giving essential feedback.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

If you are an introvert and a naturally empathetic person, total candor can be a challenge. However, if you have found yourself struggling to deliver important feedback to members of your team, this book has exactly what you need. This former Google manager lays out real solutions for communicating essential feedback with positivity.

Think about your staff in a new way. 

Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life by Ron Clark

For fans of Ron Clark’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to school leadership, Move Your Bus identifies the many types of workers that make up any organization. From drivers and runners to joggers, walkers, and riders, it’s the school leader’s job to recognize where their team members fall and encourage them to keep the “bus” moving by working together.

Manage change more smoothly.

Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives by Jennifer Abrams 

Change is difficult for everyone, especially in education, where it seems like something new is coming down the pike at every turn. Enact strategic change in your school by following Abrams’ four basic principles: think before speaking, preempt resistance, respond to resistance, and manage oneself through change and resistance. 

Run better meetings.

Making Every Meeting Matter by the Harvard Business Review

Who among us can say that every single meeting they’ve run has been an amazing and efficient use of time? How many of us can say we’ve walked away from every meeting inspired and with a clear directive? I can do better, and so can you. Reading this book is the first step toward making meetings productive. Now let’s design better faculty meetings !

Rally your crew.

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek

Thought leader Simon Sinek’s hypothesis in Leaders Eat Last is a simple one: Behind every great team is an awesome leader. Here’s what an awesome leader does: They protect their team, and they help teams manage internal threats that could keep them from performing their best. Your job as leader, Sinek suggests, is to keep your team healthy and whole. If you want to make your team stronger and more nimble, this book should be at the top of your list.

Learn to speak your staff’s language.

The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Gary Chapman and Paul White

Have you ever wondered how some colleagues get very excited about donuts in the breakroom, while others complain about them? How can it be that some people love icebreakers , while others roll their eyes? This excellent book will help you meet more needs and differentiate your approach to team building.

Build a stronger team.

The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard And Spencer Johnson

An easy read that breaks down three of the most practical tent poles of good leadership—setting goals, praising your team, and redirecting when things go awry. You’ll develop ways to do so quickly, concisely, and of course, effectively!

Discover what motivates your people.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

If you can’t motivate, you can’t lead—and this book is packed with the secrets of motivation. Hint? Rewards and punishment actually don’t bring out the best in others!

Improve your communication.

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John C. Maxwell 

“Connecting is everything when it comes to communication,” counsels John Maxwell. This book, told in an engaging anecdotal style, pins down the principles and practices that will help you connect with your staff as a school leader. 

Pare down your tasks.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

The idea is if you can discipline yourself to take on only the tasks that are absolutely essential—your level of productivity will soar, opening up more time and energy in your life to focus on the things that really matter—and really make you happy.

Play to your strengths.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

The big question asked in this book is: What makes high achievers different? The answers may surprise you, as Gladwell looks at success from an unconventional perspective—including what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Boost your confidence.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

A 2018 Pew study polled over 4,000 Americans to explore what personal characteristics we value in people. Would you be surprised to know that strength and ambition were more highly valued in men, while compassion and responsibility were more valued in women? The Confidence Code addresses this disconnect head on. With a truthful analysis of how gender dynamics can play out in the workplace, this book is a must-read for women interested in strengthening their self-confidence .

Change how you start your day.

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 AM) by Hal Elrod

Change your morning routine, change your life is the message of this best seller. You’ll learn how to wake up each day with more energy, motivation, and focus so you can take your personal and professional life to the next level.

Write your way into leadership.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Creative thinkers have been following Cameron’s 12-week program for years, crediting it for the ability to finish novels, write songs, or reignite a passion for the arts. So, what can you learn here about leadership? Well, if you’re feeling creatively fulfilled, it becomes contagious to those around you.

Listen to your heart.

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho

This classic fable about a traveling shepherd boy who meets several spiritual messengers on his quest for treasure may not seem like a leadership guide. But this boy’s encounters are great lessons about listening to your heart and following your dreams—two qualities every great leader adheres to.

Reframe your thinking.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is about reframing your mental outlook to create affluence. But at the core, it’s about changing your mindset to achieve anything you desire. And it’s a nice reminder that positivity is the best motivator in the workplace!

Create a leadership plan.

True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George

True North teaches you how to create your own Personal Leadership Development Plan. It’s centered on knowing your authentic self, defining your values and leadership principles, understanding your motivations, building your support team, and staying grounded by integrating all aspects of your life.

Master your core principles.

The Truth About Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

Trust, credibility, and ethics are the core principles discussed in this book. The authors say these are crucial for every good leader who wants to succeed!

See what other leaders have done.

Winners by Alastair Campbell

From Michael Phelps to Barack Obama, this collection features real, raw, and in-depth interviews with some of the most successful people on the planet. They don’t hold back about their drive and how they achieved goals beyond their wildest dreams.

What are your favorite books on leadership? Share with us in our  Principal Life Facebook group . 

Plus, leadership videos you don’t want to miss.

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12 Great Books on Educational Leadership

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 16, 2024

Leaders in education hold the formidable task of shaping not just academic institutions but the minds and futures of the learners within them. As the educational sphere continues to evolve rapidly, especially with the advent of technology and changing societal needs, the role of a school leader transcends administrative duties, morphing into a multi-dimensional endeavor that demands innovation, empathy, foresight, and adaptability.

In the quest to foster these qualities and broaden the horizons of what effective leadership can achieve, a treasure trove of wisdom lies in the pages of books penned by some forward-thinking and influential minds in the field of education. These books on educational leadership are compasses that guide educators through the complexities of leadership, offering insights, strategies, and real-life examples that illuminate the path to excellence in education.

From exploring the intricacies of transforming school cultures to embracing the digital revolution in education, and from nurturing the growth mindset essential for innovation to understanding the profound impact of leadership on student achievement, these books provide a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of educational leaders.

Whether you are at the helm of an educational institution, aspiring to take on a leadership role, or simply passionate about contributing to the evolution of educational paradigms, these books will definitely on educational leadership will definitely offer an enlightening journey, one that enriches your understanding and equips you with the practical tools and visionary outlook necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of leading in the ever-changing landscape of education.

Related: Best Websites Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids

Books on Educational Leadership

Here are some of our favourite books on educational leadership:

1- The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact  , by Michael Fullan

Michael Fullan’s book is a clarion call for principals to redefine their role from being mere managers to becoming agents of profound educational change. Fullan identifies three critical keys for principals aiming to maximize their impact: Leading Learning, Being a District and System Player, and Becoming a Change Agent. He argues against the pitfalls of micromanagement and overemphasis on administrative autonomy, instead advocating for a balanced, systemic approach.

Fullan emphasizes the importance of principals understanding the intricacies of teaching and learning, participating constructively in district and system-level initiatives, and proactively driving change by fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His strategic framework is designed not just for theoretical contemplation but for immediate, actionable implementation, offering principals a roadmap to transform their schools and, by extension, the wider education system.

2- The Innovator’s Mindset , by George Couros 

George Couros’s ‘The Innovator’s Mindset’ is an invigorating exploration into how educators can cultivate an environment that prioritizes and nurtures innovation. Couros challenges traditional educational paradigms, advocating for a cultural shift towards embracing the unknown and encouraging creative risk-taking.

He emphasizes that for students to become innovative thinkers, the educators themselves must embody this mindset, fostering a learning environment where questioning the status quo, problem-solving, and exploring creative avenues are deeply ingrained practices.

Couros discusses practical ways to empower learners and educators, transforming schools into vibrant hubs of curiosity and innovation. The book serves as both an inspiration and a guide for educators and leaders aiming to instill and lead a culture brimming with creativity and forward-thinking.

3- Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times 1st Edition, by Eric C. Sheninger

In ‘Digital Leadership,’ Eric C. Sheninger addresses the pressing need for a paradigm shift in educational leadership to align with the digital age. Sheninger explores how leaders can leverage digital tools to create a transparent, engaging, and collaborative school culture.

He emphasizes that digital leadership is not about flashy gadgets and technology but about using digital tools strategically to improve communication, enhance student engagement, and foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Sheninger’s approach combines the richness of traditional leadership strategies with the transformative potential of technology, offering leaders a comprehensive framework to lead schools in a time where technology is an integral part of education and society.

4- What Great Principals Do Differently: Eighteen Things That Matter Most , by Todd Whitaker

Todd Whitaker’s ‘What Great Principals Do Differently’ offers a clear and compelling exploration of the practices that distinguish exceptional principals. The book is structured around eighteen fundamental principles that effective principals embody.

Whitaker dives into the essence of what makes a great leader in education, discussing the importance of setting high expectations, creating a positive school culture, making decisions based on best practices and student needs, and handling disciplinary issues effectively.

This book is not just about leadership; it’s a reflection on the profound impact a principal can have on a school’s atmosphere, teachers’ performance, and students’ lives. Whitaker’s practical, experience-based insights serve as an invaluable resource for both aspiring and seasoned school leaders.

5 The Principal 50: Critical Leadership Questions for Inspiring Schoolwide Excellence , by Baruti K. Kafele

Baruti K. Kafele’s ‘The Principal 50’ is a thought-provoking journey into the soul of educational leadership. Kafele presents fifty critical questions that every principal should regularly ponder to introspectively assess their leadership impact and effectiveness. These questions delve into personal leadership identity, vision, school culture, instructional leadership, and moral and ethical dimensions of leading a school.

Kafele’s approach encourages principals to continually reflect on and refine their practice, ensuring that their leadership effectively addresses the multifaceted needs of their school community. This book is a powerful tool for principals committed to inspiring excellence and fostering a successful, nurturing educational environment.

6- Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World , by Tony Wagner

In ‘Creating Innovators,’ Tony Wagner, a renowned expert in education, takes readers on a journey to understand what it takes to nurture the innovators of tomorrow. Wagner explores how educators, parents, and employers can collectively contribute to developing young minds that think creatively, work collaboratively, and are adept at solving complex problems.

The book is rich with real-world examples, showcasing how innovative practices in teaching and learning can transform students into proactive, innovative thinkers. Wagner emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that values curiosity, encourages taking calculated risks, and allows for learning from failure. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of society by fostering innovation in the younger

7- Lessons of Hope: How to Fix Our Schools , by Joel Klein

Joel Klein’s ‘Lessons of Hope’ is more than a memoir; it’s an impassioned narrative and a strategic guide drawn from his tenure as the chancellor of NYC schools. Klein shares his firsthand experiences, challenges, and victories, offering an unvarnished look at the complexities of reforming one of the largest school systems in the United States.

He discusses innovative strategies, tough decisions, and the critical importance of leadership in driving educational improvement. Klein’s story is a testament to the potential for change in education systems and serves as a compelling blueprint for leaders facing similar challenges in their own contexts.

8- School Leadership That Works: From Research to Results , by Robert J. Marzano  (Author), Timothy Waters (Author), Brian A. McNulty (Author)

This influential book by Marzano, Waters, and McNulty bridges the gap between research and practice, offering a robust, evidence-based analysis of school leadership. The authors delve into the specific leadership practices that have a measurable impact on student achievement, providing a comprehensive framework for effective school leadership. The book is a resource trove of best practices, strategies, and actionable insights, making it an indispensable guide for school leaders aiming to make informed decisions that drive school effectiveness and student success.

9- Leverage Leadership: A Practical Guide to Building Exceptional Schools, by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo

In ‘Leverage Leadership,’ Bambrick-Santoyo presents a hands-on, practical approach to school leadership that is both transformative and replicable. The book outlines seven core principles or “levers” that exceptional leaders use to catalyze school success. These principles encompass data-driven instruction, observation and feedback, curriculum and assessment, and much more. With detailed case studies, step-by-step guides, and a focus on consistent, high-leverage practices, this book is a comprehensive manual for leaders aiming to build and sustain high-performing schools.

10- A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future , by Daniel H. Pink

Daniel H. Pink’s ‘A Whole New Mind’ offers a visionary outlook on the skills and mindsets needed in the contemporary world, where creative and empathetic right-brain qualities are becoming increasingly valuable.

Pink argues that the future belongs to individuals who can combine logical, analytical thinking with the ability to empathize, understand the nuances of human interaction, and create meaningful narratives. The book is a fascinating exploration of how education and leadership can evolve to nurture these essential skills, preparing students and organizations for a future where creativity and innovation are paramount.

11- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action , by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ introduces a profound and influential concept known as ‘The Golden Circle.’ Sinek argues that the most impactful leaders and organizations are those that start by asking “why” – understanding and communicating the deeper purpose behind their actions.

This book provides a compelling framework for leading in a way that inspires action, fosters innovation, and builds organizations that are driven by a clear sense of purpose. It’s an essential read for educational leaders who wish to create a culture of motivation and inspiration in their schools and beyond.

12- The Servant Leader: How to Build a Creative Team, Develop Great Morale, and Improve Bottom-Line Performance, by James A. Autry 

James A. Autry’s ‘The Servant Leader’ sheds light on the transformative power of servant leadership, a philosophy where the leader’s primary role is to serve others. Autry discusses how leaders can cultivate trust, foster a spirit of collaboration, and nurture the growth and well-being of their teams.

The book is replete with practical advice on building a positive team culture, developing great morale, and achieving performance goals, all through the lens of servant leadership. It’s a vital resource for educational leaders who believe in leading by example, supporting their staff, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to collective success.

Final thoughts

Leaders in education are not just administrators; they are visionaries, catalysts for change, and architects of the future. The insights gleaned from these texts underscore the profound impact that knowledgeable, empathetic, and innovative leadership can have on schools, communities, and the broader educational landscape. From the strategic application of digital resources to the cultivation of a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation, the lessons contained within these books are both timeless and timely.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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Educational Leadership

Contemporary Theories, Principles, and Practices

• © 2023
• Donnie Adams   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-5187 0

Department of Educational Management, Planning and Policy, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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• Includes educational leadership and management theories and models in the 21st century
• Includes international authors with deeply embedded understanding of educational leadership
• Also management in schools’ context, based on engagement with context specific policies, practices and research

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About this book

• Theories of Educational Leadership in the 21st century
• 21st century Leadership Theories in Education
• Theories of Educational leadership
• Organizational management
• Management in the 21st century
• Educational Management in the 21st Century
• Leadership for Learning
• Distributed Instructional Leadership
• Authentic and Moral Leadership
• Inclusive School Leadership
• Turnaround School Leadership
• Academic Leadership
• Technology Leadership
• Contextual Leadership

Table of contents (10 chapters)

Front matter, educational leadership in the twenty-first century.

Donnie Adams

Leadership for Learning in Schools in the Twenty-First Century

• Ashley Yoon Mooi Ng

Distributed Instructional Leadership: The SHARE Model

• Mohammad Noman

Authentic and Moral Leadership Practices in Schools

• Lokman Mohd Tahir, Siti Nisrin Mohd Anis, Mohd Fadzli Ali

Servant Leadership: Operationalising an Oxymoron

• Adrian Jarvis

Inclusive Leadership for Schools: Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions

• Donnie Adams, Shaheera Hussain, King Lok Tan

Contextual Leadership: Characteristics and Practices

• Tengku Faekah Tengku Ariffin, Suhaili Mohd Yusoff

Turnaround Leadership: Building the Sustainability of Schools

• Sock Beei Yeap, Donnie Adams

System Leadership in Educational Context

• Kenny S. L. Cheah

Technology Leadership for Schools in the Twenty-First Century

• Yuting Zhang, Donnie Adams, Kenny S. L. Cheah

Editors and Affiliations

About the editor, bibliographic information.

Book Title : Educational Leadership

Book Subtitle : Contemporary Theories, Principles, and Practices

Editors : Donnie Adams

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8494-7

Publisher : Springer Singapore

eBook Packages : Education , Education (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-981-99-8493-0 Published: 22 December 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-981-99-8496-1 Due: 04 January 2025

eBook ISBN : 978-981-99-8494-7 Published: 21 December 2023

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XV, 165

Number of Illustrations : 24 b/w illustrations, 4 illustrations in colour

Topics : Administration, Organization and Leadership , Management Education , Education, general , Educational Policy and Politics

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The SAGE Handbook of Educational Leadership Advances in Theory, Research, and Practice

• Fenwick W. English - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
• Description

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• This landmark work has been thoroughly updated and revised, with more than 75% new or revised content.
• Ten of the prior edition's chapters have been replaced with ten new chapters in this edition.
• New chapters include topics such as distributed leadership and democratic community, standards for educational leaders, teacher preparation and staffing, and the uses and misuses of tests in accountability schemes known as "the gaposis syndrome."
• The Introduction to the Second edition and each section introduction has been rewritten Includes new chapters from international scholars giving readers a more global perspective

Key Features

• This Handbook combines both applied and scholarly issues that face educational leadership at the level of preparation and practice, offering wide-ranging coverage that appeals to scholars, researchers, and practitioners alike.
• Chapters in the Handbook examine issues long relevant to the field as well as current hot-button topics, and nearly every chapter links the history of educational leadership to current thought and actual operations in the field, helping the reader to fully grasp the implications for development and application.
• Chapter-by-chapter syntheses of prior research and practice are combined with a robust focus on issues likely to face educational leaders in the coming century based on thoughtful analyses of current trends.

Sample Materials & Chapters

1. A History of Public School Leadership

2. Culturally Relevant Leadership for Complex 21st Century School Contexts

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The 10 Books Every School Leader Should Read

Blog » Authentic and Ethical Leadership » The 10 Books Every School Leader Should Read

  Recently, I’ve been finding that I’m increasingly asked by the School Leaders I work with and by others who’ve read my book “Staying A Head: Stress Management Secrets for School Leaders” for recommendations as to what books can help them to further their learning and in turn, better support their leadership practice.   I’ve noticed more and more that I frequently refer leaders to the same books time and again, not for lack of ideas but rather because they are quite simply the best I’ve come ever come across in the field, in terms of both inspiration and expertise.   In fact, I recommend these books so frequently that I thought I’d create a list of these 1o books for you in case you ever need a great book to help alleviate the stress of the day-to-day and bring a sense of perspective back into their lives. I hope amongst the recommended titles, that you might find a book or two that you’d like to add to your reading list…  

1. “ The Element”  – 

Ken robinson.

  We all love Sir Ken Robinson and eagerly await the day when he is appointed Minister of Education! Until that day, we’ll all have to take comfort from his inspirational TED talks and this wonderful book. If you are ever in need of inspiration and a reminder of why you are a teacher or Headteacher then read this book.   It will make you laugh, it will make you smile, and it will remind you of what passion is all about and why each and every day you need to remain connected to what matters to you most.  

2. “Resonant Leadership” –  

Richard boyatziz and annie mckee.

  This book is a must for all stressed head teachers and School Leaders! It gets to the very core of what happens to leaders who are in ‘high power, high stress’ roles. It also talks with real compassion about what successful leaders need to do, to stop themselves become victims of the Sacrifice Syndrome.   A syndrome that is common to so many head teachers … that of sacrificing your own needs in order to meet the needs of others. If you want to know how to lead a far healthier and happier life as a School Leader, then this book should definitely be on your reading list.  

3. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” –

  daniel kahneman.

  If you want to understand yourself better as a School Leader and exhibit greater control over your thoughts and actions, then this is the book for you! It may take you some time to plough through it, but what you will gain in the end, will be well worth the effort!  

4.  “ Mindset: How you can fulfil your potential – 

Dr carol s.dweck.

  I love this book!  If you have ever wondered why some teachers cause you more stress than others, then this book will definitely give you a few key insights. Dweck explains that  “It’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success, but whether we approach our goals with a fixed or growth mindset.”    When you understand the traits of each mindset, you will get a far better understanding of your staff team and how their behaviours impact on your efforts to drive forward school improvement.  

5. “Well Being: The Five Essential Ele ments” –

  tom rath and jim harther.

  Co-written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Rath, this book takes ‘five  universal, interconnected elements that shape our lives:  Career Wellbeing, Social Wellbeing, Financial Wellbeing, Physical Wellbeing, and Community Wellbeing.”  If you want to give yourself a personal MOT over a weekend or holiday period,  then this is another book to add to your list.  

6. “Daring Greatly” – 

Brene brown.

  For any School Leader this is a must read. It is a book that I recommend to all head teachers and senior leaders that I work with.  Brene Brown reminds us that contrary to commonly perceived wisdom on the subject, vulnerability is more a sign of courage and strength, than it is a sign of weakness.   Her writings and insight on the subject are like a breath of fresh air. In an educational climate in which so many false and conflicting messages about strength in leadership abound, Brene Brown shows us how the ability to be vulnerable reconnects us with our humanity and it is here, where we find our strength.  

7 . “Leading out of Who You Are” –

   simon p walker.

  How many of us, would like to be able to lead from a place where we truly trust ourselves? Where we were not knocked from pillar to post by the opinions and advice of others, but were able to lead from a place of deep inner trust and self belief?   From my own experience as a Headteacher and from the work that I now do as an Executive Coach for School Leaders, I know  it is a place that we all long to be able to lead from. In his sensitively written book on the subject of leadership, Simon P Walker provides an excellent overview of the inner journey every leader needs to go on, if they are ever to experience true inner trust and self belief.  

8 . “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” – 

 stephen r covey.

  An all time favourite. If you haven’t read this book, then it really is one that you should go out and buy now. Not only will his seven habits help you to develop the tools to lead yourself better, but hey will also help you to understand how you can get the best out of those that you lead and manage.   When you read his book you will have no doubt about how you can excel as a School Leader and equally what others will need from you so that they can also excel.  

9. “Every  Teacher Matters” –

  kathryn lovewell.

  As a School Leader you know that your teachers are your most valuable resource. You will also know from your own experience as a classroom teacher the types of stress that many of your teachers face and the impact that it has on their ability to perform well.   If you want to give your teachers really practical advice on managing stress then buy this book for each and every one of them.  Kathryn’s book will show them how mindfulness not only reduces stress , but also helps to re-ignite a sometimes forgotten passion for teaching.  

10. “Supporting the Emotional Work of School Leaders” –

 belinda harris.

  In those dark times, when the pressures of the role seem insurmountable, this book will remind you that you are not alone! Harris’ book is an honest account of what it really means to be a School Leader today, ‘ exploring the personal, social and emotional challenges of School Leadership.’   If you are seeking to develop your own emotional resilience this book will provide you with a few tools to help you bounce back that much higher when the inevitable challenges of School Leadership come your way.

“Staying A Head – Stress Management Secrets of Successful School Leaders” by Viv Grant

Every School Leader should read this book because it opens the closed world that many School Leaders inhabit. But rather than leave the world ‘exposed’, it offers new and experienced School Leaders practical and effective methods that nurture inner understanding to bring out the best in others and foster organisational transformation. Mike Jones Head teacher, South Failsworth Primary School, Oldham

If you’d like to get a flavour of the book. then you can now download a completely free Chapter of my book! In this chapter, you’ll discover why the meeting of your emotional needs are central to your success as a School Leader and  find answers to the questions:

  – What are our basic emotional needs? – Why do School Leaders need to have their emotional needs met? – What are the consequences of unmet emotional needs? – What role does empathic listening play in meeting emotional needs?  

To download your copy of this chapter, simply follow the link below…

Download a Free Chapter of “Staying A Head”

One Response

I’ve read someof those but if I had to pick one it would be Belinda Harris.

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15 of the World’s Best Leadership Books

Great leaders intentionally make time for continued education. As difficult as it may be to step away from the office, reading a variety of books on leadership is an important key to refueling and refocusing yourself as a leader. For instance, it helps reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and provide the tools needed for innovation and growth.

The 15 top leadership books every great leader needs on their bookshelf :

1. the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.

Author: John Maxwell 

Favorite Quote: “ I believe the bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others. That is achieved by serving others and adding value to their lives. ”

2. Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t

One-Sentence Description: This book follows a five-year study that determines how “good” companies become great, beat their competitors, and achieve long-lasting success. 

Why You Should Read It: Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t emphasizes the point that success doesn’t happen overnight. For entrepreneurs and leaders who feel frustrated, tired, and out of steam, this book helps reinvigorate drive and passion . Additionally, it’s comforting to know that many of the difficulties business owners experience as they grow aren’t uncommon. In fact, growing pains are evidence that a company is developing. Overall, the core message is progress is a process.  

3. Start with Why

Author: Simon Sinek

Favorite Quote: “ People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe. ”

4. Think and Grow Rich 

One-Sentence Description: Published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich studies the lives of wealthy individuals such as Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie, defining 13 habits successful people share. 

Why You Should Read It: Consistently ranked as one of the best books on leadership of all time, Think and Grow Rich helps readers understand the unique mindset of high performers. On the whole, Hill spent 25 years researching, analyzing, and understanding what makes people successful. Through 500 interviews, he found and wrote a formula for prosperity. Undoubtedly, the directive strategies are easily applicable, motivational, and provide timeless wisdom to anyone interested in leadership .

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5. Wooden on Leadership 

Author: John Wooden

Favorite Quote: “ The best leaders are lifelong learners; they take measures to create organizations that foster and inspire learning throughout. The most effective leaders are those who realize it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts most. ”

6. Extreme Ownership

One-Sentence Description: Written by two Navy SEAL officers, this best-selling book relates their special operations experience to the leadership qualities all business owners, executives, and managers should possess.  

Favorite Quote: “ Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team. ”

Why You Should Read It: The unique, interesting angle the authors take creates a fresh perspective within the genre. While some professionals might not feel this book would be applicable to their businesses, Extreme Ownership teaches lessons that help leaders understand what it truly means to lead—not manage or direct—others. With unique messaging filled with real-life experience, the book additionally provides instruction on how to successfully develop high-performing teams that can fulfill even the most difficult mission.

7. Dare to Lead

Author: Brené Brown

Favorite Quote: “ I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential. ”

8. The Effective Executive

One-Sentence Description: This book focuses on effectiveness as a form of self-discipline—a requirement for all leaders (and a skill anyone can learn).

Why You Should Read It: Success is dependent on effectiveness. From exacting change to inspiring employees, this is a quality leaders can’t afford to lack. Nevertheless, many business owners and executives unknowingly or knowingly behave, act, and communicate in ways that don’t positively impact their organizations. For example, ineffective leaders lack emotional intelligence and don’t dedicate themselves to learning how to become stewards of their employees and customers. In essence, The Effective Executive is for people who want to actively learn how to work on eliminating ineffective leadership traits and become drivers of positive impact.

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen R. Covey 

Favorite Quote: “ As you care less about what people think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves .”

10. The Art of War

One-Sentence Description: The Art of War teaches leaders how to create and implement strategic initiatives.

Why You Should Read It: Out of all the best leadership books mentioned, this 5th century B.C. military treatise is the oldest. There’s a reason it’s continued inspiring generations of strategic thinkers. While it was written for military leaders, the text translates well for business owners and executives who are responsible for developing and executing the company’s vision. In short, it takes readers through 13 chapters, each dedicated to a particular stage in the strategic implementation process.

 11. Awaken the Giant Within

Author: Tony Robbins

Favorite Quote: “ Enjoy making decisions. You must know that in any moment a decision you make can change the course of your life forever . . . If you really want your life to be passionate, you need to live with this attitude of expectancy. ”

  12. The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

One-Sentence Description: Lencioni uses his knack for storytelling to resolve five common dysfunctional behaviors that inhibit even the best teams.  

Why You Should Read It: Leaders must know how to both guide their teams and be a team player. This book stresses the importance of having a cohesive team dynamic. While the book is a fictional fable, it is a story many business owners and executives struggle with. Companies cannot succeed unless their teams work together. For this reason, the book points out dysfunctional behaviors that harm team culture . As a result, leaders can repair and avoid toxicity within their organizations using this insight.

13. How to Win Friends and Influence People 

Author: Dale Carnegie 

Favorite Quote: “ You can’t win an argument. You can’t because if you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. ”

14.   Team of Rivals

One-Sentence Description: In this Lincoln biography, Kearns shows how the president united his former political competitors to abolish slavery and win the Civil War. 

Why You Should Read It: This leadership book is a masterclass on leadership and an interesting read for anyone who loves history. It shows how important it is to toss your ego aside when working with others. Rather than punishing his rivals, Lincoln welcomed several of these people into his cabinet and created a unified front that was capable of holding the country together. While the book has a rather political motif, it teaches executive leaders the value of bringing teams together toward a collective cause. Personal beliefs of individual group members may vary but there can be healthy competition among them, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of a larger, common objective.

15.   15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

Author: John C. Maxwell

Favorite Quote: “ Most people who decide to grow personally find their first mentors in the pages of books. ”

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These 5 Amazing Books Will Help Teachers Become Leaders

Looking to make a positive impact beyond your classroom? These five books offer invaluable resources and strategies to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to become a successful teacher leader. Discover practical tips, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to take your leadership journey to the next level.

Explore these insightful resources: 

The emerging teacher leader: six dynamic practices to nurture professional growth.

By: Margaret Coughlan, Kathy Perez

Learn the six practices that promote and support teachers in their leadership work. This book serves as a tool that teachers can use to revisit and realign their purpose and teacher leadership actions during their tenure as educators. 

“No matter what their title is, EVERY teacher is a leader and a role model—yet few receive adequate leadership training. Coughlan and Perez understand this, and they have created this wonderful guide to equip and empower teachers with six practices that promote and support them in their leadership work. Timely and essential!”

— Danny Brassell, internationally-acclaimed reading motivation expert

Buy now    Download free resources

Teacher Leaders, Classroom Champions: How to Influence, Support, and Renew School Communities

By: Jeanetta Jones Miller

Teacher leadership is not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. We can’t put more hours in the school day, but those hours can be used better to achieve goals for schools. The purpose of this book is to provide information that teacher leaders can act on right now.

“Teachers in classrooms have the ability to impact the learning that happens for their students using the instruction they deliver every day. A strong, well-trained teacher leader can shift practice for an entire school community. This book has the potential to spark a movement of teachers seeing themselves as leaders.”

— Johanna Josaphat, teacher leader, The Urban Assembly Unison School, New York

Buy now     Download free resources  

Leadership at Every Level: Five Qualities of Effective Classroom, School, and District Leaders

By: Janelle Clevenger McLaughlin

Nurture your leadership skills and grow as a lifelong learner with the support of Leadership at Every Level . Ideal for book studies, this resource shares practical, research-based strategies for strengthening leadership capacity at the classroom, school, and district levels.

“Transformative, innovative, and needed: Janelle provides us with a framework to demonstrate that all educators are leaders in their own right and illustrates how we can align our leadership to navigate and take on an ever-changing and challenging education landscape together.”

— Matt Rhoads, technology and instructional leader

Meeting Goals: Protocols for Leading Effective, Purpose-Driven Discussions in Schools

By: Thomas M. Van Soelen

When used effectively, discussion protocols have the power to help educators cultivate highly impactful, collaborative spaces. Learn how you can lead structured and productive discussions in your own learning community with Meeting Goals . 

“Van Soelen provides fresh insights, sound advice, and practical strategies for leading impactful discussions based on his wealth of experience in utilizing protocols in schools. This is an important resource for any educator who aspires to focus teachers’ collaborations on instructional improvement for the ultimate purpose of improving outcomes for all students.”

— Jenni Donohoo, education expert

Emerge: The Five Most Common Challenges Faced by Middle Leaders and How to Overcome Them

By: Gavin Grift

Become a more self-aware leader with Emerge . This book helps teacher leaders gain rich insights into who they are and how to elevate self-awareness. Uncover strategies to help clarify your leadership mission and ensure your values align. Walk away with valuable, fresh perspectives to propel you forward with renewed self-assurance.

“The focus on building confidence in leaders is thoroughly done. I appreciate the reflection and introspective approach to professional growth that readers can take away from this book.”

— Rick Bell, assistant principal, New Prague Middle School, Minnesota

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Educational Leadership

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: 25th Anniversary

• Follow Them and People Will Follow You
• By: John C. Maxwell
• Narrated by: John C. Maxwell, Henry O. Arnold
• Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 711
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 604
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 601

HarperCollins and John C. Maxwell are celebrating the milestone anniversary of Maxwell’s bestselling The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership , with the publication of a revised and updated 25th anniversary edition. Included are insights from Maxwell on each law and how they have impacted his life as a leader and mentor. There will also be stories from some of today’s most impactful leaders, like IT Cosmetics' Jamie Kern Lima, Maxwell Leadership CEO Mark Cole, and author and marketing expert Jeff Henderson, on how they have applied these laws to their own success journeys.

• 5 out of 5 stars

Very intriguing views.

• By Jason Frampton on 11-11-22
• Narrated by: John C. Maxwell , Henry O. Arnold
• Release date: 05-31-22
• Language: English
• 5 out of 5 stars 711 ratings

HarperCollins and John C. Maxwell are celebrating the milestone anniversary of Maxwell’s New York Times bestselling book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership , with the publication of a revised and updated 25th anniversary edition....

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Regular price: $25.19 or 1 credit

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Dare to Lead

• Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
• By: Brené Brown
• Narrated by: Brené Brown
• Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 29,284
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 24,962
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 24,687

Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? This audiobook answers this question.

Brené's Work Has Changed My Life

• By Maximus on 01-12-19
• Release date: 10-09-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 29,284 ratings

Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give us meaning. She found that leaders all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver leaders and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? Dare to Lead answers this....

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Leaders Eat Last

• Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't
• By: Simon Sinek
• Narrated by: Simon Sinek
• Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,465
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 3,764
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,723

Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside. Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking.

• 1 out of 5 stars

Very Disappointed

• By Jackson F. on 10-16-20
• Release date: 02-18-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,465 ratings

Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside....

Start with Why

• How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
• Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 27,160
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 23,085
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 22,938

The inspirational best seller that ignited a movement and asked us to find our why. Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time - with more than 56 million views and counting. Over a decade ago, Simon Sinek started a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, to ask what was the why of their organization. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, and these ideas remain as relevant and timely as ever.

• 2 out of 5 stars

Useless Dribble

• By Chimdi Azubuike on 03-10-18
• Release date: 09-05-17
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 27,160 ratings

The inspirational best seller that ignited a movement and asked us to find our why. Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time - with more than 56 million views and counting....

Regular price: $20.25 or 1 credit

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Leading the Unleadable

• How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People
• By: Alan Willett
• Narrated by: Tom Parks
• Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
• Overall 4 out of 5 stars 175
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 147
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 148

Difficult people are the worst part of a manager's job. Whether it comes from direct reports or people above, outbursts, irrational demands, griping, and other disruptions need to be dealt with - and it's your responsibility to do it. Leading the Unleadable turns this dreaded chore into a straight forward process that gently, yet effectively, improves behaviors.

Almost nothing to do with difficult people

• By Amazon Customer on 05-25-18
• Release date: 11-29-16
• 4 out of 5 stars 175 ratings
• Once you realize the potential for change, the book's simple steps, examples, and scripts explain how to right even the most hopeless situations....

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Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

• By: Kim Bearden
• Narrated by: Kim Bearden
• Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 162
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 134
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 133

Talk to me. From Kim Bearden, cofounder of Ron Clark Academy and author of the best-selling book Crash Course: The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me , comes a powerful guide for improving communication and building better relationships. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, parent, or business professional, chances are you struggle at times to find the right words. Talk to Me gives you those words. In this instructional and inspirational handbook, you’ll learn how to choose words that inspire, encourage, and move people to action.

• 4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, practical principles

• By annygries on 02-20-19
• Release date: 08-31-18
• 5 out of 5 stars 162 ratings

Talk to me. From Kim Bearden, cofounder of Ron Clark Academy and author of the best-selling book Crash Course: The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me , comes a powerful guide for improving communication and building better relationships....

Regular price: $14.95 or 1 credit

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Educational Leadership and School Instructional Improvement

• By: Paul F. Davis
• Narrated by: Virtual Voice
• Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
• Overall 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Performance 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Story 0 out of 5 stars 0

Learn the foundational values, beliefs, and principles that uphold and guide effective educational leaders and their schools. Cultivate and sustain a positive culture within your academic community that effectively articulates your vision and purpose for academic instruction, curriculum, assessment, and achievement. Align and direct staff and teachers to collaborate to accomplish annual objectives. Plan and provide meaningful professional development to improve instructional strategies and increase student achievement. Assist teachers to clarify school and classroom instructional goals, ...

• Release date: 02-24-24
• Not rated yet
• Learn the foundational values, beliefs, and principles that uphold and guide effective educational leaders and their schools. Cultivate and sustain...

Regular price: $4.47 or 1 credit

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The Listening Leader

• Creating the Conditions for Equitable School Transformation
• By: Shane Safir, Michael Fullan - Foreword
• Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs
• Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 45
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 35
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 35

The Listening Leader is a practical guide that will inspire school, district, and teacher leaders to make substantive change and increase equitable student outcomes. Rooted in the values of equity, relationships, and listening, this luminous book helps reimagine what is possible in education today. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in public schools, Shane Safir incorporates hands-on strategies and powerful stories to show us how to leverage one of the most vital tools of leadership: listening.

Practical daily steps

• By Amazon Customer on 04-08-24
• By: Shane Safir , Michael Fullan - Foreword
• Release date: 08-27-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

The Listening Leader is a practical guide that will inspire school, district, and teacher leaders to make substantive change and increase equitable student outcomes.... 

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The Art of Coaching

• Effective Strategies for School Transformation
• By: Elena Aguilar
• Narrated by: Emily Ellet
• Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 106
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 85
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 82

This practical resource offers the foundational skills and tools needed by new coaching educators, as well as presenting an overview of the knowledge and theory base behind the practice. Established coaches will find numerous ways to deepen and refine their coaching practice. Principals and others who incorporate coaching strategies into their work will also find a wealth of resources. Aguilar offers a model for transformational coaching which could be implemented as professional development in schools or districts anywhere.

Equity coaching

• By J. Gary Casey on 07-28-23
• Release date: 08-13-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings

This practical resource offers the foundational skills and tools needed by new coaching educators, as well as presenting an overview of the knowledge and theory base behind the practice....

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Lead Like a Pirate

• Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff
• By: Shelley Burgess, Beth Houf
• Narrated by: Shelley Burgess, Beth Houf
• Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 120
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 99
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 98

Pirates are on a constant quest for riches, but pirate leaders seek even greater rewards: Amazing schools, engaged students, and empowered educators who know they are making a difference. In Lead Like a Pirate , education leaders Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf map out the character traits necessary to captain a school or district. You'll learn where to find the treasure that's already in your classrooms and schools - and how to bring out the very best in your educators.

Refreshing and eye opening

• By Amazon Customer on 08-31-24
• By: Shelley Burgess , Beth Houf
• Narrated by: Shelley Burgess , Beth Houf
• Release date: 02-14-20
• 5 out of 5 stars 120 ratings

Pirates are on a constant quest for riches, but pirate leaders seek even greater rewards: Amazing schools, engaged students, and empowered educators who know they are making a difference....

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Hacking Leadership

• 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students, and Parents Love (Hack Learning Series)
• By: Joe Sanfelippo, Tony Sinanis
• Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
• Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 66
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 55
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 52

In Hacking Leadership , award-winning school administrators Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis demonstrate how to increase learning by leaving the office and engaging directly with all teachers and learners. They identify 10 problems with school leadership and provide dynamic, right-now solutions.

Easy read with simple practical suggestions

• By JA Montanez on 11-25-23
• By: Joe Sanfelippo , Tony Sinanis
• Release date: 05-26-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

In Hacking Leadership , award-winning school administrators Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis demonstrate how to increase learning by leaving the office and engaging directly with all teachers and learners....

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Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader

• A Guide to Cultivating Effective Leadership and Organizations
• By: Christopher D. Connors
• Narrated by: Gabriel Vaughan
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 51
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 39
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 39

Building off proven research, this user-friendly guide teaches you the pillars of high-EQ leadership. Whether it's developing self-awareness or bolstering empathy, discover simple and easy-to-use exercises that you can make use of on your own. You'll even learn about emotionally intelligent leaders and how they've utilized this skill as part of their successes.

• 3 out of 5 stars

same b.s. diff book

• By flex on 08-12-22
• Release date: 09-22-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

Building off proven research, this user-friendly guide teaches you the pillars of high-EQ leadership. Whether it's developing self-awareness or bolstering empathy, discover simple and easy-to-use exercises that you can make use of on your own....

Coaching for Equity

• Conversations That Change Practice
• Narrated by: Joana Garcia
• Length: 15 hrs and 59 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 53
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 40
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 40

If we hope to interrupt educational inequities and create schools in which every child thrives, we must open our hearts to purposeful conversation and hone our skills to make those conversations effective. With characteristic honesty and wisdom, Elena Aguilar inspires us to commit to transforming our classrooms, lays bare the hidden obstacles to equity, and helps us see how to overcome these obstacles, one conversation at a time. 

Fantastic resource; terrible narration

• By Knitme23 on 03-27-21
• Release date: 01-26-21
• 5 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

If we hope to interrupt educational inequities and create schools in which every child thrives, we must open our hearts to purposeful conversation and hone our skills to make those conversations effective....

The Ten-Minute Inservice

• 40 Quick Training Sessions that Build Teacher Effectiveness
• By: Todd Whitaker
• Narrated by: Edward Bauer, Annette Breaux
• Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 21
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 18
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 18

Written by popular education consultants Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux, this important book offers 40 teacher-tested, mini-workshops that can improve teaching in every classroom. The book covers a range of topics, from behavior challenges and parent engagement to motivating students and making lessons meaningful.

Great for New Administrators

• By Amber Wineinger on 07-09-23
• Narrated by: Edward Bauer , Annette Breaux
• Release date: 07-09-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

Written by popular education consultants Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux, this important book offers 40 teacher-tested, mini-workshops that can improve teaching in every classroom. The book covers a range of topics, from behavior challenges and parent engagement to motivating students....

The Principal

• Three Keys to Maximizing Impact
• By: Michael Fullan
• Narrated by: Don Hagen
• Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 152
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 131
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 125

Over the past two decades, Michael Fullan has written influentially about the change that school and district leaders must bring about as formalized achievement standards and new technology transform how schools are run. What he hasn't done until now is explore and discuss in detail how and why the principal's role itself must change.

very inspiring and concrete for educational leader

• By kristen hardy on 06-27-16
• Release date: 08-26-15
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 152 ratings
• Over the past two decades, Michael Fullan has written influentially about the change that school and district leaders must bring about....

Regular price: $21.48 or 1 credit

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What Great Principals Do Differently

• 18 Things That Matter Most, Second Edition
• Narrated by: Steve Marvel
• Length: 4 hrs and 25 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 225
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 177
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 174

Inspire yourself and others with the second edition of this best-seller. With heartfelt advice, practical wisdom, and examples from the field, Todd Whitaker explains the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals.

Great for new leaders

• By Tyffany Jackson on 07-19-19
• Release date: 01-29-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 225 ratings

Inspire yourself and others with the second edition of this best-seller. With heartfelt advice, practical wisdom, and examples from the field, Todd Whitaker explains the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals....

Hacking School Discipline

• 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice (Hack Learning Series)
• By: Nathan Maynard, Brad Weinstein
• Narrated by: Brian Holden
• Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 133
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 110
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 106

Are you or your teachers frustrated with carrots and sticks, detention rooms, and suspension-antiquated school discipline practices that simply do not work with the students entering our classrooms today? Our kids have complex needs, and we must empower and embrace them with restorative practices that not only change behaviors but transform students into productive citizens, accountable for their own actions.

teacher and admin must read!

• By Jahart08 on 11-13-21
• By: Nathan Maynard , Brad Weinstein
• Release date: 05-29-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 133 ratings

In a book that should become your new blueprint for school discipline, teachers, presenters, and school leaders, Nathan Maynard and Brad Weinstein demonstrate how to eliminate punishment and build a culture of responsible students and independent learners....

48 Laws of Power

• By: Robert Greene
• Narrated by: Richard Poe
• Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 24,578
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 20,427
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 20,305

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

You don't have to be a psychopath to like this.

• By Gaggleframpf on 02-25-16
• Release date: 05-01-15
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 24,578 ratings
• Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws....

Regular price: $19.84 or 1 credit

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Small Teaching

• Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning
• By: James M. Lang
• Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May
• Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 107
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 84

Research into how we learn has opened the door for utilizing cognitive theory to facilitate better student learning. But that's easier said than done. Many books about cognitive theory introduce radical but impractical theories, failing to make the connection to the classroom. In Small Teaching , James Lang presents a strategy for improving student learning with a series of modest but powerful changes that make a big difference - many of which can be put into practice in a single class period.

Why is there no accompanying PDF????

• By Esben on 12-04-19
• Release date: 06-11-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 107 ratings

Research into how we learn has opened the door for utilizing cognitive theory to facilitate better student learning. But that's easier said than done. Many books about cognitive theory introduce radical but impractical theories, failing to make the connection to the classroom....

• Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.
• By: Jimmy Casas, Salome Thomas-EL
• Narrated by: Jimmy Casas
• Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 444
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 381
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 376

Average schools don't inspire greatness - and greatness is what our world needs if we are going to produce world-changing learners. In Culturize , author and education leader Jimmy Casas shares insights into what it takes to cultivate a community of learners who embody the innately human traits our world desperately needs, such as kindness, honesty, and compassion. His stories reveal how these "soft skills" can be honed while meeting and exceeding academic standards of 21st-century learning.

stick with this one

• By WinthropCunningham on 03-03-19
• By: Jimmy Casas , Salome Thomas-EL
• Release date: 06-30-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 444 ratings

Average schools don't inspire greatness - and greatness is what our world needs if we are going to produce world-changing learners. In Culturize , author and education leader Jimmy Casas shares insights into what it takes to cultivate a community of learners....

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15 Best Leadership Books To Read in 2023

Updated: July 22, 2024

Published: September 06, 2023

If you want to become a better leader, it’s important to stay on top of the latest leadership trends, theories, and strategies. Doing so keeps you informed, lets you try out new ideas, and empowers you to synthesize it all into your own unique leadership style .

What are the best leadership books?

The best leadership books provide readers with the tools and insights they need to become better leaders.

With this in mind, here are some criteria you can use to determine what makes a great leadership book:

• A clear and concise writing style that is accessible to all levels of readers
• Detailed examples from real-life situations to illustrate key points
• Strategies and tactics for leading people in various contexts, such as team management, individual coaching, or boardroom negotiations
• Insights into organizational structures and cultures that help guide effective decision-making
• Easy-to-understand explanations of complex theories
• Practical advice that can be applied to a variety of leadership positions
• Compelling and engaging style that will keep readers motivated to read on

Free Leadership Lessons Guide

Actionable leadership advice from HubSpot's Co-Founder, Dharmesh Shah.

• Qualities of Confident People
• Leading By Example
• Recognizing Excellence

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15 best leadership books of all time

1. good to great: why some companies make the leap… and others don’t by jim collins.

Good to Great focuses on the principles and practices that differentiate great companies from good ones. It dives deep into the business strategies, culture, decision-making processes, and the role of leadership in driving organizations from good to great.

This book helps new and experienced leaders, empowering them with insightful concepts that can transform their leadership style and drive performance. It emphasizes the importance of humility, determination, a disciplined mindset, and surrounding oneself with the right people as crucial factors for successful leadership.

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.” - Jim Collins

2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Start With Why delves into the quest for purpose and fulfillment in our personal and professional lives. Its central idea is the Golden Circle — a strategic framework that empowers organizations to thrive. The Golden Circle enables movements to succeed, and inspires individuals to pursue their dreams by starting with the “why.” The book emphasizes that exceptional leaders motivate people to take action by communicating their “why” — the driving force behind their beliefs, values, and goals.

This book can benefit leaders of all kinds, including entrepreneurs, executives, teachers, and parents. It helps leaders understand the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and how that purpose can influence their decision-making, communication, and leadership style. 

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” - Simon Sinek

3. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Extreme Ownership shares hard-hitting Navy SEAL combat stories that translate into lessons for business and life. The authors served together in SEAL Task Unit Bruiser and now teach leadership principles to companies that want to build high-performance, winning teams.

Extreme Ownership teaches proven leadership principles used by thousands of people in leadership positions, resulting in improved productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in their teams and organizations. These valuable lessons can help any leader improve their team's performance.

“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.” - Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

4. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection is a guide to embracing your imperfections and living a wholehearted life. Brown encourages readers to let go of societal pressures and expectations and to instead cultivate self-love, self-compassion, and authentic connections with others. She provides actionable steps and insights on how to cultivate these qualities and embrace vulnerability. This book is helpful for any leader who wants to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and authenticity in their leadership style. Brown’s emphasis on vulnerability and wholehearted living can help leaders connect more deeply with their teams and foster a culture of trust and openness.

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” - Brené Brown

5. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

The Art of Possibility provides a unique perspective on how to live a more fulfilling life. The authors use inspiring stories and examples to encourage readers to embrace the power of possibility and cultivate a mindset focused on opportunities rather than limitations. This book is ideal for leaders who want to inspire their teams and create a positive work culture. It helps leaders to shift their perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance. And to approach challenges with a growth mindset, unlocking their true potential and that of their team.

“In the measurement world, you set a goal and strive for it. In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.” - Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People teaches readers how to develop personal and interpersonal effectiveness through seven habits. Covey argues that success results from fundamental character traits rather than skills and practices that bolster the public image. 

The book helps readers shift their paradigm to focus on what they can control, establish guiding principles, prioritize essential tasks, and work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. This book helps leaders who want to improve their personal and interpersonal effectiveness by developing new habits. 

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” - Stephen R. Covey

7 . The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer

The Untethered Soul explores the relationship between our thoughts and emotions, and how they affect our consciousness. It offers practical techniques to help readers let go of negative energy patterns and live in the present moment.

The book can be helpful to leaders looking to develop their emotional intelligence and become more self-aware. It teaches readers how to recognize their thoughts and emotions and how they impact their leadership style. 

“Unconditional happiness is the highest technique there is. You don’t have to learn Sanskrit or read any scriptures. You don’t have to renounce the world. You just have to really mean it when you say that you choose to be happy.” - Michael Singer

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8. Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey

Immunity to Change is about identifying and overcoming personal barriers preventing individuals from achieving their goals. It delves into the concept of “immunity to change,” which refers to people’s hidden assumptions and beliefs that can hinder their growth and progress. The book offers a unique approach to tackling internal resistance to change, revealing unconscious roadblocks that hinder personal and organizational growth.

This book is ideal for leaders looking to improve their personal and professional growth. It helps leaders identify the hidden assumptions and beliefs that may be hindering their progress. 

“When we have the privilege to make a change, we also get a chance to make a change for our organization.” - Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey

9. Opening Your Presence: Presenting the YOU You Want Others To See by Greta Muller

Opening Your Presence: Presenting the YOU You Want Others To See is a guidebook written by a coach and trusted adviser to Fortune 500 companies. However, it’s for anyone who wants to present themselves authentically and confidently. The book is written in a candid, humorous, and graceful manner that’s easy to understand and follow.

This book is ideal for the nonprofessional speaker who must present at company meetings and events. It helps them clear their fears and misconceptions, prepare for their encounters, craft their message, and present with confidence. 

“Say it with me: People buy you (or don’t) before they buy (or not) whatever it is you’re selling.” - Greta Muller

10. Leading Inclusion: Drive Change Your Employees Can See and Feel by Gene Cox

Leading Inclusion provides a practical guide for leaders to build inclusive organizations. It challenges preexisting beliefs about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and offers a strategic way for leaders to incorporate DEI efforts into their organizations from the top down.

The book is perfect for CEOs, C-suite leaders, board directors, human resources professionals, and other leaders who want to understand inclusion from a strategic perspective. 

 “In this new day, you can do things that will help with healing and forward movement.” - Gene Cox

11. Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown

Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. teaches readers how to be daring leaders in a culture of fear and uncertainty. The book explores the four skill sets that make up daring leadership — rumbling with vulnerability, living into our values, braving trust, and learning to rise.

This book is for anyone who wants to step up and lead with courage and empathy, whether in a small entrepreneurial startup or a Fortune 500 company. It helps leaders cultivate the skills needed to be brave, have tough conversations, and show up with their whole hearts.

“If we shield ourselves from all feedback, we stop growing.” - Brené Brown

12. Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World by Ginni Rometty

Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World is a mix of a memoir, leadership lessons, and big ideas by former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty. The book explores the concept of “good power,” which aims to drive meaningful change for ourselves, our organizations, and the world.

This book caters to leaders seeking to cultivate authentic leadership, inspire teams, improve their companies, and create healthier societies. It shares practical guidance on using good power through five key principles: be in service of others, build belief, know what must change and what must endure, steward good tech, and be resilient.

“Power can be good when it seeks to maximize beneficial impacts and avert rather than ignore harmful consequences. Power can be good when it’s inclusive, shared, and distributed.” - Ginni Rometty 

13. Leading Lightly: Lower Your Stress, Think With Clarity and Lead With Ease by Jody Michael

Leading Lightly offers a new perspective on leadership, emphasizing mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness. Michael provides a road map for transforming performance, achieving greater self-awareness, and managing work and life with clarity and ease.

This book suits leaders struggling with stress, anxiety, and fatigue at work. It helps them shift their mindset, think differently, and respond to situations with more agility. 

“Leading lightly means that no matter what happens during your day, you have the capacity to approach everything with enduring ease and clarity.” - Jody Michael

14. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek 

Leaders Eat Last explores the key elements of successful leadership and why some organizations thrive while others struggle. It delves into the concept of trust in leadership and how it impacts the success of organizations. Sinek explores trust’s biological and anthropological roots, the importance of creating a healthy environment within organizations, and the role of empathetic servant leadership.

It’s valuable for leaders at all levels, from CEOs to team leaders, helping them to understand the importance of putting their employees’ needs first and inspiring trust through their actions. 

“Leaders are the ones who are willing to give up something of their own for us. Their time, their energy, their money, maybe even the food off their plate. When it matters, leaders choose to eat last.” - Simon Sinek

15. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is about the fundamental principles of leadership. It explains 21 laws that every leader should follow to become an effective and successful leader. The book provides practical examples and insights to help readers understand each law and how to apply it in their personal and professional lives.

The book is suitable for business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and even aspiring leaders. It helps them understand a good leader’s essential qualities, such as vision, integrity, influence, and communication. It also teaches how to build a strong team, make effective decisions, and motivate and inspire others.

“There are different types of leaders, one who attracts followers and the other is one who develops the other leaders.” - John C. Maxwell

Now that you have a solid list of leadership books to read, it’s time to get started. Select several that resonate with your needs as a current or aspiring leader, buy them as ebooks or hardcovers, and set aside time to read them every day.

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15 Best Leadership Books for Optimal Growth

Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, and Martin Luther King, Jr. may come to mind, as these individuals have all been inspirational, trustworthy, and engaging.

Effective leaders are not born. They encompass a specific set of skills that help them to lead and guide others toward a shared objective. These skills can be learned, and great leaders can be developed.

Whether you are a seasoned leader or someone wishing to step into a more senior role in your industry, check out our carefully selected list of leadership books to get you moving in the right direction effectively and efficiently.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or others adopt positive leadership practices and help organizations thrive.

This Article Contains

2 books on leadership and management, recommended books for leadership development, 3 best business books for leaders, short leadership books for busy managers, a unique organizational leadership book, 3 popular books for personal growth, positivepsychology.com’s helpful leadership resources, a take-home message, frequently asked questions.

A problem that has plagued organizations for decades is the leaders’ “inability to be perceived as being worthy of their employees’ trust” (Jamali & Caldewell, 2023, p. 13).

The following leadership books will guide you in gaining your team members’ trust and help you succeed in the areas of leadership and management.

1. You Are the Team: 6 Simple Ways Teammates Can Go From Good to Great – Michael Rogers

Are you tired of team drama, politics, and distractions?

This Amazon bestseller will empower your team to rise to its fullest potential, as extraordinary individuals make up remarkable teams.

Through compelling narratives, relatable instances, reflective exercises, and practical tasks, this book prompts a shift in your team’s perspective and provides them with the resources to enhance not only their individual performance but also that of the entire team.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t – Simon Sinek

Based on the conversation with a US Marine Corps General, this book is based on the theory that good leaders eat last, thus ensuring that the service members they care for are taken care of first.

Leaders Eat Last presents real-life accounts of military, business, and government leaders who create a “circle of safety” that protects the team from outside challenges.

Trust and cooperation are what will make a team, and Sinek provides insight on how to accomplish this feat.

As we mentioned, leaders can be developed and are not necessarily born leaders.

Abdulla et al. (2023) assert that leadership development should be a social practice and one that allows for reflexivity, effective feedback , peer support, and cooperative learning. Perhaps begin a book study with other future leaders to gain the most benefit from the literature listed here.

1. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts – Brené Brown

Brené Brown is known for her no-BS style of communication and decades of experience and research on emotions and leadership.

As a New York Times bestseller, her Dare to Lead leadership book does not disappoint. Four important skill sets critical for daring leadership are explained, as is embedding a culture of courage.

This book, like others listed in the article, is also available as an audiobook.

2. Opening Your Presence: Presenting the You You Want Others to See – Greta Muller

Presenting yourself is an important element of being a leader.

Whether delivering critical company-wide training or just introducing a new hire to the CEO, you want to display yourself in the best light.

Number one on Forbes ’s (2023) 8 Leadership Books You Should Read in 2024 list, this book is geared toward the nonprofessional speaker who aims to make a good impression.

3. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action – Simon Sinek

Another gem by Sinek, this book has been the basis for a riveting TEDx talk and has been an attention grabber on TikTok.

Start With Why poses and answers the pertinent questions on what makes successful businesses thrive. What makes some individuals and organizations more profitable, influential, and innovative than others? What will improve loyalty from both employees and customers?

And when a company experiences success, why are only some organizations able to replicate their achievements? Sinek also speaks about the golden circle and what makes leaders different from others.

4. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable – Patrick Lencioni

If you’re looking for a very different type of leadership book, this may be the one for you.

With its parable style, this storytelling book speaks about the five disorders teams may experience and how to address them practically.

The program encompassed within this book has been described as concise and easy to follow. Exercises to bring about positive change are also included in this book.

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Dunne et al.’s (2016) research concerning small business owners’ leadership style resulted in findings that indicate that leadership style affects small firm innovation. With this being said, it will be critical for business leaders to develop a keen sense of self-awareness. These books may help.

1. The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter – Michael Watkins

First on the list of Harvard Business Review ’s Top 40 Essential Business Books to Read (n.d.) is an excellent resource for successful transitions titled The First 90 Days .

Transitions may include beginning a new position, experiencing a promotion, or settling into a position as CEO. This time period is crucial, and your actions could determine your success or failure.

This trusted guide includes actionable strategies to meet and exceed the expectations of your role.

2. The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success – William Thorndike

A highly acclaimed book with outstanding reviews, this quick read gathers experience from eight successful, and sometimes unconventional, CEOs.

Through these stories, which have been described as both eye opening and counterintuitive, the reader will learn traits and methods for exceptional performance.

This is a must-read for those wanting to excel at capital allocation.

3. Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy – Patrick Bet-David

Another Amazon bestseller, this book helps entrepreneurs plan what’s next.

After reading this book, you should have clarity, strategies, growth tactics, skills, and insight into successful leadership. Bet-David gathers and conveys these strategies from his own principles and revelations on his journey to becoming a successful CEO.

Each chapter contains real-life examples that can be applied in a multitude of areas, including personal life.

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“The best positive psychology resource out there!” — Emiliya Zhivotovskaya , Flourishing Center CEO

In the fast-paced realm of modern management, where time is a precious commodity, the need for concise-yet-impactful leadership books becomes paramount.

A leader must not only be able to think systematically and be able to plan, but also have the knowledge to carry out these actions (Persada & Nabella, 2023). This is why constant self-development is critical. Do you feel that your time is limited? Peruse one of the following short leadership books and choose an audiobook format for your commute.

1. Stick Together: A Simple Lesson to Build a Stronger Team – Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell

This quick and easy read highlights the values of successful teams.

Gordon and Leavell take you on the fictitious journey of a high school basketball coach motivating his team. He tasked his team with several missions, and gave them sticks with words etched on them to complete these missions. These exercises lead them to excel and bond as a team.

This book would be ideal for organizations, classrooms, sports teams, or any group wanting to bolster their team’s success. This resource is currently rated 4.7 stars on Amazon and has only 128 pages.

2. Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow – Tom Rath and Barrie Conchie

In current trends, especially from a positive psychology standpoint, a strengths-based approach has been found to be beneficial for many industries. Leadership is no exception, as strengths-based leadership increases employees’ task performance (Wang et al., 2023).

Strengths Based Leadership provides insight into some of the most successful and recent organizational leaders, including the president of Ritz-Carlton and the founder of Teach for America.

This book provides actionable steps for fostering success by leaning on the strengths of your team members.

Leadership is one of the most widely researched constructs in the management field (Schneider, 2002). As such, it is imperative to remain current.

Organizational leadership requires specific attributes and competencies necessary for overseeing a company. To learn more about this type of leadership, we’ve selected the following book to explain more.

Transformational Leadership: A Blueprint for Real Organizational Change – Randy Dobbs

This insightful book includes personal stories of both success and failure and is currently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The author discusses how to improve the internal structure of an organization by using the transformational leadership style of empowering others to accomplish positive change. This practical guide offers sensible suggestions and tangible examples.

These strategies hold relevance for organizations from major corporations to small businesses, as well as nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and other institutions.

Personal growth, a fundamental element of positive psychological functions, involves the degree to which individuals actualize their potential and expand as individuals (Lopez et al., 2020).

Successful leaders perpetually strive for personal growth. Below are a few leadership books to guide you in your self-improvement.

1. Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life – Arnold Schwarzenegger

One of the Best Life Advice Books of 2023 according to Barnes & Noble (n.d.) was written by a world-renowned bodybuilder, actor, and governor. This book uncovers Schwarzenegger’s insights on living a meaningful life and demonstrates how to employ these tools to construct a fulfilling future.

From an early age, Schwarzenegger developed mental tools to escape the constraints of poverty and narrow-mindedness in his rural Austrian hometown.

These strategies are shared in this worthwhile book to help you become a leader who reaches their potential.

2. Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones – James Clear

This book made the list of top Amazon sellers for January 2024 and is a must-read for anyone with a desire to improve their life or overcome adversity.

The author shares his personal experience of overcoming challenges presented after an accident in high school.

He employed several strategies to improve the quality of his daily routine, thus improving the quality of his life. Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for success, whether that involves weight loss or climbing to the top of the corporate ladder.

3. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy – Jon Gordon

Saving the best for last, The Energy Bus is a personal favorite of mine and could be included under nearly all of the categories mentioned above.

This relatively quick read presents 10 positive secrets that can be applied to both professional and personal lives.

The book chronicles a few weeks in the life of George, a man whose job and home life are in jeopardy. He is forced to take the bus to work, where he is met with an engaging group of characters who help him turn his life around using the 10 rules.

This book is perfect for leaders and anyone wishing to turn their negative energy into positive success. Check out the video to learn more about Gordon’s vision.

If you’re interested in other leadership styles, please refer to Servant Leadership: How to Transform Your Leadership Style . We also share a huge selection of leadership activities in the linked article.

As a leader, it is vital to have a clear mission statement to share with your team. Our worksheet Writing Your Mission Statement  will assist you in brainstorming a personal mission statement that encompasses your passion, values, strengths, skills, and the direction you want to go.

Confidence is something everyone struggles with now and then; however, it is a critical characteristic of a successful leader. To build confidence, particularly in a situation that may require you to be resilient to criticism and change, complete our worksheet entitled Visualize Success . Try this worksheet to prepare for a stressful presentation or tense meeting.

If you want to empower others to motivate their teams and cultivate an environment full of resilience and positivity, you should consider this collection of 17 validated positive leadership exercises . Each of these carefully designed activities is rooted in the science and research of positive psychology. This toolkit will help you increase job satisfaction while improving productivity within your organization.

17 Exercises To Build Positive Leaders

Use these 17 Positive Leadership Exercises [PDF] to help others inspire, motivate, and guide employees in ways that enrich workplace performance and satisfaction. Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Through the lenses of famed authors, each leadership book provides a unique perspective on leadership development, empowering individuals to cultivate their skills, inspire teams, and ultimately propel themselves toward leadership excellence.

We have curated this selection of insightful leadership books as a guiding compass for you to achieve optimum growth in leadership.

We are confident these books will establish and refine your leadership skills, and your supervisor will be impressed, and perhaps motivated, upon noticing one of these books subtly visible in your bag or resting on your desk.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Leadership Exercises for free .

Books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and Emotional Intelligence  by Daniel Goleman are highly recommended for developing personal leadership skills.

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni offer valuable insights into fostering team cohesion and effective leadership.

Yes, books like Good to Great by Jim Collins and The Art of War by Sun Tzu are excellent resources for enhancing strategic leadership skills.

The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen and Leading Change by John P. Kotter are key reads for leaders looking to drive innovation and manage change effectively.

These books provide strategies, case studies, and practical advice that apply to leaders in business, education, healthcare, and other sectors, helping them to improve decision-making, inspire teams, and achieve organizational goals.

• 8 Leadership books you should read in 2024.  (2023, December 22). Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2023/12/22/8-leadership-books-you-should-read-in-2024/
• Abdulla, A., Fenech, R., Kinsella, K., Hiasat, L., Chakravarti, S., White, T., & Rajan, P. B. (2023). Leadership development in academia in the UAE: Creating a community of learning. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management , 45 (1), 96–112.
• Dunne, T. C., Aaron, J. R., McDowell, W. C., Urban, D. J., & Geho, P. R. (2016). The impact of leadership on small business innovativeness. Journal of Business Research , 69 (11), 4876–4881.
• Jamali, D. R., & Caldwell, C. (2023). Leadership commitment and the failure of trust–what companies must do to thrive. Business and Management Research , 12 (3), 13–20.
• Lopez, J., Perez-Rojo, G., Noriega, C., Carretero, I., Velasco, C., Martinez-Huertas, J. A., López-Frutos, P., & Galarraga, L. (2020). Psychological well-being among older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak: A comparative study of the young–old and the old–old adults. International Psychogeriatrics , 32 (11), 1365–1370.
• Persada, I. N., & Nabella, S. D. (2023). The influence of leadership, motivation and incentives on the performance of personnel of the operations section of Polda Kepri. International Journal of Accounting, Management, Economics and Social Sciences , 1 (4), 403–416.
• Schneider, M. (2002). A stakeholder model of organizational leadership. Organization Science , 13 (2), 209–220.
• The Best Books of 2023.  (n.d.). Barnes & Noble. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/best-books-of-2023
• Top 40 essential business books to read . (n.d.). Harvard Business Review . https://store.hbr.org/best-business-books/
• Wang, J., van Woerkom, M., Breevaart, K., Bakker, A. B., & Xu, S. (2023). Strengths-based leadership and employee work engagement: A multi-source study. Journal of Vocational Behavior , 142 .

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• The 40 Best Leadership Books of All Time to Help You Become a Truly Inspiring Person

We think leadership is something that’s taught in business seminars. If you make it high enough on the corporate ladder, perhaps your company will pay for some leadership training, and then, finally , you’ll become a leader. Ha! Leadership is about none of those things. Everyone can be a leader. Leadership is an attitude. It’s not tied to your title at all — or even your job, for that matter. This might sound confusing, but don’t worry: The best leadership books are here to explain!

The first time I understood leadership as anything other than a privilege for executives was when I watched Simon Sinek ‘s TED talk. You know, the famous one . “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” If explaining your mission was such an act of service to the customer, then, surely, it couldn’t be just the higher-ups doing it! After all, it’s the people on the ground who make the sales.

When I was interning at BMW M, I loved my job because I loved the product. I believed in what we were making — sporty cars that are still highly functional — and I talked with enthusiasm about it wherever I went. That was leadership, too. “If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money,” Simon says. “But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.”

The point of leadership is to inspire others to believe what you believe. Not in a twisted, “do my bidding” kind of way. True leadership is pure, good-hearted, and genuine. And it happens well beyond the confines of work. A single-mom taking time out of her busy day to help an old lady across the street is leadership. So is marshaling a team of 100 engineers to ship an important feature on time. Again: Everyone can be a leader — and a great way to become one is to start with some good leadership books.

That’s why, today, we’re compiling the very best titles on leadership for you. After summarizing over 1,000 books here at Four Minute Books, we’ve seen a leadership book or two. The following 40 titles will help you find courage, develop a strong set of personal values, improve group dynamics wherever you go, inspire others, manage difficult conversations, and a lot more!

As usual, we’ve made this list easy to navigate by sorting it into various categories. For each book we share, we’ll include our favorite quote from the author, a one-sentence-summary, a few words on why it might be a good pick for you, and three key takeaways. You’ll also find some shiny buttons to read each book’s summary on Four Minute Books or buy a copy of it on Amazon (affiliate links).

Simply use the clickable table of contents below, jump to the section you most want to learn about, and pick your next great read.

Okay, here we go. These are the very best leadership books!

Table of Contents

1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

2. the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership by john c. maxwell, 3. the effective executive by peter f. drucker, 4. the hard thing about hard things by ben horowitz, 5. the leadership challenge by james kouzes & barry posner, 6. how to win friends and influence people by dale carnegie, 7. the 7 habits of highly effective people by stephen r. covey, 8. dare to lead by brené brown, 9. lean in by sheryl sandberg, 10. extreme ownership by jocko willink & leif babin, 11. principles by ray dalio, 12. linchpin by seth godin, 13. spark by angie morgan, courtney lynch & sean lynch, 14. entreleadership by dave ramsey, 15. leadership and self-deception by the arbinger institute, 16. the five dysfunctions of a team by patrick lencioni, 17. six thinking hats by edward de bono, 18. first, break all the rules by marcus buckingham & curt coffman, 19. the culture code by daniel coyle, 20. move your bus by ron clark, 21. tribal leadership by dave logan, john king & halee fischer-wright, 22. multipliers by liz wiseman, 23. unlocking potential by michael simpson, 24. presence by amy cuddy, 25. executive presence by sylvia ann hewlett, 26. the advice trap by michael bungay stanier, 27. crucial conversations by kerry patterson et al., 28. radical candor by kim malone scott, 29. the one minute manager by ken blanchard & spencer johnson, 30. people over profit by dale partridge, 31. the second mountain by david brooks, 32. the myth of the strong leader by archie brown, 33. how to be a leader by plutarch, 34. lead yourself first by raymond m. kethledge & michael s. erwin, 35. how to think like a roman emperor by donald robertson, 36. a promised land by barack obama, 37. becoming by michelle obama, 38. long walk to freedom by nelson mandela, 39. the ride of a lifetime by robert iger, 40. all in by billie jean king, other book lists by topic, other book lists by author, best leadership books overall.

Favorite Quote

“It is not the genius at the top giving directions that makes people great. It is great people that make the guy at the top look like a genius.” — Simon Sinek

The Book in One Sentence

Leaders Eat Last teaches you where the need for leadership comes from historically, what the consequences of bad leadership are, and how you can be a good leader in the modern world.

Why should you read it?

Few people are as inspiring, authentic, and empathetic as Simon Sinek. His talks get millions of views because when he speaks, we feel both heard and empowered. His other books , while also good, deal with more specific concepts, like “ starting with why ” or the idea of infinite games . This one, on the other hand, is his most extensive compendium on all things leadership, and that makes it a great all-around education for anyone hoping to lead others today.

Key Takeaways

• Safety means progress.
• Responsibility means actually caring about people.
• Technology has turned us into performance addicts.

If you want to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or get a copy for yourself.

“You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion… The heart comes before the head.” — John C. Maxwell

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership shows you that leadership is learned, not inherited, and that you too can become a leader if you internalize some of the universal principles of any leader-follower-relationship.

If you want a simple guide to leadership in the form of a set of clear directives, this book is your best bet. Maxwell is a leadership icon, and this book is a bible for CEOs around the globe. Worthy follow-ups, also by Maxwell: The 5 Levels of Leadership and Leadershift .

• Make sure you stand on solid ground and uphold the rules you want to inspire others to keep.
• Keep earning the respect of your followers.
• It’s okay to be a bad loser – it keeps you focused on winning.

“Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into a result.” — Peter F. Drucker

The Effective Executive gives leaders a step-by-step formula to become more productive while developing their own strengths as well as their employees’ best traits.

Despite being a writer, Drucker was a man of action more so than words. His approach to leadership is based around productivity, so if you’re the kind of person who wants to roll up their sleeves and get going yet inspire others along the way, Drucker is your man. Also worth the short read: Managing Oneself .

• To be an effective executive you must lead by example, first developing your own skills.
• Learn how to make the right decisions and stand by them, no matter what others say.
• Focusing on the talents of your employees will build an efficient working environment.

“The only thing that prepares you to run a company is running a company.” — Ben Horowitz

The Hard Thing About Hard Things is an inside look at the tough decisions and lonely times all CEOs face, revealing what it truly takes to build a great organization and become a world-class leader.

Being a leader isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This book will show you specifically what the rainy days look like. What happens when a business goes bankrupt? How do you fire people without needless suffering? This is a book for CEOs, but it’ll also help you become one because it’ll prepare you for some of the unpopular decisions you’ll have to make.

• The CEO should be the first one to shout when shit hits the fan.
• There are 2 types of CEOs, strategic and practical ones.
• Great CEOs must learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

“Leading by example is more effective than leading by command.” — James Kouzes & Barry Posner

The Leadership Challenge shares the top leadership lessons from 25 years of research, explaining what makes successful managers and how you can become one yourself.

If you’re looking for a great all-around introduction to leadership, pick up this one. You’ll get to know some of history’s most beloved leaders as well as their lessons for leading well, be it at home, in the office, or in your local organization. A great read for beginners!

• You’re always setting an example for those you lead — the only question is is it a good one or a bad one?
• The best leaders are proactive and look both for opportunities and challenges.
• If you want to achieve great things, you must trust your team members to make good decisions.

“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn — and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” — Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches you countless principles to become a likable person, handle your relationships well, win others over, and help them change their behavior without being intrusive.

Most of leadership is just a blend of common sense and good manners. This book combines both. Smile. Be polite. Ask questions. Don’t ramble. There’s a reason this is a book recommended in so many fields: sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, self-help, and, yes, leadership — because the ideas make sense no matter where you work or what you’re trying to do. Learn to lead better and get some great life advice along the way!

• You can make a great first impression just by smiling.
• To be interesting to others, talk about their favorite topic: themselves.
• If you want to convince people, get them to say “yes” a lot.

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” — Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will teach you both personal and professional effectiveness by first changing your view of how the world works, then giving you seven habits which, if adopted well, will lead you to immense success.

I don’t think this book needs an introduction. Is it a bit cliché? Perhaps. But are its principles timeless, and do they still work? Absolutely. Plus, every leader will implement the seven habits differently, as most of them are high-level guidelines more so than explicit instructions. This book belongs on every leader’s desk.

• Do the funeral test to discover who you want to be.
• Learn how to say no.
• Practice active listening whenever you talk to others.

Best Leadership Books for Developing Courage

“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.” — Brené Brown

Dare to Lead  dispels common myths about modern-day workplace culture and shows you that true leadership requires nothing but vulnerability, values, trust, and resilience.

If you think you’re too shy, unconfident, or not skilled enough to be a leader, read this book. Brown will teach you that that’s not true, and that leadership comes, first and foremost, from the heart. A great read not just for women, just like Brené Brown’s other books .

• Courage and vulnerability  always  go together.
• If you can narrow your core values down to just two, you can navigate even the toughest of times.
• The seven behaviors that create trust can be summed up with the acronym “BRAVING.”

“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” — Sheryl Sandberg

Lean In explains why women are still underrepresented in the workforce, what holds them back, how we can enable and support them, and how any woman can take the lead and hold the flag of female leadership high.

If you’re a woman trying to make a name for yourself, this book will help you navigate the still male-dominated world of business. With a focus on hard work and ambition, this book shows young leaders new paths through a complex, and sometimes rigged, system, and it does so with empathy and understanding.

• Treat your career like a jungle gym.
• Learn to strike a balance between ambition and appeal.
• Before you become a mother, lean into your career as much as you can.

“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.” — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Extreme Ownership  contains useful leadership advice from two Navy SEALs who learned to stay strong, disciplined, and level-headed in high-stakes combat scenarios.

Do you often lose your cool in stressful situations? Then grab this book. If you want to lead via composure, discipline, and focus, these two former SEALs will show you and your team a new, better way to make progress at work despite the chaos of life and business.

• A leader who takes responsibility for failure is vital to the success of a team.
• Pressure is inevitable as a leader; remaining calm and effective comes from establishing priorities and taking action.
• Managing risks before they pop up is a key attribute of great leaders.

Best Leadership Books for Discovering Your Values & Making an Impact

“Great questions are a much better indicator of future success than great answers.” — Ray Dalio

Principles outlines and breaks down the set of rules for work and life billionaire investor Ray Dalio, CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund , has acquired throughout his 40-year career in finance.

Reading this book will help you lay the foundation of both your personal and professional life. To be a successful leader, you’ll need a strong work ethic and a rock-solid set of principles that’ll guide you through your endeavors. Ray delivers both. There’s also a journal to go with the book, next to his other, also interesting books .

• Principles are powerful weapons in the fight against flawed thinking.
• Radical truth and transparency are two of Ray’s most important ideas.
• Great businesses use principles to create environments where the best ideas win.

“Transferring your passion to your job is far easier than finding a job that happens to match your passion.” — Seth Godin

Linchpin claims that the time of simply following instructions at your job is over, showing you how to make yourself indispensable and why that’s a must for career success today.

The bad news is that job security is gone. The good news is that, if you become indispensable, there’ll always be someone who wants to hire you. This book will teach you how to do just that by acquiring the right skills at the right time, showing initiative, and making an impact without asking for permission. Another good read from Seth on the topic: Tribes .

• Linchpins pour their heart, soul, and energy into their work.
• You have to make a conscious choice to overcome your fears to become a linchpin.
• Give genuine gifts without expecting anything in return.

“Small acts of service can transform relationships, teams, and cultures.” — Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch & Sean Lynch

Spark teaches you how to become an influential, un-fireable asset to your team by leading regardless of your position, utilizing the power of creative thinking to make better decisions, and learning how to be more self-aware and humble.

One way to become indispensable is to contribute so greatly to the work of others that they’ll no longer want to do it without you. That’s what becoming “a spark” is all about. Learn how to supercharge those around you, and thus supercharge yourself and your career.

• Anyone can be an inspirational leader, “a spark,” regardless of their title.
• Sparks make better decisions and connect with others more deeply because they think creatively. 
• If you want to be a spark, learn to admit when you’re wrong, serve others, and become self-aware.

“If you as a leader allow people to halfway do their jobs and don’t demand excellence as a prerequisite to keeping their job, you will create a culture of mediocrity.” — Dave Ramsey

EntreLeadership will outline a path to becoming a great leader in your company by identifying the necessary management and entrepreneurial skills, then mastering them.

If you want a compendium of great, entrepreneurial leadership advice, compiled by someone who’s walked the walk, check out this book. Ramsey quotes lots of other smart leaders and explains how he implemented their advice in his own businesses. Worth the read!

• The most successful heads of new companies combine the skills of an entrepreneur and a leader. 
• To create a lucrative business, work on your marketing strategy. 
• You only get hardworking and loyal employees if you give out generous salaries and bonuses.

“Self-deception blinds us to the true causes of problems, and once we’re blind, all the ‘solutions’ we can think of will actually make matters worse.” — The Arbinger Institute

Leadership and Self-Deception is a guide to becoming self-aware by learning to see your faults more accurately, understanding other’s strengths and needs, and leaning into your natural instinct to help other people as much as possible.

This book will teach you how to spot deception in and by yourself as well as from others. It’ll also help you become more self-aware and have better, more genuine interactions with other people. It could just as well be a self-help book, and its positive effects will go well beyond the workplace!

• Seeing your own needs as more important than those of others makes you forget they are people just like you.
• You justify your worldview by inflating your virtues and overemphasizing other people’s weaknesses.
• If you want to beat self-deception, you must act on your instinct to help others in need.

Best Leadership Books About Teamwork

“When people don’t unload their opinions and feel like they’ve been listened too, they won’t really get on board.” — Patrick Lencioni

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team uses a fable to explain why even the best teams struggle to work together, offering actionable strategies to overcome distrust and office politics in order to achieve important goals as a cohesive, effective unit.

If you struggle to work well together with others, get this book. Learn how to build trust and communicate effectively, even mediate well between different parties. For any aspiring team player, this is a good read.

• If a group wants to facilitate trust, it must be open about weaknesses and mistakes.
• Everybody needs to be committed to decisions, no matter what the consensus is.
• Focus on a common goal instead of looking for individual results.

“We may have a perfectly adequate way of doing something, but that does not mean there cannot be a better way.” ― Edward De Bono

Six Thinking Hats divides thinking into six distinct areas and perspectives, which will help you, your team, and your company tackle problems from different angles, thus solving them with the power of parallel thinking and saving time, money, and energy as a result.

Are you looking for a framework that’ll make meetings smoother, more fun, and more effective? This is the book for you. The six thinking hats can seriously improve any group dynamic.

• The blue hat is the manager’s hat, which is worn to oversee the situation.
• When wearing the red hat, everyone is free to express their emotions without having to worry about being judged.
• The yellow hat gets you to pick up your shovel and start digging, because it’s the hat of the optimist.

“People leave managers, not companies.” — Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

First, Break All the Rules claims that everything you think you know about managing people is wrong, revealing how you can challenge the status quo so that both you and those you lead will achieve their full potential.

Forget about financial incentives, tight deadlines, and demanding speeches. If you want a more human way of pushing others to do their best, check out this book. Learn to be a facilitator of happiness, provide people with autonomy, and good results will follow. This book will teach you how.

• Successful businesses have happy employees — because managers have the power to ensure team members are satisfied.
• To be a great leader, set baseline standards of performance, then let people choose how exactly to reach outcomes.
• When you want to improve employees performance, look to the top performers on your team, not mistakes or averages.

Best Leadership Books About Group Dynamics

“Vulnerability doesn’t come after trust — it precedes it. Leaping into the unknown, when done alongside others, causes the solid ground of trust to materialize beneath our feet.” — Daniel Coyle

The Culture Code  examines the dynamics of groups, large and small, formal and informal, to help you understand how great teams work and what you can do to improve your relationships wherever you cooperate with others.

If you want to learn how to integrate well in any group, collaborate better, and get your points across, this is a must-read. Charisma, or a lack thereof, is somewhat natural, but culture and communication can be learned. This book will show you how to use them to get people to cooperate and achieve big things.

• Build a safe environment to make everyone feel comfortable in working together.
• Share vulnerability to show no one needs to be perfect.
• Establish purpose through a common goal and a clear path to get there.

“Treating everyone fairly isn’t treating everyone equally.” — Ron Clark

Move Your Bus illustrates the different kinds of groups in organizations, how leaders can inspire those groups, and what individuals can do to become highly valued, productive members of the organizations they serve.

If you often find yourself frustrated with coworkers actions, this book is for you. Learn to accept that different people play different roles at work and in life, and you’ll be more efficient in giving everyone what they need to succeed.

• Have high expectations of people, then make it possible for them to deliver.
• Accept that different people perform on different levels.
• Let go of your sense of entitlement, forever.

“Change the language in the tribe, and you have changed the tribe itself.” — Dave Logan, John King & Halee Fischer-Wright

Tribal Leadership explains the various roles people take on in organizations, showing you how to navigate, connect, and lead change across the five different stages of your company’s “tribal society.”

Do you feel lost when you look at your company’s org chart? This book will help you navigate it, and not just on paper. Learn to identify the various groups in your organization and the stages they move through over time — and become a more efficient collaborator as a result.

• In the 21st century, tribes are still the most powerful social units in which we operate.
• Tribal progression depends on the quality of connections between its members.
• To change a group, you need to work with individuals first.

Best Books for Leaders Trying to Inspire People

“The highest quality of thinking cannot emerge without learning. Learning can’t happen without mistakes.” — Liz Wiseman

Multipliers explains the five types of people who inspire, support, and improve others in their organization, showing you how to become one as well as avoid diminishers, the people who drag down others and make it harder for them to perform.

Is there someone at work who always brings you down or even blocks you from accomplishing your tasks? This book will help you deal with them. It’ll also show you how to avoid becoming a “diminisher,” as Wiseman calls them, yourself. Plus, you’ll learn which type of “multiplier” you might be, and how you can best amplify the voices and work of others.

• Diminishers reduce the effectiveness of their team, while Multipliers expand their team’s capabilities.
• If you’ve got a Diminisher boss, hope rests in learning and applying some defensive strategies.
• Becoming a Multiplier and improving your workplace is as simple as following a few quick practices.

“Perhaps the best definition of coaching is ‘unleashing or unlocking the potential of another human being.’” — Michael Simpson

Unlocking Potential will teach you how to coach others in a way that brings to light their greatest strengths and capabilities, allowing you to make a true difference in people’s lives as a leader.

A good leader is similar to a good coach: They’ll help others help themselves, then get out of the way. This book will teach you which questions to ask when and how to empower those around you to do as much as they can on their own.

• The basics of effective coaching center around trust and potential. 
• You can encourage commitment by asking the right questions and help others execute effectively with the principle of flow.
• Asking a team member what feedback they’d give to someone in their situation brings out the best advice for them to follow.

Best Leadership Books About Presence

“Focus less on the impression you’re making on others and more on the impression you’re making on yourself.” — Amy Cuddy

Presence will grow your confidence by explaining how posture, mindset, and body language all reinforce your feeling of empowerment as well as your communication skills.

Do you lack confidence? This book will help bring it back. Through a series of useful exercises, you’ll feel inspired to stand up for what you believe in and hold your head high — literally and figuratively.

• If you want more courage and the ability to handle stress better, find and write about your #1 core value.
• Beat feelings of powerlessness by remembering past wins and other positive events.
• Your posture is evidence of how you feel about yourself, and by improving it, even right now, you will become more confident.

“Becoming a leader and doing something amazing with your life hinge on what makes you different, not on what makes you the same as everyone else.” — Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Executive Presence is an actionable guide to the essential components of a strong leader’s charisma, including and teaching you elements like gravitas, communication, appearance, and others.

A leader who has to yell every time to make their point is not a good leader at all. This book will show you how to command respect and meet people eye-to-eye — and that’s before you’ve even started talking. The book also has good tips for that, of course. If you want to exude authority and confidence wherever you go, get this book.

• Gravitas is the core of executive presence.
• It’s not  what you say that counts, but how  you say it.
• Your physical appearance matters a great deal.

“Coaching is the act of staying curious. Feedback is when you need to share your point of view.” — Michael Bungay Stanier

The Advice Trap will drastically improve your communication skills and make you more likable, thanks to explaining why defaulting to sharing your opinion about everything is a bad idea and how listening until you truly understand people’s needs will make a much bigger positive difference in their lives.

When you’re a leader, everyone expects you to tell them what to do. Often, however, that’s exactly the wrong thing! You must learn to help people figure out what to do on their own, and that’s what this book is about. Combine silence, transparency, and appreciation, and you’ll rise through the ranks thanks to your influence, not your aggression.

• Your Advice Monster takes on three personas that you need to be aware of if you want to beat it.
• Listen better by using keywords to prime yourself, repeating a single skill, and learning to make it enjoyable.
• Be generous when communicating with others in three specific categories.

Best Leadership Books About Communication

“It’s the most talented, not the least talented, who are continually trying to improve their dialogue skills. As is often the case, the rich get richer.” — Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al Switzler

Crucial Conversations  will teach you how to avoid conflict and come to positive solutions in high-stakes conversations so you can be effective in your personal and professional life.

Looking for a better way to handle high-stakes situations? Then this might be the right book for you. Speech is what separates us from the other animals, but if we don’t speak clearly, we might as well be throwing rocks. Master the STATE method described in this book, and how you communicate in difficult situations will change forever.

• When communicating, stay focused on your goals to avoid reacting emotionally. 
• Create safe conversations by showing the other person you value their opinions. 
• Use the STATE method to resolve conflict when it arises.  

“Make sure that you are seeing each person on your team with fresh eyes every day. People evolve, and so your relationships must evolve with them. Care personally; don’t put people in boxes and leave them there.” — Kim Malone Scott

Radical Candor will teach you how to connect with people at work, push them to be their best, know when and how to fire them, and create an environment of trust and innovation in the workplace.

Do you struggle to be open with people, especially about uncomfortable but necessary developments? Try Radical Candor . This book will help you build the transparency you need without offending people, and your results when working in and with a team will soar.

• To develop radical candor, you must learn to be honest and direct without offending people.
• Collaborative leadership is far more effective than just barking orders.
• Get to know your employee’s real motivations by having honest conversations.

“The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people.” — Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

The One Minute Manager gives managers three simple tools that each take 60 seconds or less to use but can tremendously improve their efficiency in getting people to stay motivated, happy, and ready to deliver great work.

If you have a practice of giving compliments to coworkers but not telling them when they need to do better, this book is for you. The one-minute practices are easy and elegant. They also allow you to move forward without dwelling on people’s mistakes (or their accomplishments, for that matter). What an efficient way to lead!

• For each of your employees, set three goals you can review in one minute or less.
• Use one minute praise to give your employees positive feedback.
• A one-minute reprimand is more than enough to express your dissatisfaction.

Best Leadership Books About Ethics & Being of Service

“Authenticity is the act of telling people what you believe and care about, not telling them what you think they want you to believe or care about.” — Dale Partridge

People Over Profit evaluates the four stages most companies go through as they mature, moving from honest over efficiency to deception and, if they’re lucky, redemption, ideally helping them to foster seven core beliefs that will allow them to stay honest all the way to the end.

Most business books focus on tactics. Some focus on strategies. This is one of the few that addresses philosophy. If you can inspire a spirit of honesty among your first few employees, it’ll automatically become part of your company’s culture. Old employees teach it to new ones as the business grows, and you’ll still lead a virtuous company by the time it’s all grown up. A great read about developing a powerful organizational culture that can last for generations to come.

• Every company starts as an honest one.
• Good companies embrace transparency instead of trying to avoid it.
• By making better choices as a consumer, you can do your part to contribute to an honest-business world.

“We think we want ease and comfort, and of course we do from time to time, but there is something inside us that longs for some calling that requires dedication and sacrifice.” — David Brooks

The Second Mountain  argues that the key to living a meaningful, fulfilling, and happy life is not found in the pursuit of self-improvement but instead a life of service to others.

This book will show you how to truly put others first — and let everything else follow. Prioritizing those you care about will take care of many of the problems you worry about for yourself. It’s funny how it works, but it does. This book will convince you and show you how.

• Individualism causes a lack of social connections, which is why people feel adrift as they focus on the first mountain, material success. 
• Joy is better than happiness, and we receive it when we scale the second mountain — a life of caring for people. 
• Putting the needs of others above your own requires commitment and hard work; love alone won’t cut it.

Best Leadership Books With Out-of-the-Box Approaches

“There are many qualities desirable in a political leader that should matter more than the criterion of strength, one better suited to judging weightlifters or long-distance runners.” — Archie Brown

The Myth of the Strong Leader reveals why being a bold, charismatic leader might not be all it’s cracked up to be, showing that we give way too much credit to “strong” leaders and illustrating the problematic consequences this societal pattern entails.

Are you worried about how you’ll lead when you’re neither literally tall nor figuratively larger than life? Don’t fret! This book will dispel the common myth that leaders must be (or at least appear) strong. It’s a cultural phenomenon more so than anything else, and even the best leaders have big flaws, like all of us. An encouraging read for anyone feeling like they’re out of their depth!

• We have a deeply skewed idea of what it means to be an effective political leader. 
• A truly good leader needs to be humble and know how to listen to people. 
• The people who become the most influential leaders usually employ a collegial style of leadership.

“Leaders, in fact, must be more afraid of inflicting harm than of suffering harm themselves.” — Plutarch

How to Be a Leader is Greek philosopher Plutarch’s guide to leadership, using practical ideas, historical narratives, and political events to outline the qualities of the best leaders, including serving for the right reasons, speaking persuasively, and following more experienced leaders.

This book’s lessons aged like a fine wine. Leadership isn’t new. We’ve been doing it for as long as humans have existed. Plutarch will show you that the basics still apply, and that leadership isn’t rocket science. A fantastic read full of common sense and surprisingly relevant advice, given its age.

• A good leader wants to lead for the right reasons. 
• Persuasive speaking skills are a hallmark of leadership.
• We shouldn’t dismiss the strengths of more experienced leaders.

“A critical element of effective leadership is not to let the immediate take precedence over the important.” — Raymond M. Kethledge & Michael S. Erwin

Lead Yourself First highlights the importance of solitude, sorting your mind, and self-awareness in leading others, recommending strongly aligned goals and an inspiring mission to get others to take initiative on your shared objectives.

Leadership is about leading others, but that doesn’t mean to do it well you have to be around people all the time. In fact, the opposite is true! Solitude is necessary to think clearly, recharge, and return to those you hope to guide with renewed energy and motivation. This book will show you how to look inward to better navigate the world outside and help others do the same.

• Great leaders use solitude to deal with four aspects of their life.
• FOMO is a dangerous trap for anyone who is serious about their responsibilities.
• Solitude can help you alleviate negative emotions and triggers.

“The Stoic Sage, or wise man, needs nothing but uses everything well; the fool believes himself to ‘need’ countless things, but he uses them all badly.” — Donald Robertson

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor  combines the story of famous Stoic and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius with lessons from modern psychology to help you become more emotionally resilient and develop the strength to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

If a shy boy 2,000 years ago managed to get through life as an emperor (a life Marcus never would have chosen), then you, too, can show others the way. Inspiring through its story and enlightening through its lessons, this is a fantastic book full of pragmatic wisdom.

• We come from nature, and we’ll return to it eventually, so it’s only logical to live in agreement with it. 
• Life is about constant improvement, which is why we should all work on our virtues every day.
• Stoics know there’s no point in worrying over what you can’t control, so best just make your peace with it.

Best Inspiring Biographies of Famous Leaders

“Enthusiasm makes up for a host of deficiencies.” — Barack Obama

A Promised Land is former president Barack Obama’s memoir in which he explains how he got into politics, what it was like for him to be president of the United States from 2009 to 2017, and how he felt during some of his biggest achievements, like passing  the Affordable Care Act.

If you’re a fan of Obama, you’ll get a lot out of this book. If you’re not, you have to at least give the man credit: He led with composure and clarity, even if not all of his choices were right. Especially if you hope to lead in politics, this will be an enlightening read.

• Barack wanted to change the world from a young age, and he almost gave up trying to do so by political means.
• Once Obama’s popularity began to grow, it wasn’t long before running for president became the obvious choice.
• The Affordable Care Act and the assassination of Osama bin Laden are just two of the many notable events of Obama’s presidency.

“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child — What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.” ― Michelle Obama

Becoming will use Michelle Obama’s life story to  motivate you to move forward with your dreams regardless of your circumstances, criticism, or what people think.

Whether you’re the woman behind a strong man, charting your own path, or simply wondering how a First Lady deals with all the pressure and attention, this book is for you. Barack’s success can be credited as much to Michelle as to him, and together, they make for an extremely inspiring pair of human beings.

• Regardless of the changes in your world, you can strive to be your best and learn.
• Ignore people who tell you what they think you can’t be, pushing yourself to excel will lead you to people who believe in your potential.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you live in a place as traditional as the White House.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela

Long Walk to Freedom is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid activist, national icon, and the first South African Black president, elected in the first, fully democratic election in the country.

If you think you’re facing hardship, think again. This man spent more than 20 years in prison, yet still came out ready to forgive his oppressors — and he went on to do great things because of it. One of the most inspiring stories of all time. Highly recommended!

• Your best bet at finding true freedom is education.
• If you want to be remembered, you must learn to challenge authority.
• It’s most important that you don’t give up right after your biggest setback.

“Ask the questions you need to ask, admit without apology what you don’t understand, and do the work to learn what you need to learn as quickly as you can.” ― Robert Iger

The Ride of a Lifetime illustrates Robert Iger’s journey to becoming th e CEO of Disney, and how his vision, strategy, and guidance successfully led the company through a time when its future was highly uncertain.

Do you dream of being a CEO of one of the world’s most beloved brands? Then this book is for you. Bob Iger was loved as much by his employees as their customers love Disney. He truly is a one-in-a-million example of good leadership, and that’s why his story is worth listening to.

• Pay attention to what you think is coincidence — it just may end up leading you to success.
• Even if an idea you have sounds crazy, try it anyway, because you never know what great opportunities might come from it.
• Don’t give up on even the toughest of aspirations, and use your connections to make great things happen.

“Face your fears; live your passions, be dedicated to your truth.” — Billie Jean King

All In  is the autobiography of tennis and LGBT icon Billie Jean King, the first professional female athlete to come out as homosexual, as well as an astonishing player who won countless matches and tournaments, all while fighting for gender equality in sports up to the point of changing US legislation and significantly reducing discrimination in sports for women all over the globe.

Talk about winning against the odds. Billie Jean did it not just in tennis, but in politics too, managing to change the laws of the sport she played. She was also the first professional female athlete to come out as lesbian, and that requires yet another kind of leadership. What an inspiring individual!

• A combination of talent and hard work turned Billie Jean into a champion.
• A good role model can inspire determination and motivate us to push forward.
• Billie Jean had a tough romantic life and other significant challenges to face, none of which kept her from achieving her objective.

“When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you,” Simon Sinek says. “But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you.” That’s what leadership is about. It’s an attitude of service, of putting others first, and when we do that, the people around us want us to succeed too.

I think most of us aspire to being inspiring, and often, that’s easier than we think. But even when leadership forces you to make tough choices, usually, the hardest decision is the one to lead in the first place. Once we’ve made up our mind to walk into the unknown, even when we’re afraid like everyone else, we’ll find that the path keeps unfolding right in front of us — and now, others can follow in our footsteps.

Whether you want to learn more about the basics of leadership or have 20 years of experience as an executive, we hope our list of the best leadership books will provide the little bit of inspiration you’ll need to keep taking small steps every day. Thank you for doing your best to lead. The world needs it more than you know.

Looking for more of the best books on various topics? Here are all the book lists we’ve made for you so far:

• The 60 Best Business Books of All Time (Will Forever Change How You Think About Organizations)
• The 20 Best Entrepreneurship Books to Start, Grow & Run a Successful Business
• The 14 Best Finance Books of All Time
• The 21 Best Habit Books of All Time to Change Any Behavior
• The 33 Best Happiness Books of All Time That Everyone Should Read
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Another State Could Mandate Period Education. Will It Catch On?

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California is poised to become the next state to require schools to teach students about menstruation after legislation passed both chambers—making it one of the few to have a requirement for curriculum on the topic as lawmakers nationally scrutinize what can be discussed about gender in the classroom.

The bill , which passed the Democratically-controlled state Senate unanimously on Aug. 28 and now goes to the desk of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, would require that students in grades 7-12 receive menstrual health education as part of their comprehensive sexual health education, which also addresses human development, sexuality, pregnancy, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections.

California will become one of only a few to mandate that schools have a curriculum about menstrual health, according to advocates for the measure. The legislation was propelled in part by a push from students, who saw how the gap in education was affecting them personally. The premise was proposed by one student who lost her period and didn’t know why.

There has been a wave of states making period products, like pads and tampons, available in schools for students for free (Minnesota’s requirement, in particular, has garnered attention in the past month since Gov. Tim Walz, who signed his state’s requirement into law, became Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate). Researchers say the uptake for teaching students about their menstrual cycle—including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pain management, and menstrual irregularities—has been scant nationwide.

Grassroots organizations have largely covered the gaps when it comes to teaching young people about periods, and providing them with age-appropriate education.

“I think this particular set of topics has been relegated to the private sphere for a long time, like, ‘Oh, families take care of it. We don’t really need to cover it,’” said Marni Sommer, a professor at Columbia University, who has researched experiences of menstruation globally. “I’m waiting for that wave.”

Some legislation targeting the discussion of sex education earned the moniker from critics ‘ Don’t Say Period,’ for restricting classroom discussions before 6th grade—despite puberty often starting for many children before then.

“It’s just our human bodies. Others put a stigma, or a label on it, or make it political, but it’s really just about the physiology of our bodies, basically,” said Erin D. Maughan, a professor in the school of nursing at George Mason University. “If we can make sure that everyone in school understands that, then I think some of the issues we hear about could be averted.”

Community organizations seek to fill the period education gap

In states that lack a curriculum, some community organizations have tried to bridge the gap. As part of the programming at 3D Girls Inc.—a nonprofit in Georgia that seeks to educate and empower young women—instructors focus part of their curriculum on special and emotional wellness, said founder Raioni Madison.

Instructors use age-appropriate books—such as A Girl’s Guide to Puberty & Periods , developed by Sommer and colleagues—to guide the conversation. They make “diva kits” stocked with period products for students to keep in their backpacks.

The organization works with poorer school districts and under-resourced communities, where students are often facing period poverty—a lack of access to period supplies, which are often expensive and taxed.

“What we do find is that creating a safe space for them to [learn], they’re more open to talk about it. We’ve heard them say, ‘My mom doesn’t talk to me about this,’” Madison said. “We’ve had parent period puberty sessions virtually, and the parents are scared to talk about this with their children, whether they want them to grow up or not, or not know what to say or nobody ever talked to them about it, and they don’t know how to articulate it.”

Without basic information, advocates worry students will find misinformation

Culturally, families can be reticent to discuss periods, Sommer said. And nationally, there’s no consistency in how districts handle discussions on the topic.

“You could be in one state, and one district in one school is doing it really well, and another school or another district is not managing to include it adequately,” she said. “And so what that means is that young people are left to find what they can on the internet, which can be a great source, but also can be a very misleading source of information, and sort of lead them to feel more afraid or confused than if they were getting basic, accurate information.”

That’s, in fact, what Sriya Srinivasan experienced. The high school junior in Solano County, Calif., lost her period in 2020, and began searching for the reason why online. She was told she had cancer or terminal illnesses. Three years later, when she went to the hospital for a running injury, she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, which had caused her period to stop.

She realized the lack of education she’d gotten around her period, and in talking with her friends, saw how many of them also had struggles with their period. She wondered why schools weren’t teaching about it.

Her experience prompted her to enter a bill-writing contest put on by Wilson, the California assembly member. Srinivasan proposed mandating a menstrual education curriculum. It was picked from hundreds of others, she said.

“I 100 percent believe that storytelling is the best piece of advocacy, the most strongest piece of advocacy,” she said.

Srinivasan’s proposal rose to the top when Wilson, a Democrat, found that young women still had a stigma around their cycle. The more she and her staff explored it, the more they found it necessary.

“We needed to have something that was standard and consistent across the state, and recognized that menstrual health is part of health education overall,” she said. “If you know your body, it’s going to lead to better health outcomes.”

They learned that even though California has a law mandating access to period products in school bathrooms, young menstruators were uncomfortable taking free products, or talking about their periods to their peers. Young people were turning online to seek out basic answers about their menstrual health

“I hope this will lead to the next generation of young people not having the stigma that happened in this generation, and my generation, and my mother’s generation, and the generations before us,” she said.

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What’s The Difference Between Managing And Bullying

Workplace bullying, harassment and instances of sexual misconduct are, unfortunately, issues that affect approximately 30% of employees at any given moment. As defined by the Workplace Bullying Institute bullying is "repeated, health-harming mistreatment by one or more employees of an employee: abusive conduct that takes the form of verbal abuse; or behaviors perceived as threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; work sabotage; or in some combination of the above."

The impacts of workplace bullying can be harmful and long-lasting, including anxiety, depression, physical health issues and, in extreme cases, can lead to suicide. However, serious as bullying is - not all behavior at work constitutes bullying.

Employees may sometimes misinterpret task assignments or performance expectations as bullying behavior. Distinguishing between bullying and standard management practices is incredibly important for ensuring fairness and efficiency in the workplace, as management has the right to manage.

Effective management focuses on organizational goals and consistent rule enforcement. While bullying is personal, punitive, and driven by a desire for control, says workplace violence expert Deborah Circo, PhD , Assistant Professor of the Grace Abbot School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska.

To better understand the difference, Circo explains that "bullying behaviour has a clear purpose and intent that is personal in nature and punitive, with behavior that include control and power, both overt and covert," demonstrating the clear delineation between actions that are intended to harm and that which is intended to direct.

The Importance Of Intention And Communication Style

Intention is key in distinguishing manager-employee interaction from bullying. A manager's primary objective should be guiding their team towards success by offering feedback when addressing areas for improvement. Such feedback serves as a tool for employees to understand how they can enhance their performance and contribute effectively to the organization. Feedback can foster growth rather than cause harm when delivered respectfully and clearly.

Nevertheless, some employees may misinterpret feedback or performance-related conversations as bullying, particularly if they feel stressed or defensive. This misunderstanding can result in complaints that are not rooted in bullying but stem from discomfort with being held accountable.

Managers need to differentiate between upholding work standards and engaging in behavior that could be perceived as bullying. How feedback is given— encompassing tone, body language and context— greatly influences how it is received.

Circo suggests that having private conversations to discuss issues with employees, regularly revisiting policy and communicating workplace conduct expectations, and documenting problems that arise are all ways for managers to ensure best practices and avoid misunderstandings.

Navigating Power Dynamics

Power dynamics significantly influence how management practices are perceived regarding bullying tendencies. Managers inherently possess authority, creating a power dynamic that may lead to misunderstandings where assertive management is misconstrued as bullying, especially if employees feel unsupported.

Conversely, there are instances where employees might wrongly raise "bullying" concerns to evade responsibility or challenge tasks. When asked to complete tasks or enhance performance, some individuals may perceive the directive as bullying, even if the manager's intentions are justified.

Establishing Boundaries And Promoting Respect

It's crucial to set boundaries and foster a culture of respect to prevent managers from coming across as bullies. Managers should clearly outline expectations for behaviour and performance to ensure employees grasp their responsibilities.

Dealing with issues promptly and fairly is vital to upholding a work environment. Providing feedback focused on behavior than personal attributes can enhance clarity and fairness.

Promoting respect also involves appreciating and valuing the contributions of all team members. Recognizing achievements, offering reinforcement and providing support contribute to a rounded management approach. When employees feel respected and safe, they are more likely to respond to feedback and are less likely to view managerial actions as bullying.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, top five strategies for management without bullying.

1. Communicate Clearly and Respectfully: Ensure that expectations, feedback and decisions are communicated clearly and respectfully. Avoid using harsh language that could be misinterpreted. Explain your own communication style so people understand up front where you are coming from which can aid in avoiding misunderstandings.

2. Offer Constructive Feedback: Focus on providing feedback that aids employee development. Highlight specific areas for improvement. Provide guidance on how to achieve outcomes.

3. Be Mindful of Power Dynamics: Acknowledge the power imbalance between managers and employees. Use your authority to support and guide your team rather than intimidate or control them.

4. Establish a Culture of Respect: Cultivate an atmosphere where every team member feels appreciated and treated with dignity. Recognize their efforts. Ensure fairness in all interactions.

5. Foster Transparent Communication: Provide platforms for employees to express their thoughts and offer feedback. Being attentive to your team's input can prevent misunderstandings. Nurture a foundation of trust.

Employers have the right to oversee and guide employees' responsibilities. It is management's responsibility to offer feedback to assist in the growth of employees. Similarly, it is the responsibility of employees to accept feedback in a manner that promotes change and progress. When either party violates boundaries, it can result in rudeness and even bullying. Ensuring sincerity in intentions, maintaining communication, and conversing with respect can achieve success for employees, managers, and the organization.

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., mendocino county library round valley branch, community anchor | best small library in america 2024.

For the work it has done to create a robust community hub through responsive services and strong partnerships, the Mendocino County Library Round Valley Branch, CA, is the recipient of LJ ’s 2024 Best Small Library in America Award, sponsored by Ingram Library Services. Honorable mentions go to Northfield Public Library, MN, and Valley of the Tetons Library, ID.

The Mendocino County Library Round Valley Branch is LJ ’s 2024 Best Small Library in America

At Library Journal we have been inspired over the past few years to see a growing number of libraries step up to address some of the nation’s most pressing issues: ensuring their services are inclusive and provide connectivity for as many people as possible, offering sustainable practices that everyone can take part in, and contributing to their community’s safety and resiliency. Every so often, however, we come across a library that has been doing this work from the start, out of necessity as well as ideals.

The Round Valley Branch Library of the Mendocino County Library System is the lone facility serving the unincorporated community of Covelo, CA—a remote spot even by northern California standards. Located nearly 200 miles northwest of Sacramento and about three hours from the affluent tourism destination of California’s wine country, Covelo sits between the Pacific coast and Mendocino National Forest; the westernmost section of the single state highway providing access becomes a gravel road just outside of town limits and is closed during the winter because of heavy mountain snowfall. More than 400 acres of the unincorporated town of Covelo are part of the 23,000 acres of the Round Valley Indian Reservation, whose history was born out of the California Trail of Tears. According to 2022 Economic Census data, just over 29 percent of Covelo’s nearly 3,000 residents live below the poverty line—nearly double the rate for the rest of the county—and for many years experienced poor broadband connectivity. As in many parts of the state, Mendocino County has suffered devastating wildfires, including two of California’s largest in the past six years.

Because Covelo is isolated and lacks the infrastructure and resources of more populous areas; because many residents’ livelihoods depend on agriculture and ranching, industries hit hard by the recession; because it is vulnerable to wildfires; and because it is home to a population divided mainly among white, Indigenous, and Latine residents, the library has always needed to prioritize sustainability, resiliency, and inclusivity. For the work it has done to create a robust community hub through responsive services and strong partnerships, the Mendocino County Library Round Valley Branch is the recipient of LJ ’s 2024 Best Small Library in America Award, sponsored by Ingram Library Services.

A COMMUNITY REVITALIZED

The Round Valley Branch was founded in 1978 as the Covelo Public Library, run by a handful of volunteers in a former laundromat. In 1989 it was incorporated into the Mendocino County Library System, joining branches in Fort Bragg, Willits, and Ukiah, the county seat; facilities in Point Arena and Laytonville joined later. At the same time, the Friends of the Round Valley Public Library (the Friends) group formed.

The downfall of the timber industry in the 1990s hit Round Valley’s economy powerfully, leaving it vulnerable. When a wealthy developer bought up a large block of downtown and razed it with the intent to build, some saw hope for a renewed economy; but he abandoned his plans when the recession hit in 2008, leaving a quarter of Covelo’s commercial buildings gone.

The Friends realized that the community badly needed revitalizing, and had an idea to help: a Commons, with the library as its hub, that could provide necessary services to residents of the town, reservation, and county. With the help of several endowments from local ranchers, the Friends were able to buy a large former restaurant. The county supported the plan, and some generous outside donors—as well as a steady stream of smaller local contributions—helped fund the $1 million, 7,500 square foot project. The library moved into its new space in 2010.

“It’s beautiful to walk into,” says County Librarian Mellisa Hannum. “There’s lots of light, it has gorgeous woodwork, and the community room has all these overstuffed cushy leather chairs. It’s a really nice environment.”

The complex houses a certified commercial kitchen, redwood-paneled meeting and community room, café, and radio station, among other amenities, but the anchor of them all is the Round Valley Branch. With five employees including Branch Librarian Josh Bennett, as well as a roster of volunteers, the library provides a range of programming for adults and children, a robust collection—print books, hoopla and Libby e- and audiobook lending, and Kanopy streaming video, among other offerings—and widespread outreach.

“We’ve been really working hard to reach as many families as possible in this small community,” says Bennett. A former teacher, he works closely with the local school system, in addition to a host of other day-to-day services—“I’m ready to receive kids when they walk through the door. I’m lending books, I’m talking with partners and arranging outreach, and I’m making Facebook posts.”

SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY

The community has always been self-reliant, both by necessity, because of its isolation, and thanks to a great deal of agricultural fortune: good soil, a deep aquifer throughout the valley, and clean air when there isn’t a fire.

“The challenge is, how do you transition from that insular, homesteader idea of ‘I can take care of my own place,’ to recognize that we’re all in this together?” asks Lew Chichester, a Round Valley resident and contractor who came on to help manage the library design and construction process and currently serves as vice president of the Friends board. “This is sustainability, this is resiliency, to create these relationships with one another, and relationships with the structures of the world that you live in.”

Round Valley’s Seed Library embodies those ideals of interdependence and regard for the land. All of the system’s branches now have seed libraries, each different according to their local microclimates—which vary widely across Mendocino County’s nearly 4,000 square miles—but Round Valley’s was the first, started by Library Technician Pat Sobrero in 2013. “The county really believes in supporting sustainable agriculture and growing things that are adapted to the region,” says Hannum. “Covelo is inland and gets really hot in the summer and colder in the winter.”

An old wooden card catalog holds a large collection of seeds that community members can access for free, and a couple of seed and fruit tree scion swaps each year draw participants from all over the county. During the growing season, the Seed Library provides the local food bank with seed packets to distribute to community members who may be experiencing food insecurity. Local experts often speak at the library about seed saving and cultivation, with an eye toward healthy eating and sustainable growing practices.

“Interest in gardening and food production has only grown since the COVID pandemic,” says Sobrero. “We focus on encouraging people to garden and save seeds and on developing locally adapted crop varieties that will grow and thrive in our extreme climate.” The library has distributed more than 4,600 seed packets over the past 12 months.

The Commons property also includes two lots, one of which—a grassy area shaded by walnut trees—is home to a Farmers Market on Fridays. The market is a gathering spot for the community as well as a place to shop. Residents sell organic produce, baked goods, and preserves that have often been processed in the Commons’ commercial kitchen. Monthly seed planting parties during the growing season, using seeds from the Seed Library, let people plant flowers and vegetables “to go.”

Sobrero also runs a sustainability film series with subjects ranging from beekeeping to restorative agriculture, bikes to forest management. Along with the Seed Library, says Bennett, the series “easily fits into that story of simple things that we can all do to lighten our footprint on Earth.”

KEEPING CONNECTED

Bennett credits Mendocino County Library Administrative Services Manager Barb Chapman with one of the library’s most important developments—its Wi-Fi connection. “When I started in 2016, the branch was connected with fixed wireless. What that means is there’s a microwave signal beamed out from a mountaintop,” he says. “It was unreliable and it was slow.” On Fridays, the library’s busiest days, “the Wi-Fi would just kind of whimper.” For residents dependent on the library to print a document, access telehealth or social services, register at the county DMV, or do homework, this was more than just an inconvenience.

In 2019, Chapman began work to connect the Mendocino Library system to the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC), a nonprofit consortium, and helped secure $100,000 in grant funding from the California State Library. CENIC installed the first fiber optic high-speed broadband lines in the county; the schools were wired up with high-speed internet at the same time. The network upgrade to the Round Valley Branch was completed in 2022, to the delight of patrons and staff alike. “It’s a huge success and a win for this community,” says Bennett. “Folks get connected via Wi-Fi, they have reliable public computers, and those of us who are conducting library business have an uninterrupted workflow and ability to serve patrons.”

TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS

The federally recognized nation of Round Valley Indian Tribes is one of the state’s largest and—as with many Indigenous U.S. territories—has a complex, difficult history. It originated as a confederation of smaller tribes forcibly relocated from their own lands by white settlers, in the mid–19th century, to the homeland of the Yuki tribe. Some were enemies, and nearly all spoke other languages, held other beliefs, and used the land and its products differently. In 1936, descendants of the Yuki, Wailacki, Concow, Little Lake Pomo, Nomlacki, and Pit River peoples formed a new tribe on the reservation, adopting a constitution and creating the Covelo Indian Community, later called the Round Valley Indian Tribes.

The library has a longstanding relationship with tribal government, and hosts tribal programs and community events year-round, as well as collaborating with the Round Valley Indian Health Center (RVIHC) community outreach department on nutrition classes, early literacy, and the Native Way Walking Amongst Youth and Yuki Trails Youth Activity

days. Recently, the library partnered with RVIHC physical therapist Emily Bruton on a Senior Power program, which challenges seniors of all fitness levels to improve their strength and balance. 

The RVIHC, which has provided health care to the community for more than 50 years, holds its annual Health Fair every September, and the Round Valley Library consistently participates in the community event. The day features a walk/run in the morning followed by an opening prayer, music, free BBQ lunch, bingo for elders, traditional dancers, and booths from a variety of organizations. This year, the fair’s 44th, the library will have a table with new books and plenty of arts and crafts for children, says Bennett.

A PLACE TO GATHER

The handsome community room has its own entrance, so gatherings can be held after library hours. Monthly meetings of the Round Valley Area Municipal Advisory Council (RVAMAC) are held there, and the county sheriff, Department of Transportation, and animal control officers Zoom in on the room’s big screen to meet with constituents. In an area where neighboring towns are more than an hour’s drive away, this central access is critical to keeping community members informed and in touch.

County Supervisor John Haschak regularly used the meeting room when he was campaigning for the position. “The library would be the first place I’d go to,” he says. “It’s the center of the community. During my campaign, they would hold forums there and debates.”

Six years later, he’s a regular visitor—particularly on Fridays, when he spends time at the Farmer’s Market and talks with residents about what’s on their minds. “Pretty much everything revolves around that library in the town—the café, radio station, meetings, forums, parties, movie nights, you could just go on and on,” he says.

Bringing community together doesn’t only happen on library grounds, though. Round Valley makes good use of the Mendocino County Library outreach van, which Bennett says “is almost thought of as one of the branches.” It comes equipped with an awning, beanbag chairs, and astroturf to sit on during story times, not to mention a smoothie bike—a stationary bicycle with a blender attached that children and adults can pedal to power up, get some exercise, and make a healthy snack. People can check out books from the “honor lending library” without needing a library card. (Most of the books are returned, notes Bennett.)

And if the van is busy in some other part of the county, Bennett will go out himself with a table, a crate of new children’s books, and a pile of library card applications. “Every month of the year, we’re doing some sort of outreach,” he says. “If we’re invited somewhere, we show up.”

The Friends’ community radio station, KYBU 96.9 FM, serves to connect people in good times and in bad. The volunteer-run station, housed in a building adjacent to the library, broadcasts a mix of music, news, interviews, and information relevant to the Round Valley community 24 hours a day, and streams online via the station’s website . The station is underwritten by local businesses and officials—in 2023 these included the In 2023 these included the Round Valley Unified School District, M&M Feed and Supply, the Mendocino County Sheriff, the Hot Shots firefighting crew, Tri Counties Bank, and Keith’s IGA Grocery.

Among its many other programs, every afternoon the radio plays an hour of music recorded from a local music festival with a 40-year catalog—“which is fun,” says Chichester, “because you get to hear your grandpa, or this person who has moved away, or this person who passed away.” Library staff use another daily spot, which serves as a bulletin board for library news.

In 2020, the August Complex wildfire—California’s largest in recorded history—burned across more than a million acres over nearly three months, destroying an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. Much of that was within the Mendocino National Forest, as well as swaths of the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, just northeast of Covelo, and the Yuki Wilderness to the south. Townspeople could see it burning in the hills.

“We got in touch with the sheriff and the public information officers of the California Division of Forestry and the Forest Service,” recalls Chichester. Every morning for a month and a half, KYBU broadcast a live interview with fire safety officials and fire reports, which were then archived and made available on the radio’s website for listeners anywhere in the country, any time during the day.

STAYING SAFE

In an isolated region where wildfires pose a very present danger, the library’s involvement with community safety goes beyond providing a news stream during an emergency. The library partners regularly with several fire and safety organizations, including the Round Valley Indian Tribes Natural Resources Department and the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council (FSC), on preparedness programs.

The library “create[s] community around them, and events where people can come and connect, and they’ve also supported all of our core programs,” says FSC Executive Director Scott Cratty. “We have a program that provides free defensible spaces systems”—ways to make property less vulnerable to fire—“for seniors and people who can’t afford to get the work done themselves, and [the library has] taken on advertising that for the community, coaching people. They even helped us find people who could do the work.”

In 2022, RVAMAC applied for and received a Community Foundation of Mendocino County Community Resiliency and Preparedness Fund grant to provide reflective address signs for local seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, or those who are low-income. The collaboration has provided signs for more than 300 residents, helping first responders find those who need them in an emergency.

The library helped coordinate orders and distributed the signs—not only providing a critical community service but bringing new people through its doors. “Folks that we had never seen before inside the library showed up,” says Bennett. “The library won in so many ways, because these are all new library users.”

The library provides programming on wildfire preparedness, such as evacuation plans for people and animals (including livestock), how to sign up for emergency alerts, how to make do-it-yourself air filters, and how to prepare homes so they are more likely to survive a fire event. It coordinates free brush clearing and wood chipping days to help clear flammable debris and has given away rain gutter scoops for removing dried leaves and branches. “We’ve helped people change the string on their weed eaters, because that’s what you do when there’s a lot of flammable grasses—you need to get rid of that stuff,” says Bennett.

The Friends secured U.S. Department of Agriculture grants for solar panels in 2014, which have helped the building keep up with air conditioning demands in the summer. But Covelo’s emergency energy needs are greater than air conditioning alone; In 2021, with the support of several community grants, the library installed a 48 kw backup generator. It can supply power to the entire building in the event of an outage in the winter when power lines go down, during wildfire season, or when the Pacific Gas and Electric Company conducts periodical Public Safety Power Shutoffs for dangerous weather—during LJ ’s video call with Bennett, the library was running, seamlessly, on generator power.

“There were fires everywhere in California that year,” Bennett recalls. “We responded to that need, and we keep the lights on now when stuff like that happens. So if it’s the midst of winter and everyone’s kind of scrambling to deal with life without electricity—for some people, that means without heating, or without internet connection—the library’s lights are on, it’s delivering a Wi-Fi signal and we’re lending books and movies.”

SMALL LIBRARY, BIG SERVICE

The Round Valley Branch is in the admirable—and somewhat rare—position of being fiscally stable. The Friends own the building and property in full, paying insurance and utility bills and maintaining the facilities. The county leases half the building from them and covers the library’s rent plus staff salaries and benefits, contributes to programming and collections, and maintains IT functions; the Mendocino County Library System provides the public Wi-Fi. Round Valley residents comprise only 3 percent of Mendocino County’s population, but it receives between 6 and 8 percent of countywide library use—22,000 visits in 2023—and is funded accordingly.

The Friends do their own fundraising as well. In addition to private endowments, several businesses in the area can be counted on for support; last fall a local road paver paved the library parking lot as an in-kind gift. A significant portion of money raised—Chichester estimates between $10,000 and $12,000 a year—supplements the county’s collection development funding.

Thanks to the additional support from the Friends, Bennett says, Round Valley often has newly published books not available in some of the other branches. “The collection is responsive to what folks are looking for when they come in,” he points out. “We spend a ton of time being ready for those kids who come on their class visits, but it’s not just for kids—our collection’s great. Our circulation numbers reflect that.”

That responsiveness—of the collection, and the library’s offerings as a whole, as well as its many strong partnerships and anchor spot in the busy Commons—make the Round Valley Branch a consummate small library that steps up for people in a big way.

“It really is a model of the new type of library, meeting the people’s needs and bringing community together,” says Haschak. “I think that’s what a library, as the open house for communities, needs to be doing. And they do it at an exceptional level.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Northfield public library l minnesota.

Natalie Draper | Library Director

Staff and leadership at Minnesota’s Northfield Public Library (NPL) believe that a library serves most effectively when in ongoing, open dialogue with its community. Prioritizing that connection extends in many directions, from the library-initiated Pride in the Park festival celebrating the local LGBTQIA+ community to a new Teen Space for gaming, studying, or just hanging out.

The library focuses on equity initiatives, particularly outreach and support to the city’s Latine community. To that end, NPL has increased bilingual services and tutoring and works to recruit Latine staff; it currently employs six full- and part-time Spanish-speaking staff members, who are mentored by the library’s outreach coordinator.

Arts are also central to NPL’s mission. Director Natalie Draper serves as staff liaison to the Northfield Arts and Culture Commission, and has led projects such as Sidewalk Poetry, now in its 11th year of pressing poems by local poets into freshly poured sidewalks; the city’s Poet Laureate program; diverse, intergenerational Open Mic Poetry gatherings; and a monthlong Hispanic Heritage Celebration arts festival that draws thousands and has grown into a citywide event.

For residents who may have limited transportation options or don’t frequent the library’s downtown site, last fall NPL opened the Library Oasis, a full-service satellite location in the Northfield Community Resource Center facility on the city’s south side. The ADA-accessible facility is located on a bus route near affordable housing and public schools. Sharing space with the Community Action Center, Healthy Community Initiative, Northfield Community College Collaborative, Fifty North (a center for active older adults), Head Start, United Way, and Rice County Social Services—all of which have robust partnerships with the library—the fully-staffed Library Oasis offers 24-hour access to holds, computers, notary service, printing, copying, faxing/scanning, flexible meeting and work space, and programs and services in English and Spanish.

NPL “prides itself on bringing the library with us wherever we go,” says Draper. “Whether at our concerts in the parks, through home delivery service, bookmobile and book bike visits, outreach to schools and communities, at the library’s new Oasis location, or at the Carnegie Library in Northfield’s historic downtown, the community recognizes the library as a trusted provider of friendly, inclusive, equitable service.”

VALLEY OF THE TETONS LIBRARY l IDAHO

Susan strayer | communications manager.

Serving an estimated population of 12,000 residents across more than 450 square miles, Valley of the Tetons Library (VTL)—with a staff of 14—is a small but mighty presence in Idaho’s Teton Valley.

“VTL is so creative,” says Communications Manager Susan Strayer. “With limited resources and a rural population, our library has gone above and beyond to offer unique solutions to patrons’ needs.” Those include home book delivery, 24/7 hold lockers, a makerspace that focuses on crafting and reuse as well as technology, a library of things and seed library, and take-home doll and science kits.

For residents living in the northern edge of Teton County, reaching VTL’s main branches in the towns of Driggs and Victor means a 30- to 40-minute drive. So in May, the library converted a 12' x 24' shed into the Tetonia satellite branch, bringing basic services closer to residents. While the building lacks running water, it provides full lending services, after-school and year-round programs, a reading loft, and a permanent collection of approximately 1,300 books and kits. Open hours are scheduled to correspond to the distribution times of the Teton Valley Community Resource Center, which provides food to those in need.

Community members clearly love their library. Program participation saw a 44 percent increase from 2022 to 2023, and the number of cardholders has grown by 11 percent since 2022—now more than half of county residents have a library card. VTL’s collection of more than 85,000 physical and digital items—including hotspots, laptops, light therapy lamps for the long winters, and power tools—circulated over 143,000 times last year.

That approval extends beyond patrons. Recently, a local landowner donated property for a permanent branch in Driggs, where the current library and makerspace buildings are outdated, small, and prone to flooding, and the rent has increased by more than 67 percent over the past three years. “It’s Christmas in August for all of Teton Valley!” says board of trustees member Boots Knighton. “The future home of our 21st century library is realized.” 

Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!

[email protected]

Lisa Peet is Executive Editor for Library Journal.

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