8 Books That Will Influence Your Leadership

The books I would choose if I started a leader’s book club.

I have this idea to start a Leadership Book Club.

My idea is mostly selfish of course. I just want to create a reason for people to talk to me about the leadership books we’re reading.

I don’t know if I’ll ever follow up on this idea. But here are the 8 books I’d start with if I did. They’re not necessarily my all-time favorites, and I’d recommend different ones depending on the person. But these are a few books that have left a lasting impact on how I approach my work life.

Mattering
Jennifer Breheny Wallace

I want to matter. You want to matter. And we all are happier, healthier, and more productive when we feel like we matter. There are small things we can all do that can communicate to other people that they matter to us. In the process, we may feel like we matter a little more, too.

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Will Guidara

My wife Meg recommended this one. It’s all about going above and beyond in service to others to create unforgettable experiences. This is incredibly applicable far outside of just hospitality. Small things can create huge wow moments for the people we serve.

The 6 Types of Working Genius
Patrick Lencioni

I’ve long liked how approachable Lencioni’s work is, but I found the Working Genius so beneficial in understanding myself, my energy levels, and how teams can best work together to accomplish good work.

The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership
Sam Walker

This is one of my favorite books ever. I’ve read it multiple times. Walker studied history’s most dominant sports dynasties and found the common thread among them wasn’t the things we most often equate with success. Their most consistent component was an unconventional team captain to bring it all together. These glue guys (my words not his) are incredibly fascinating and provide so much insight on the power of leadership on teams.

Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols
Nancy Duarte

It’s been a long time since I’ve read this book, but I think it’s the single most influential book I’ve read when it comes to how I communicate. Duarte breaks down famous speeches like Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the iPod and MLK Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Build tension, meet people where they are, and paint a picture of what could be. These have been game-changing communication concepts for me.

Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact
Liz Wiseman

I don’t know if any leadership book has had a greater impact on me. Impact players don’t do more than others, they approach their work in a fundamentally different way.

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

There were tons of great practical insights in this book, but I don’t remember many of them (maybe I should go back and give myself a refresher). But here’s what I do remember: care deeply and challenge directly. Either one of these things without the other is a disaster. Being radically candid is giving the gift of clarity to your people.

I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers
Tim Madigan

Fred Rogers may not be everyone’s jam, but he is my personal leadership hero. I loved this book from a reporter’s perspective (it was later made into a movie). It beautifully shows the power compassion, care, and communication can have in a person’s life even professionally.

Honorable Mention

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You
Ali Abdaal

I really liked the counter-intuitive insights and practical advice this book offers. I could see it becoming a go-to reference down the road. That said, I just finished it last week, so I don’t want to give it the same weight as the other books here yet. Recency bias is real.

What leadership books have bene the most influential to you?