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I've read a number of books on leadership over the years, some of which I found informative and even inspiring. The difficulty, I've found, is organicaly incorporating their messages into one's own leadership style. After all, we've all worked for terrible CEOs who probably read a lot of these books during their careers. Unfortunately, human beings tend to revert to old habits and act out of fear in difficult situations--the exact times when strong leadership is required. That's not to say that leadership books don't contain useful concepts and techniques. But I think getting to know yourself, learning your leadership style (the good, the bad and the ugly) and dealing with any major emotional or pscyholgoical issues that are negatively affecting your performance will go much further in making you a more effective (and happier) boss.
My top three are:
The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner is in it's 4th edition and is a classic
Drive by Daniel Pink is a great book about employee motivation
What Got You Here, Wont Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith, one of the top CEO coaches, reviews 20 derailers that can keep leaders from getting to the next level of performance
Leadership and Self-Deception-- Getting Out of the Box, by The Arbinger Institute, either edition. This is my hands-down recommendation for new leaders to learn the art and importance of honesty and integrity in leadership.
Together, let's put the fun back into work!
Belldon Colme
belldoncolme@gmail.com
Books never end... though some editions gets better with the author's education from the past books, in leadership or whatever subject he may be into. At this time or at any time, books that has survived and thrived through time are the best... and for leadership, one is... THE ART OF WAR.
This is @TheGreatLight.
For the IT world, Making Things Happen.
John C. Maxwell's book 360-degree Leader. Learn how you can lead up, across and down from any position within any organization.
The Prince, Machiavelli
.
1. Leadership – by General Rick Hillier
2. The 8 Dimensions of Leadership – by J. Sugerman; M. Scullard; E. Wilhelm
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi circa 1645.
The Cluetrain Manifesto http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0465018653/ref=nosim/entropygradientr
It may be a cliche, but "Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
"Leadership" by Barbara Kellerman; "Reframing Organizations" by Bolman; "Working with Emotional Intelligence" by Goleman; "Changing Minds" by Gardner; "Executive Presence: The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO" by Monarth (full disclosure: that's my book).
"It Starts with One Changing Individuals Changes Organizations" -by Stephen R. Covey was required reading for me as a graduate student and I thought to highlight the characteristics of leadership.
2 links I think you'll find helpful:
http://jasonseiden.com/leadership-books/
19 books & an article, including a mix of biz and non-biz books that all have lessons for leaders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpxdilcqLfw
A short video with highlights from the list above.
To the list provided I would add: Situational Leadership, Leadership is an Art, the J. Michael Abrashoff series of books, The Speed of Trust, and several of Marcus Buckingham's books.
I tend to be a voracious reader so I am reading stuff constantly. I would also tell you sincerely that the Jack Whyte Camulod series about the evolution of King Arthur have some concepts around leadership and succession planning that I found exceptionally valuable.
It is on my list of books to read so I can only recommend it based on suggestions from a colleauge: Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work by David Rock
The Feiner Points of Leadership
http://www.feinerpoints.com/
Good to Great - By Jim Collins
Andrew Hindes answer is a good one. I would also add that some leadership styles are better than others in certain situations but less good in others. A good example is Winston Churchill, a great leader during war time but faired less well in peace time. So with that said I recommend "The Art of War" by Sun-tzu since this considers leadership styles in different situations.
Some great books are listed already. How about The Leadership Pill and Carrots and Sticks Don't Work. And, one more off the top of my head, an oldie but a goodie, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
I recommend the Bible even if you are not religious.
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