Leadership books: Six must-have edition in your bookshelf

Leadership is not an inborn skill; it is a journey of constant learning and growth. In fact, excellent leaders are never satisfied with the status quo; they constantly look for ways to better their abilities and achieve their goals. So, whether you are a skilled manager or just starting out as a new leader, there is always something to learn. Hence, if you are looking to gain or expand your leadership skills in 2024 but don't know where to begin, we have prepared a list of books that you can consider reading this year.

Six must-read to become a better leader

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

It is true that habits create or break a man. And if you want to figure out why things aren't working out, all you have to do is examine your habits and consider changing them. To show you how to accomplish it, Stephen R. Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is the book for you. The book seeks to teach you about the value of character, integrity, and principle-centred leadership, all of which are critical components for developing trust and becoming a true leader in the 21st century.

Creativity, Inc. by ED Catmull

In today's era, creativity has become an important skill, whether in personal or professional settings. Thus, to cultivate a healthy creative culture in the company, "Creativity, Inc." by ED Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, is a must-read for your growth. The book digs into the specific problems and benefits of nurturing creativity inside a company. Catmull highlights the need for creating an open culture that encourages honest feedback and views failure as a learning opportunity. Furthermore, the book offers significant advice for leaders who want to foster innovation and ensure that teams continually produce new work.

The Ride of Lifetime by Robert Iger

The book "The Ride of Lifetime" by Robert Iger conveys the leadership lessons he has learned throughout his illustrious career. Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, has navigated Disney through a period of immense change, acquiring iconic brands like Pixar and Marvel Studios. The book offers practical advice on building strong teams, managing crises, and making strategic decisions. Iger's emphasis on honesty, integrity, and taking calculated risks provides valuable takeaways for leaders across all industries.

Principles by Ray Dalio

"Principles" by Ray Dalio shares the unconventional principles he has developed, refined and used over the past 40 years as the world's most successful investor and entrepreneur to create unique results in life and business. The book teaches decision-making, truth-seeking, and the use of a systematic approach to attain success. While the book sheds light on unique ideas that individuals and organisations can use, it also provides a clear strategy for increasing the probability of being correct and a five-step process for achieving the desired outcome. Furthermore, Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, and many other well-known businesses suggest the book for those looking to improve their leadership skills.

High Output of Management by Andrew S. Grove

Starting a business is easy, but making it successful requires a significant amount of hard work. Thus, "High Output Management" by Andrew S. Grove is the ideal book to read in 2024 since it provides a practical guide for building and running a business. Grove, Intel's former chairman, provides his viewpoint on his leadership experience in this classic business book and Silicon Valley staple. The book is largely focused on management methods, and the core principles apply well to broader leadership issues.

Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Change is a necessary component of any organisation. However, convincing people to accept change can be difficult. This is where "Switch" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath offers executives practical tactics for overcoming resistance and driving successful change efforts. The book offers valuable insights for leaders who need to motivate their teams to adapt and navigate change effectively.

Therefore, look at the books mentioned above and decide to read one, two or all of them. By delving into these insightful books, you can gain valuable knowledge, develop your leadership skills, and inspire you and your team to achieve extraordinary results. So, happy learning!