Great leadership isn’t an innate talent or trait. It’s a skill that can be developed and refined with the right guidance – and some of the best mentorship is just a page turn away. Curating a strong reading list with top books on leadership and management can help you inspire and make better bold decisions.
In this post, we’ve handpicked five of the best books on leadership for anyone looking to grow as a leader, regardless of industry or experience level. These titles explore key areas like emotional intelligence, effective communication, innovation and team dynamics. Each of these leadership books has been selected for its practical insights, timeless principles and ability to inspire meaningful, lasting change in the way you lead.
1. “Lead Like a Pirate” by Shelley Burgess
What does it take to be a PIRATE Leader? According to Burgess, great leaders possess the following traits:
- Passion – both professional and personal
- A willingness to immerse yourself in your work
- Good rapport with your staff, students and community
- The courage to ask questions and analyze what is and isn’t working
- The determination to seek positive transformation
- And the kind of enthusiasm that gets others excited about education
Burgess focuses on leadership in the school system in this compelling read, but her advice is beneficial for those in leadership roles in any professional setting. One of the best takeaways: Your staff should be banging down the doors to get in instead of banging down the doors to get out. It offers tips that you can use in your school to enhance the culture and overall success.
2. “The Art of People” by Dave Kerpen
This book on leadership offers a unique perspective on how to influence those around you and make meaningful connections. It includes an Enneagram quiz to help you better understand your personality, along with practical advice on how to lead a team with empathy and authenticity. The chapters are broken into clear, actionable steps you can implement immediately, each supported by real-life examples that bring the concepts to life.
Kerpen focuses on skills essential for anyone in a leadership role: emotional intelligence, active listening and building trust. It’s an engaging read packed with tips that actually stick. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your leadership style, “The Art of People” helps you navigate human relationships with greater confidence and impact.
3. “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown
If you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this one is for you. Brown’s work is regularly found on lists of recommended leadership books for a reason. This book provides practical guidance on how to become a leader and breaks strong leadership up into what Brown calls “four skill sets of courage” that are easily taught:
- Rumbling with vulnerability
- Living into our values
- Braving trust
- Learning to rise
Brown dives into what real, day-to-day leadership looks like and how to handle tough situations – including common barriers to courageous leadership like perfectionism, shame and a lack of trust. Using relatable scenarios and easy-to-follow steps, this is a straightforward yet impactful read. There’s also a resource hub available for the book online, complete with assessments for individual leaders and workbooks for team-building initiatives.
4. “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy
When it comes to books on developing leaders, “The Compound Effect” is a powerful reminder that small and consistent actions can add up to massive long-term results. Hardy emphasizes that success doesn’t come from big, dramatic changes – it’s built through daily habits, discipline and smart decision-making over time. The book breaks down the often-overlooked choices we make every day that may seem insignificant, but that ultimately shape our outcomes in work, health, relationships and beyond.
It’s an especially valuable read for leaders who want to take ownership of their growth and lead by example. If you’re in a season of self-reflection or working to break old patterns, this book offers the mindset shift you need.
5. “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
“Radical Candor” is a powerful guide to building stronger relationships at work through honest, direct communication – without sacrificing kindness or empathy. Drawing on her experience as a leader at Google and Apple, Scott introduces the concept of “radical candor,” which encompasses two key behaviors: caring personally and challenging directly.
The book outlines how leaders can create a culture where people feel safe to speak up as well as give and receive feedback. Rather than avoiding tough conversations or delivering harsh criticism, Scott pushes leaders to address issues with compassion and clarity. She breaks down common pitfalls like “ruinous empathy” (being too nice and avoiding conflict) and “obnoxious aggression” (being brutally honest without care) and offers tools to avoid these extremes by finding balance in your leadership style.
What makes “Radical Candor” a top leadership book is its actionable framework. Scott shares practical feedback techniques and coaching strategies that leaders at any level can apply immediately. The goal is not just to manage people, but to genuinely lead them and help individuals thrive while driving results. Scott’s book is a must-read for creating trust and accountability on your team.
Whether you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership position or want to go from team leader to great leader, these great reads provide plenty of perspective and provide guidance on how to become a better leader. Pick up one of these powerful books to help you grow as an effective leader or to give as a gift to other aspiring leaders in your life.
American College of Education can help you grow your leadership capacity while you gain advanced knowledge in your field. Explore our online leadership programs.
