Last year, I could not seem to get enough of reading and listening to books on leadership, or just for fun books for reflection. I found myself going to Border’s Books and staying there for hours. I usually walked out of there having read one book in a sitting or left with a new book that peaked my interest. Books were everywhere; in my car, at my desk, in my briefcase and in a bag ready to take to the pool. There are some great reads old and new and I’d like to share the top 10 books; I’d recommend you consider reading:
1. “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader” – John Maxwell
• This book is a real gem it will offer you coaching and mentoring tips, exercises and each chapter offers suggestion on ways to improve and a relection on what you have learned. It is only 156 pages and less than $20.00.
• Take your time reading this book; consider pacing yourself by reading one or two chapters a month and doing some homework to take notes for to develop your personal development plan.(PDP)
2. “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”– John Maxwell
• You have to like Maxwell and I found this book easy to read and has some really great compelling stories. My favorite law is “Law of the Lid” and “Law of the Inner Circle”.
3. “The One Thing you need to know…” – Marcus Buckingham
• Loved this book; I bought it and could not put it down. I was intrigued by the interviews, case studies and after I read Chapter 5 it cause me to reflect on whether I was a 20 percenter and if I wasn’t how was I going to get there. Well, that was over a year ago, I’ve updated my PDP and I work at it daily.
4. “Good to Great “– Jim Collins – This is a great book on CD. This is still in my car and I listen to it from time to time.
5. “Built to Last” – Jim Collins – Great series of books on organizational leadership .
6. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – Steven Covey Keep this one at your desk at home or work
7. “The Tipping Point” – Malcolm Gladwell - Grab a coffee and read this in the bookstore. Great quick read.
8. “Blink” – Malcolm Gladwell - Another quick read. Send me an email and let me know what you think after you read it.
9. “Did You Hear What I Said” – Olin and Laura Jennings - A small book with a powerful message about listening; one of the most powerful tools a project manager and leader can use.
10. “Fierce Conversations” – Susan Scott - It is a good coffee table book and Susan shares her 7 principles of improving your relationships “one conversation at a time”.
If you are not learning, you are not leading. Reading is a great way to learn more about differing leadership qualities, styles used in various contexts and reflect on your own.
If you have read or run across a good book lately, please share.
Garland McWatters has suggested a very excellent book to consider on leadership in his discussion.
"The checklist is a good summary of many of those qualities that go into making the person I would follow to places unknown. Yet, there is an "X-factor" in leadership that is difficult to quantify or even name. I recommend to you a recent book by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones, "Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?" as a good discussion of what they call authentic leadership. "
Garland McWatters - May 5, 2008
Saving Changes...
Robert ProlProject Manager| KPMG LLPEast Sandwich, Ma, United States
I found Primal Leadership and Emotional Intelligence to be very appropriate leadership books. Saving Changes...
Brenda PrattProject Manager| ATT MobilityRichardson, Tx, United States
I have found "What got you here won't get you there" most helpful. Saving Changes...
Clifford RobinsonSenior Consultant| EASDGCarson City, Nv, United States
As a consultant, I'm constantly thrown in with teams that I don't know, and that don't know me. Gaining trust is a key factor in situations of that type, and I've found that being able to communicate at technical, senior management, and end-user levels is vital. Therefore much of what I read is very technical and very specific. However, as a consultant there are definitely rules to live by. I've found a book called "The Trusted Advisor" by David H. Maister to be a good read.
The obvious experts in leadership are out there, Stephen R. Covey being one of my favorites. However a book called "Leadership and Self-Deception - Getting Out of the Box" from The Arbinger Institute would be on the top of the pile of books I would recommend. ISBN 1-57675-174-0. Saving Changes...
Nancy CurryRetired SRA-Quality & Compliance Assurance Analyst| Pioneer/CortevaAltoona, Ia, United States
Another good book on leadership is The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. Saving Changes...
Traci DuezTalent Architect| Break Free Consulting LLCSugar Land, TX, United States
The best leadership book I've ever read is Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman in the World". I know, I know - some may believe that Project Management isn't 'sales' but this book is about timeless success principles that are priceless for leadership. Saving Changes...
Lizette LukePMO Director| Windows Management ExpertsForest Grove, Or, United States
Reading through the replies, I see many of my favorites as well. I recently read Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" classic that presents his observed formula for success. He defines The Major Attributes of Leaders as:
1. Unwavering Courage
2. Self-Control
3. A Keen Sense of Justice
4. Definiteness of Decision
5. Definiteness of Plans
6. The Habit of Doing More Than Paid For
7. A Pleasing Personality
8. Sympathy and Understanding
9. Mastery of Detail
10. Willingness to Accept Full Responsibility
11. Cooperation
A noteworthy list, considering Napoleon Hill interviewed over 500 of the most affluent and influential people of his time to compile it.
Saving Changes...
