This article was taken from LinkedIn.
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
– Harry S. Truman
I’m a proud nerd. I have always loved reading; to the exclusion of many things. It was only when I joined Toastmasters and started writing my speeches that I found my reading invaluable for ideas and conversation starters. However, as a leader, I found reading indispensable. Even though there was lesser time for reading on a regular basis, it seemed more crucial. Here’s my take on why ‘all leaders must be readers’.
A. Reading Expands Your Horizons
B. Reading Gives You Innovative Ideas
C. Books And Ideas Are Conversation Starters
D. Reading Is A Stress Buster
E. Reading Gives Us Perspective
F. Reading Makes Us Thinkers and Doers
G. Reading Makes Us Better Communicators
H. Reading Challenges Us
Here are some books specifically enabling development.
1. Managing the Mental Game by Jeff Boss
Former Navy SEAL Jeff Boss shows readers how to build self-confidence and fortitude.
2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
This book centers on an important business truth: People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
3. The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Great leaders ‘give’ before they ‘receive’.
4. The Dip by Seth Godin
The Dip proves that winners do quit, and quitters do win – till the right ‘dip’.
5. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
The most ‘fun’ book about social economics and behavior – how the world is shaped by minor changes.
6. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
By going for “less,” we prioritize what is truly important in our lives.
7. Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Daniel H. Pink states that our internal motivation drives things – at work and in personal life.
8. Getting Things Done by David Allen
Focus, delegation, and workflows – all there in this gem of a book.
9. Give and Take by Adam Grant
Takers, matches, and gives – the new currency of success.
10. What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack
Negotiate like a boss by reading people – an unconventional take.
11. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey
The classic mindset shift.
12. Tribes by Seth Godin
Communicate and motivate. To lead you must inspire others to follow your example or orders.
13. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Women of the world – how to get the corner office and lead your business; work and life. Men of the world – how to support and create the world for amazing women in business.
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14. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Show up, try and fail. Being vulnerable is a strength.
15. The War of Art by Steve Pressfield
Procrastination – beat it and win the game. How? Read the book.
16. Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain
If you are an introvert, you might be the next great leader – in – waiting. Cain shows the hidden power of how introverts function and win.
Add your books to the list.
