Top 10 Books for Leaders (2024)
As an executive leadership coach, I’m a big advocate for lifelong learning. Reading is a great way for any leader to learn and grow, be exposed to new ideas, and gain an edge on the competition. Great leaders know they always have more to learn.
Here are my top recommendations for the best books for leaders for 2024.
10. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Get ready to think differently. In this book, Michalowicz challenges the traditional approach to finance.
You know the “Sales - Expenses = Profit” formula they teach you in “Business 101.”
Instead, Michalowicz says, switch up the variables: “Sales - Profit = Expenses.”
In other words, prioritize taking your profit before paying expenses, shifting the focus from revenue to sustainable profitability.
Michalowicz points to two common mistakes that businesses struggle with. First, the belief that bigger=better. Second, focusing on income rather than cash flow and profit.
The approach involves setting up core accounts and "no-temptation" accounts, strategically allocating funds based on Target Allocation Percentages for profit, owners' compensation, taxes, and operating expenses. The system encourages a daily commitment to profit, making it a habitual focus rather than an occasional event.
9. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
In this book, Lencioni explores five common issues faced by teams in business:
Absence of trust
Fear of conflict
Lack of commitment
Avoidance of accountability
Inattention to results
Identifying and addressing these dysfunctions is a great way to create high-performing teams. I really like the way he uses stories to show how these dysfunctions manifest. Trust, open communication, commitment to shared goals, mutual accountability, and a focus on collective outcomes are the key to overcoming these dysfunctions and fostering a healthy and successful team dynamic.
8. How to Decide by Annie Duke
How to Decide is a guide for enhancing decision-making skills through a combination of exercises and compelling stories. Duke, also known for Thinking in Bets, empowers readers to confront biases, address weaknesses, and become more confident decision-makers.
I love how Duke challenges traditional decision-making and offers a teachable skill set. She emphasizes identifying and overcoming hidden biases, extracting high-quality feedback, recognizing the role of luck, and understanding when to decide quickly, slowly, or in advance—all great insights for becoming a better leader!
Duke provides interactive exercises and thought experiments for making decisions based on your personal goals and values with the aim of fostering happier outcomes with fewer regrets.
7. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
The first time I read this, it blew my mind, and I’ve reread it a few times. Dispenza explores neuroscience, quantum physics, and self-help to examine how people can break free from ingrained habits and thought patterns by understanding the science behind change. This book follows up Dispenza’s Evolve Your Brain with a lot of practical exercises to rewire thinking, improve emotional intelligence, and create positive changes.
It talks about the science of the brain and different states of consciousness, such as alpha, beta, theta, etc. Neurons that fire together wire together, so how can we break those connections and habits and build new ones and a new you?
Dispenza emphasizes flipping the belief that “the external world happens to me” to “my internal world affects my experience and external events.” The book includes a meditation program.
6. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
It’s so easy to get caught up in the sense of urgency and constant hurry of modern life. In this book, Comer draws on spiritual practices, psychology, and personal experience to show how we can slow down and simplify our lives. He encourages readers to evaluate their priorities, embrace rest, and foster deeper relationships to counter the negative effects of constant hurry.
Comer is a pastor, so the book does have some religious overtones. Skip it if that’s not your thing.
5. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson
The title gives it a way, but, in this book, Robertson explores the Stoic philosophy of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, with a particular focus on his "Meditations." Aurelius and the Stoics emphasized cultivating resilience and managing emotions to navigate challenges. Robertson makes connections with contemporary psychology, and makes Stoicism accessible for readers seeking practical wisdom for personal growth and well-being.
One of my favorite chapters is “Relinquish Fear.” To use a very Roman example, peace of mind can be achieved even in the battlefield or the clamor of the senate—as long as we keep our mind in good order. We shouldn’t expect or depend on escape from life’s stresses in order to be happy.
“The Story of Stoicism” is a great chapter. In another very Roman example, consider an archer. The archer’s goal is to fire his bow skillfully and within his power. The archer is indifferent to whether the arrow actually hits his target. He focuses on what he can control and accepts whatever comes of it.
Stoicism argues we should live in alignment with our true nature. A good eye is one that sees well, a good ear is one that hears well. A good human, according to the Stoics, is one that reasons well.
And I love his wicked cool Scottish accent in the self-narrated Audible version.
4. The Expansion Sale by Erik Peterson and Tim Riesterer
There’s a common misconception that new customers = growth. Peterson and Riesterer set out to destroy this misconception, pointing to studies showing that 70-80% of growth comes from existing customers. Knowing that, it makes way more sense that your sales strategies should focus on the customers you’ve already got. The authors point to four strategies or “Must-Win Conversations:”
Renewals – Why Stay?
Price Increases – Why Pay More?
Upsells – Why Evolve?
Apologies – Why Forgive?
This framework seems so simple—but the authors do an amazing job building out robust, thoughtful, AND practical talking points within each of these buckets. This book will change how you think about your sales strategy overall, and give your team real insights they can use in conversations with your customer base. You’re welcome.
3. Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
History is filled with leadership lessons, something that Goodwin has explored extensively in her books. In this one, she examines the leadership qualities of four U.S. presidents who navigated challenges and crises in history: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson.
I LOVE a good history book, and Goodwin is one of my favorite authors. Her Team of Rivals focusing on President Lincoln’s leadership abilities is a must-read.
Goodwin has an amazing knack for breaking down complex historical events and making them accessible. She personally knew LBJ and wrote his biography.
2. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
“Why?” is a simple question with big implications. According to Sinek, answering this question is the key to success for leaders and their orgs. The book offers a number of case studies, showing how top leaders and companies have approached this question in a variety of industries. Sinek urges leaders to assess and prioritize their underlying motivations as a guiding force for themselves and their team members.
I personally love the motivating power of this kind of clarity. Being able to articulate and communicate your “why” to yourself and others is powerful, and it extends beyond our professional lives! From big questions like, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” to career decisions, knowing why can give us all a sense of purpose.
1. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
In this book, Maxwell covers a LOT of ground in a thorough discussion of effective leadership skills. From influence and priorities to teamwork and character, Maxwell supports each law with real-life examples and practical advice. The book emphasizes the idea that leadership is not just a position but a set of principles and best practices that can be learned and applied.
Here are a handful of excerpts from the book that have stuck with me:
Law of addition: Leaders add value by serving others. “What kind of a Fortune 500 CEO works on a folding table, answers his own phone, visits hourly employees as often as possible, and gets criticized by Wall Street for being too good to employees? The kind of leader who understands the Law of Addition.”
Law of process: Leadership develops daily, not in a day.
The law of empowerment: Only secure leaders give power to others.
The law of victory: Leaders find a way for the team to win.
The law of explosive growth: To add growth, lead followers. To multiply, lead leaders.
Bonus pick: An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff by Emily Sander
The Chief of Staff is one of those buzzy and misunderstood roles. When properly equipped, a good COS provides an X-factor for their organization. I pull back the curtain on the role and how it fits into the C-suite leadership team and what it does for the business overall.
This book is for prospective or current Chiefs of Staff, as well as any CEOs or other C-suite executives who are thinking of adding a Chief of Staff to their org. The book’s chapters explore what a Chief of Staff is and what they do. Through my own experience in the role, as well as insights from my clients and colleagues, I show how Chiefs of Staff can excel in the role, and provide a kit of tools that any Chief of Staff can use in their day-to-day.
Even if you don’t have a Chief of Staff, your org is doing everything I discuss in this book. Chief of Staff is more than a title—it’s a leadership philosophy.
Up next on my reading list: Good Power by Ginni Rometty
This looks like a really promising read, from the former CEO of IBM. From what I’m seeing about this book, Rometty emphasizes service to others, building belief, and knowing what has to change and what has to stay the same.
Conclusion
Whatever your leadership style, no matter how many years of experience you have, one of the best things you can do for your team and for yourself is to keep learning and growing! I hope you found something for your bookshelf on this list.
What other books have contributed to your own professional development throughout the years? I’d love to hear what else you’re reading. Hit me up on social media, or drop me an email here!
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.