25 Best Leadership Books To Read in 2025
Looking for the best leadership books to help you inspire and guide your team in 2025? Whether you’re new to leadership or have years of experience, books are the best way to get the full story. The right leadership books can help you build trust, solve problems, and guide others with confidence.
In this article, we share the best leadership books that can help you become a better leader at work and in life. From classics to new titles, these books offer simple, useful ideas you can start using today.
Why Read Leadership Books?
Reading leadership books is one of the easiest ways to grow. Here’s why:
- Books give you the full story, unlike podcasts and articles.
- You learn from real stories and people who have lived them.
- They help you become a better listener and a strategic thinker.
- You can apply the lessons right away – the books we’ve selected are full of actionable advice from top industry voices.
Top 10 Best Leadership Books of All Time (that are still relevant in 2025)
1. Radical Respect by Kim Scott
Goodreads rating: 4.19/5
Published: March 7, 2023
Summary: Radical Respect dives into the root causes of toxic work environments and shows leaders how to build inclusive, respectful cultures. Through personal stories, research-backed insights, and actionable tips, Scott tackles tough subjects like bias, bullying, and systemic inequities. She argues that respect isn’t just about being nice, it’s about creating a workplace where people of all backgrounds can speak up, contribute, and thrive. The book also emphasizes the importance of holding people accountable while still showing deep care and understanding.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to address inequality, build inclusive cultures, and practice empathy while holding teams to high standards.
About the author: Kim Scott is a leadership coach and former executive at Google and Apple. She is known for her clear, honest advice on communication and leadership.
Best for: Managers who want to lead diverse, inclusive, and fair teams.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Goodreads rating: 4.12/5
Published: August 15, 1989
Summary: This leadership classic outlines a framework for both personal and professional effectiveness. The habits, such as “Be Proactive,” “Begin with the End in Mind,” and “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood”, are explained with real-life examples and practical guidance. Covey blends timeless principles with modern relevance, showing how these habits help people navigate relationships, build trust, and achieve goals. It’s a roadmap for leaders who want to lead with integrity, vision, and collaboration.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches self-awareness, goal-setting, and how to work well with others.
About the author: Stephen R. Covey was a professor, speaker, and leadership expert. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Best for: Anyone who wants to grow personally and professionally.
3. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
Published: January 7, 2014
Summary: Sinek explores how strong leaders create environments where trust and cooperation flourish. Using examples from the military, businesses, and non-profits, he describes how human biology, like the chemicals oxytocin and cortisol, play a role in leadership. The title comes from the U.S. Marine Corps, where leaders eat after their troops. This symbolic gesture becomes a model for selfless leadership. The book is both philosophical and practical, offering a compelling case for servant leadership in high-performing organizations.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to build trust and loyalty within teams by putting people first.
About the author: Simon Sinek is a well-known speaker and leadership expert. He’s famous for his TED Talk and book Start With Why.
Best for: Leaders who want to build loyal and trusting teams.
4. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Goodreads rating: 4.30/5
Published: October 9, 2018
Summary: Brown argues that courage, not perfection, is the most essential leadership skill. Drawing from her research on vulnerability and shame, she introduces concepts like “rumbling with vulnerability” and “living into your values.” The book includes exercises, checklists, and scripts for having difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and creating psychological safety. Brown emphasizes that brave leaders are made through practice and reflection, not titles or traits. The result is a powerful call to lead with heart, humility, and truth.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches emotional bravery, trust-building, and heart-centered leadership.
About the author: Brené Brown is a research professor who studies courage, shame, and empathy. Her TED Talks have millions of views.
Best for: Leaders who want to connect deeply with their teams.
5. Good to Great by Jim Collins
Goodreads rating: 4.17/5
Published: October 16, 2001
Summary: This business book is based on a five-year research project that studied what makes companies leap from good to great and stay there. Collins introduces ideas like the Hedgehog Concept, the Flywheel, and Level 5 Leadership. He shows that great companies focus on what they do best, confront brutal facts, and build disciplined cultures. With case studies and data to back every claim, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to create long-term success, not just short-term wins.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to focus on what you’re best at, build the right team, and stay disciplined over time.
About the author: Jim Collins is a leadership researcher and bestselling author. He has spent over 25 years studying how companies succeed.
Best for: Business owners and leaders looking to grow sustainably.
6. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
Published: March 14, 2017
Summary: Radical Candor is a leadership guide about giving feedback that is clear, kind, and direct. Kim Scott explains how to challenge team members while showing you care personally, avoiding both ruinous empathy and obnoxious aggression. She offers frameworks for building honest relationships where feedback flows freely and improves performance. The book is filled with stories from Scott’s work coaching leaders at Google and Apple, showing how to create cultures of trust and growth. It helps leaders overcome fear and hesitation, fostering open communication that drives success.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to be honest without being hurtful, and how to coach teams in a kind, direct way.
About the author: Kim Scott is a coach to CEOs and a former Google and Apple leader. She focuses on communication and team development.
Best for: Anyone who needs to give or receive feedback at work.
7. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Goodreads rating: 4.08/5
Published: April 11, 2002
Summary: Patrick Lencioni tells a compelling story about a CEO who faces a broken team plagued by distrust, conflict, and lack of commitment. The book identifies five common dysfunctions that undermine teams: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Lencioni offers practical advice and tools to help leaders build strong, cohesive teams by addressing these dysfunctions head-on. Through relatable characters and lessons, the book makes complex team dynamics easy to understand and improve.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to build trust, deal with conflict, and create commitment and accountability.
About the author: Patrick Lencioni is a leadership expert and consultant. He writes books that teach simple lessons through storytelling.
Best for: Team leaders and HR professionals.
8. First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham
Goodreads rating: 4.05/5
Published: May 5, 1999
Summary: Based on extensive Gallup research, this book reveals how the best managers break conventional rules to build strong teams. Marcus Buckingham shows that great managers focus on employees’ strengths rather than weaknesses, tailor roles to individual talents, and measure success differently. The book includes real-world examples and advice for managers who want to get the most out of their teams by trusting people’s unique abilities. It challenges traditional management practices and encourages innovation in leadership.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to build strong teams by focusing on what people do best.
About the author: Marcus Buckingham is a speaker and researcher known for his work on strengths-based leadership.
Best for: First-time managers and team leads.
9. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Goodreads rating: 4.06/5
Published: October 29, 2009
Summary: Simon Sinek argues that inspiring leaders and organizations start by clearly understanding and communicating their “Why”—their core purpose or belief. He uses examples like Apple and Martin Luther King Jr. to show how purpose-driven leadership creates loyalty and motivation. The book explains the Golden Circle framework: Why, How, What, which helps leaders build trust and inspire action. Sinek’s approach helps leaders focus on meaning rather than just products or profits, creating deeper connections with teams and customers.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to lead with purpose and inspire teams.
About the author: Simon Sinek is a bestselling author, speaker, and creator of the “Start With Why” movement.
Best for: Leaders who want to create meaning and motivation.
10. Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
Goodreads rating: 4.19/5
Published: June 15, 2010
Summary: Liz Wiseman introduces the idea of “Multipliers”—leaders who make everyone around them smarter and more capable. The book contrasts Multipliers with “Diminishers,” who unintentionally drain energy and talent. Through research and examples, Wiseman explains how Multipliers amplify intelligence by encouraging risk-taking, fostering debate, and delegating effectively. The book offers practical advice for leaders who want to empower their teams, unlock hidden potential, and create environments where innovation flourishes.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to use your energy to amplify the intelligence and talents of others.
About the author: Liz Wiseman is a leadership coach and former executive at Oracle. She researches how leaders impact performance.
Best for: Leaders who want to empower their teams.
11. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Goodreads rating: 4.12/5
Published: March 19, 2019
Summary: Julie Zhuo shares her journey from being a first-time manager at Facebook to becoming a seasoned leader, offering clear, relatable guidance for new managers. This book is part memoir, part manual, filled with honest lessons about the awkward, exciting, and challenging parts of leading a team for the first time. Zhuo breaks down everything from hiring the right people to giving tough feedback and building trust. She shares simple frameworks to help with decision-making and shows how to grow a healthy team culture. With visual tools, practical tips, and down-to-earth language, this book is a warm, smart companion for anyone navigating the early stages of leadership.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to give feedback, manage meetings, and build strong teams from day one.
About the author: Julie Zhuo is a former VP of Product Design at Facebook. She writes and speaks about leadership, design, and growth.
Best for: New managers or team leads.
12. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith
Goodreads rating: 4.11/5
Published: April 10, 2018
Summary: How Women Rise focuses on the unique challenges that women face in leadership roles and how to overcome them. Instead of generic advice, the book identifies 12 specific habits that often hold women back, such as perfectionism, reluctance to claim achievements, or the tendency to overvalue expertise. With warmth and clarity, Helgesen and Goldsmith provide real-life examples and clear strategies to help women recognize and replace these habits. The book doesn’t just point out what to stop doing. It offers empowering, practical steps for what to start doing instead. It’s a supportive guide for women who are ready to move forward in their careers and take ownership of their leadership journey.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches confidence, visibility, and how to break through career ceilings.
About the authors: Sally Helgesen is a women’s leadership expert. Marshall Goldsmith is a famous executive coach and author.
Best for: Women leaders or those mentoring them.
13. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
Goodreads rating: 3.97/5
Published: June 16, 2009
Summary: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 breaks down the often-misunderstood concept of EQ (emotional intelligence) and shows how it directly affects leadership, relationships, and personal success. The book introduces a step-by-step program to improve four EQ skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. What makes this book practical is its self-assessment test and personalized strategies for development. Rather than just explaining the theory, it gives readers actionable tools and tips to practice EQ every day. With relatable examples and a clear layout, it helps leaders improve communication, reduce stress, and build stronger connections with their teams.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to understand emotions, respond well under pressure, and build strong relationships.
About the authors: Bradberry and Greaves are co-founders of TalentSmart, a company focused on emotional intelligence training.
Best for: Leaders who want to improve people skills and self-awareness.
14. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Goodreads rating: 4.17/5
Published: February 29, 2016
Summary: This book focuses on how leaders can develop coaching skills to unlock their team’s potential. Michael Bungay Stanier introduces seven essential questions that help leaders listen better, ask the right things, and empower employees. The book teaches leaders to replace giving advice with guiding questions, fostering growth and autonomy. It’s practical, easy to read, and full of tips to make coaching a regular part of leadership.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to listen more, talk less, and help others find their own answers.
About the author: Michael Bungay Stanier is a leadership coach known for making coaching practical and easy.
Best for: Managers who want to coach, not command.
15. Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Goodreads rating: 4.06/5
Published: December 29, 2009
Summary: Pink explores what motivates people beyond money and rewards. He argues that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are key drivers of motivation. The book offers science-backed insights on how leaders can create environments that support these needs. Pink’s work helps leaders design workplaces that encourage creativity, engagement, and high performance.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to inspire others through meaningful work and internal motivation.
About the author: Daniel Pink is a bestselling author who writes about business, work, and human behavior.
Best for: Leaders who want to motivate people more effectively.
16. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Goodreads rating: 4.17/5
Published: October 25, 2011
Summary: Nobel Prize winner Kahneman explores two modes of thinking: fast, intuitive decisions, and slow, deliberate reasoning. The book helps leaders understand how biases and heuristics affect choices. It offers insights to improve decision-making and reduce errors in judgment.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to avoid mistakes, think clearly, and understand human behavior.
About the author: Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and expert on decision-making.
Best for: Leaders who want to make smarter decisions.
17. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Goodreads rating: 4.34/5
Published: October 20, 2015
Summary: Written by two Navy SEALs, this book teaches leadership principles learned on the battlefield and how they apply to business and life. The authors emphasize taking full responsibility, “extreme ownership”, for everything that happens under your watch. Through gripping stories, they explain how leaders must be accountable, communicate clearly, and build trust. The book provides practical tools for decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches responsibility, discipline, and leading by example.
About the authors: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin are former Navy SEAL commanders and leadership consultants.
Best for: Leaders in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
18. Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg & Alan Eagle
Goodreads rating: 4.12/5
Published: April 16, 2019
Summary: This book tells the story of Bill Campbell, a football coach turned executive mentor who helped guide top leaders at Google, Apple, and Intuit. Known as the “Trillion Dollar Coach,” Campbell influenced the growth of companies worth over a trillion dollars collectively. Through heartfelt stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the authors share how Bill led with warmth, honesty, and deep care for people. The book covers his core leadership principles, like fostering psychological safety, resolving conflict quickly, and putting people first, and explains how these shaped some of tech’s most iconic leaders. It’s a celebration of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership at the highest levels.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to lead with heart, build trust, and develop talent.
About the authors: Eric Schmidt is the former CEO of Google; Rosenberg and Eagle were top Google executives.
Best for: Executives and startup founders.
19. The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
Goodreads rating: 4.26/5
Published: January 30, 2018
Summary: In The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle uncovers the hidden patterns that drive some of the world’s most successful teams, from elite sports teams to fast-growing companies like Pixar and Google. He explores how culture is created, maintained, and strengthened through small, consistent actions. Coyle identifies three key skills that build strong group culture: creating safety, sharing vulnerability, and establishing purpose. Through real-world case studies, scientific research, and interviews with top leaders, he breaks down what great leaders do to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation. This book is packed with actionable insights and is especially valuable for leaders looking to transform team dynamics from the inside out.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose.
About the author: Daniel Coyle is a journalist and bestselling author who studies talent and teamwork.
Best for: Team builders and HR leaders.
20. Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
Published: May 16, 2013
Summary: Turn the Ship Around! tells the story of how Captain David Marquet transformed one of the worst-performing submarines in the U.S. Navy into one of the best, by giving up control. Rather than issuing commands from the top down, Marquet empowered every sailor to think and act like a leader. This approach, called “leader-leader” instead of “leader-follower,” helped unlock initiative, accountability, and pride across the entire crew. The book shares practical tools and moments from life aboard the USS Santa Fe, showing how a shift in mindset can radically improve performance. It’s a powerful call for trust-based, decentralized leadership that works in any organization.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to empower teams and create leaders at every level.
About the author: L. David Marquet is a former U.S. Navy submarine commander and leadership speaker.
Best for: Leaders who want to build self-managed teams.
21. Principles by Ray Dalio
Goodreads rating: 4.22/5
Published: September 19, 2017
Summary: In Principles: Life and Work, billionaire investor Ray Dalio shares the guiding rules that shaped his life, career, and the success of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. The book is divided into two main parts, Life Principles and Work Principles, each filled with practical advice, decision-making frameworks, and tools for radical transparency and accountability. Dalio explains how to build a culture where people speak openly, learn from failure, and make decisions logically rather than emotionally. He backs his ideas with charts, algorithms, and personal stories, creating a detailed blueprint for running a team or company with clarity and consistency.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches decision-making, radical transparency, and self-reflection.
About the author: Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates and a respected voice in finance and leadership.
Best for: Entrepreneurs and strategic thinkers.
22. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Goodreads rating: 4.27/5
Published: September 16, 2007 (Updated Edition)
Summary: In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell lays out 21 essential principles that every effective leader follows. Each “law” is explained through real-world stories, from business to sports to history, that illustrate what happens when leaders follow or break them. Whether it’s the Law of Influence, the Law of Respect, or the Law of the Lid, Maxwell’s insights are easy to understand and apply. The updated edition includes new stories and reflections that keep the ideas fresh and relevant. It’s both a practical guide and a foundational leadership playbook for anyone looking to grow their impact and build lasting leadership skills.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to grow influence, develop others, and lead with integrity.
About the author: John C. Maxwell is a world-renowned leadership expert and author of over 80 books.
Best for: Anyone serious about growing as a leader.
23. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer
Goodreads rating: 4.17/5
Published: September 8, 2020
Summary: No Rules Rules tells the inside story of how Netflix built one of the most innovative and high-performing company cultures in the world, by breaking traditional management rules. Co-authored by Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and business culture expert Erin Meyer, the book explains how removing controls (like vacation policies or approval layers) and building a culture of radical candor, talent density, and freedom leads to better decision-making and faster innovation. With examples from inside Netflix and comparisons to other global companies, it challenges leaders to rethink how much control is really necessary, and what happens when trust becomes the foundation of culture.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches how to give trust, remove unnecessary rules, and focus on results.
About the authors: Reed Hastings is the co-founder of Netflix. Erin Meyer is a professor at INSEAD.
Best for: Innovative leaders and fast-growth teams.
24. Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
Published: September 1, 2000
Summary: Leadership and Self-Deception reveals how most leadership failures begin not with poor skills or strategy, but with self-deception, when we’re blind to our own role in problems. Told through a fictional narrative, the book follows a new executive at a company with a unique approach to leadership. Through his journey, we learn how people fall into a “box” where they justify their actions, blame others, and lose empathy—hurting relationships and results. The story offers a simple yet powerful framework to shift mindset, see people more clearly, and lead with authenticity. It’s a compelling, story-based approach to personal accountability and leadership growth.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches self-awareness, empathy, and personal responsibility.
About the author: The Arbinger Institute is a training organization that helps people and companies improve results through mindset change.
Best for: Leaders looking to improve communication and mindset.
25. On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis
Goodreads rating: 4.04/5
Published: August 21, 2009 (Updated Edition)
Summary: On Becoming a Leader is a classic leadership book that explores what makes a true leader beyond titles or positions. Warren Bennis draws on interviews with famous leaders and his own experience to show that leadership is about authenticity, self-awareness, and vision. The book explains that leaders are made, not born, and focuses on the personal growth and qualities necessary to lead effectively. Bennis shares stories and practical advice on how leaders develop trust, handle change, and inspire others with purpose. The emphasis is on becoming the kind of person others want to follow.
What does it teach leaders? It teaches authenticity, vision, and lifelong growth.
About the author: Warren Bennis was a pioneer in leadership studies and advisor to four U.S. presidents.
Best for: Leaders who want a foundational understanding of leadership.
How to Choose the Right Leadership Book for You
Finding the perfect leadership book can feel overwhelming with so many great options available. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick a book that fits your needs and goals:
Define Your Leadership Challenge
Start by thinking about what you want to improve. Are you struggling with giving feedback? Building team trust? Managing change? Knowing your specific challenge helps you find a book that addresses it directly.
Consider Your Preferred Format
Do you enjoy listening to books during your commute? Audiobooks might be your best choice. If you like taking notes or highlighting, a paperback or e-book might suit you better. Some books also come with workbooks or exercises, great if you want a hands-on approach.
Look for Authors with Real-World Experience
Leadership theories are useful, but practical advice from people who’ve led teams or organizations can be more valuable. Check the author’s background to see if they have experience in leadership roles or coaching.
The Best Way to Become a Better Leader: A Personalized Approach
While leadership books offer valuable insights, the fastest way to grow as a leader is through personalized guidance tailored to your unique strengths and challenges. That’s where coaching comes in.
Sama is a leading coaching platform designed to help leaders develop their skills with one-on-one support from expert coaches. Through Sama, you get customized advice, real-time feedback, and insights that follow your goals, making your leadership journey more focused, effective, and rewarding.
