The importance of excellent leadership skills cannot be emphasized enough in today’s competitive environment. Having good leaders at the helm could mean the difference between productivity or a waste of resources. Although there are many naturally talented leaders who can instinctively guide a team or department, many good leadership skills are actually learnable and can be self-taught. There are many leadership books available to help you stay ahead, but here are three highly recommended titles to get you started.
Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership
Written by New York Times bestselling authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership are a duology that present leadership concepts and troubleshoots common issues. Both Willink and Babin were former U.S. Navy SEALs during the Iraq War. Their special operations unit during the war was one of the most highly decorated. Both books draw upon their vast experience leading their teams in a highly stressed environment to produce the most effective results.
Thinking, Fast & Slow
Thinking, Fast & Slow is a New York Times bestseller by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Kahneman attempts to explain the mind and its two cognitive systems—the first system as fast and intuitive, the second system as slow and deliberate. Kahneman believes that these two systems underlie all decision making, from playing the stock market to managing a successful project. Kahneman argues that understanding these two systems will help the reader gain insight into how choices are made. This masterpiece made it onto CMOE’s 2019 list of must-read coaching books.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Effective habits can be the stepping stones of strong leadership. Successful implementation of proactive and effective habits can free up your mind to tackle other pressing tasks. That’s why Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic bestseller. The book has sold over 25 million copies and has been translated into over 40 languages since its publication. Seen as a manual for effective personal and professional habits, Dr. Covey’s classic emphasizes the development of habits promoting productivity, positivity, and effective time management.
It is extremely helpful in today’s rapidly evolving workplace to continually develop and improve workplace and personal skill sets. These three books are must-reads and have great tips for aspiring leaders who want to become better and for those who constantly seek personal improvement.