A: For years, I thought that if I could teach a class on leadership, I would build a syllabus based on some of my favorite books, all of which highlight various struggles and decisions leaders face better than any business primer. And wouldn’t you know it: I do teach a class on leadership now.
While the class is heavy on the case studies, I suggest the following books for those looking to go beyond the basics. The best thing about my list, I think, is that many of the books below tell a story, making them more interesting and more memorable than any how-to outside of How to Self-Destruct or Super Staying Power. Those books are awesome, if I do say so myself.
Enjoy!
Jason Seiden’s recommended reading list
The Killer Angels, Shaara
Historical fiction at the Battle of Gettysburg. The book provides multiple first-person perspectives on the action, and the lack of a omniscient narrator helps the reader grasp the open ended and messy nature of the communications and decisions leaders are faced with. This compelling story also weaves the human element into the battle, leaving readers struggling themselves with the notions of loyalty and courage.
The Founding Brothers, Ellis
“Before we were a nation of laws, we were a nation of men.” That one sentence says it all: systems, hierarchies, and nations rise and fall based on the character of those who build them. The interwoven stories of America’s birth are extraordinary and inspiring in equal measure. This book should be read by everyone, especially today, when faith in our government has ebbed so dramatically. This book will remind you of what it’s all about.
His Excellency George Washington, Ellis
Building upon the Washington-related material fromFounding Brothers, Ellis helps us get behind one of the most enigmatic, stoic, and important leaders of recent human history.
The Count of Monte Cristo, Dumas
First an foremost, a fantastic story in both the full and abridged versions. Also, a study in what it means to have character: Dumas explores both the corrosive impact of petty and unethical indiscretions, as well as the awesome power born from personal responsibility. The revenge theme keeps the main character human.
Many Lives, Many Masters, Weiss
What if you discovered something so “outrageous” that you knew that going public with what you found could lead to professional humiliation, social ostracization, and an uncertain financial future? What would you do with social pressures and conventional wisdom that strong against you? Would you keep quiet, or would you have the courage to stand up and be counted? I recently had the chance to meet Dr. Weiss. I shook his hand and asked him about this, and he told me he sat on his secret for more than five years out of fear for the social and professional reprocussions. I have my own reasons for believing the message of the book; for those looking for clues about the “whys” of life, this book offers an interesting view not often heard in the West. For the skeptics out there, the power in this book is the story of the author. What kind of personal experience would you have to have to be willing to take the professional risk Dr. Weiss did in writing this story?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Millman
One in a long line of “boy with questions meets master who can do magic, and learns the secret to life but not the magic” books, and a good one at that.
The Prophet, Gibran
A must read. Gibran had another book, too, called The Madman, which was written in the same style as How to Self-Destruct. Whichever you get your hands on, Gibran is better than anyone at showing what it means to be a mensch.
Shogun, Clavell
Want to know what politics look like in the real world? This is it. Set in feudal Japan in 1600, this saga uses an epic time in history to highlight timeless political principles such as saving face, mutual interest, and shadow desires.
The Fountainhead, Rand
Maybe because I read this one first, I am partiall to The Fountainhead over Atlas Shrugged. One of several Rand tomes on capitalism, politics, and the courage to stick to your guns under intense pressure. I always felt Rand was a little militant in her views, but that notwithstanding, it’s a great tale and the message comes through loud and clear.
The Tipping Point, Gladwell
I live at the intersection of rational models and the human element because I find it to be one of the most fascinating corners in the human experience. Apparently, so does Malcom Gladwell, and that’s great for me, because he’s a gifted writer who makes it fun to read about things like making friends. If you haven’t read this yet, do so. If you did read it and liked it–and especially if you can handle material that’s a little on the dry side–try Simple Heuristics that Make Us Smart. It’ll make you a much more powerful influencer, negotiator, and manager if you can absorb its key components.
Freakonomics, Levitt & Dubner
It can be exceedingly difficult to introduce common sense into public policy. If you want to know why, read this book… though be forewarned: you might learn something about yourself that you may or may not be ready to admit.
Organizing Genius, Bennis & Biederman
Stories about great teams! These anecdotes are easy to get your mind around and bring to life many of the concepts Bennis elequently outlines in his other books. My key takeaways: everyone wants to be the underdog; great teams are on a “mission from God,” with lofty goals that go well beyond money, and it’s easier to get people to rally against a common enemy than for the common good.
The Human Side of Enterprise, McGregor
The grandfather of nearly all modern management theory, this book isn’t referenced nearly as much as it should be. McGregor coined the phrases “Theory X” and “Theory Y” management, and drew a line between those who believe people must be coerced into working and those who believe workers’ natural work ethic is strong and needs only to be supported.
Leadership & Self-Deception, The Arbinger Institute
A business book. My chief complaint is that its author is an institute, and for me the book loses something because of that. Still, the message is a powerful one and the story used to highlight the issues explored makes it easy reading.
The Little Red Book of Selling, Gitomer
You can never spend enough time honing your salesmanship.
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Wow- there’s some great books there, that I haven’t come across before. Loved Tipping Point and Freakonomics. I’ve added a few of my favourite to the list below:
http://blog.freedoma.com/2009/06/12/the-best-10-business-books-to-read/ Hope you enjoy