Best Leadership Books

Best Leadership Books

Personal and professional growth are extremely important to me. During my time working outside the home, I encountered a wide range of personality types. Some employees showed up on time, did their jobs, and left promptly at the end of the day. Others arrived late almost every day, avoided most of their responsibilities, and left early whenever they could. But then there were those I truly admired and aspired to emulate—the ones who arrived early to ensure they were prepared for whatever the day might bring. These individuals spoke up during meetings, offered thoughtful insights when needed, and volunteered for extra assignments. They were the overachievers. The go-getters. The exceptional ones. That’s who I wanted to become.

One of the ways I chose to become more like the overachievers was by immersing myself in leadership books. I believe reading is essential to any kind of growth—personal, professional, or otherwise.

Here are my top four favorite books on leadership:

#1 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

This was one of the first books I read on leadership, and it quickly became a favorite. I’ve listened to it countless times, returning to it often to refresh and reinforce the valuable insights it offers. Currently, I’m reading it again—this time with my entire family as part of our homeschooling curriculum.

#2 The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell

Another powerful book by John C. Maxwell, this one emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the intentional effort it requires. I appreciate how relatable and practical it is—it speaks to everyone, whether they work inside the home or out. This book is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident; it takes purpose, discipline, and commitment.

#3 Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

I deeply respect the men and women who serve or have served in the U.S. military, and I especially enjoy reading books written by them. The lessons they gain through their service are powerful and often unparalleled. Extreme Ownership is one of those books. It emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your actions—a message that feels especially relevant in today’s world. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to become a more accountable and effective leader.

#4 Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

This book was incredibly helpful to me during my time as a classroom educator. It offers practical tools—like easy-to-remember acronyms—for navigating difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. I personally applied the techniques shared by the authors and can honestly say: their advice works. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve communication in high-stakes situations.

Top Leadership Books

What have you read to promote personal and professional growth?