9 Best Leadership Books In 2025

Leadership is an essential skill that drives success in any profession. The best leaders continually refine their abilities, and one of the most effective ways to do so is through reading. To help you on your leadership journey, I made a list of 9 best leadership books that offer valuable insights, and practical strategies to shape you into an exceptional leader.

1. Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek is widely known for his groundbreaking work in leadership. In Leaders Eat Last, he explores how great leaders build trust, foster collaboration, and create environments where employees feel valued. This book delves into the biological and psychological aspects of leadership, explaining how human survival instincts shape organizational culture. Sinek illustrates his points through engaging stories and case studies from business and military settings, showing how leadership based on empathy and service leads to sustainable success.

2. The Art of War – Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu’s strategic principles apply not only to military tactics but also to business and personal leadership, making it a timeless resource for decision-making, strategy, and competition. The book teaches the importance of preparation, adaptability, and knowing one’s competition. Leaders can apply these insights to negotiations, conflict resolution, and team management. With its emphasis on intelligence, discipline, and strategic thinking, The Art of War remains an invaluable guide for modern leaders.

3. Dare to Lead – Brené Brown

Brené Brown combines research and personal insights in Dare to Lead, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a courageous and authentic leader. The book emphasizes vulnerability, trust, and resilience, highlighting how these qualities can transform leadership effectiveness in any organization. Brown argues that true leadership requires embracing discomfort and uncertainty rather than avoiding it. She provides practical tools for fostering open communication, developing emotional intelligence, and building a culture of trust. Through extensive research and powerful storytelling, Brown makes the case that daring leadership is about showing up fully and leading with heart.

4. The One Minute Manager – Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

A classic leadership book, The One Minute Manager provides simple yet powerful strategies for effective leadership and team management. The book introduces three key techniques. These principles help leaders provide clear direction, offer timely and meaningful feedback, and address issues efficiently. Written in a parable format, the book is easy to read and highly actionable, making it a must-read for new and experienced leaders alike. By implementing these quick and effective leadership techniques, managers can improve productivity and morale within their teams.

5. Radical Candor – Kim Scott

Kim Scott’s Radical Candor presents a leadership philosophy centered on caring personally while challenging directly. Scott argues that the best leaders build strong relationships with their teams while also providing honest, direct feedback. The concept of “radical candor” strikes a balance between kindness and candidness, encouraging leaders to give constructive criticism while showing empathy and respect. The book is an essential read for leaders who want to create a culture of feedback, trust, and growth within their organizations.

6. Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

The book emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for everything in your control, making it a game-changer for leaders in high-stakes environments. Willink and Babin share gripping stories from their military experiences and translate them into key leadership principles. They emphasize that leaders must own both successes and failures, creating a culture of accountability within their teams. The book also covers topics such as decentralized command, prioritization, and maintaining discipline while adapting to change. Extreme Ownership is an essential read for anyone who wants to lead with confidence and decisiveness.

7. The First 90 Days – Michael D. Watkins

This book provides a roadmap for leaders transitioning into new roles. Watkins outlines strategies to help leaders gain traction quickly, avoid common pitfalls, and make a lasting impact. He explains how to secure early wins, adapt to new organizational cultures, and build relationships that drive success. Whether you’re starting a new job, leading a new team, or taking on greater responsibilities, The First 90 Days offers a structured approach to navigating change effectively.

8. Drive – Daniel H. Pink

In Drive, Daniel Pink explores what truly motivates people and how leaders can harness intrinsic motivation to improve performance. Pink challenges traditional incentive-based leadership models and instead focuses on the three pillars of motivation: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. He argues that people perform better when they have control over their work, opportunities to improve their skills, and a sense of purpose. This book is essential for leaders who want to create environments where employees are engaged and driven to excel.

9. The Servant – James C. Hunter

The Servant emphasizes the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the growth and well-being of their team members. Through an engaging story, Hunter illustrates how true leadership is about serving others, building trust, and leading with integrity. The book highlights the importance of patience, kindness, humility, and respect in leadership, showing how these values create a positive and productive work environment. The Servant is a compelling read for leaders who want to adopt a more people-centered approach to leadership.

Conclusion

Leadership is a journey of continuous growth, and the ideas in these books can help you hone your skills and build strong teams. By applying strategies and fostering a growth mindset, you can develop the leadership qualities needed to inspire those around you.