Several books on shelf
U.S. News and The Harris Poll teamed up in November 2023 to determine the state of leadership in the United States. The results of the joint project’s survey found over three-quarters of respondents believe there’s a leadership crisis in the corporate sphere. And 59% of participants didn’t think there were any leaders in their organizations that they’d aspire to be.
If those stats aren’t enough cause for concern, there are more. File and rank workers, particularly younger generations, aren’t as keen to move up the ladder. A survey by Entrepreneur at an anonymous company showed only 38% of staff wanted to become a manager. Workers’ perceptions are that what managers have to deal with doesn’t justify the pay. They’re worried about the increase in hours, pressure, and stress.
These studies reveal today’s leaders have long strides to make. Becoming a better leader should be at the top of their priority list. Learning new techniques, approaches and mindsets can work wonders if they want to inspire, engage, motivate and develop their staff.
Leaders can begin the learning process with one or more of the books below. Each book provides insights and guidance on rethinking leadership’s role in teams, decisions, task delegation, and innovation. Regardless of where you are in your managerial journey, you’ll find useful tips in these authors’ words.
1. Vince Molinaro – Community of Leaders
People who make up organizations may have the best of intentions. However, working in and as a community can prove more difficult than it looks. Establishing trust, accountability, and common goals falls on all employees’ shoulders. But leaders have to forge the way, set the example, and course correct when there are complications.
In Community of Leaders, Vince Molinaro explains the importance of having a strong leadership culture and community-building strategies. He emphasizes the power of emphasizing leadership communities. His insights can benefit the front-line supervisor all the way up to the C-suite executive. Molinaro stresses how creating a supportive environment can promote growth and collaboration.
Organizations are known to create silos — and the larger the company, the more likely those silos exist. The problems silos create are well known, including animosity among teammates and a lack of progress. Reading this book will give you strategies to build or rebuild authentic, collaborative environments in your organization.
2. Carl Oxholm – The Biology of Leadership
The Biology of Leadership by Carl Oxholm isn't just about techniques; it's about understanding ourselves on a whole new level to help us become better leaders. Imagine this: you're steering a ship, and instead of just navigating the waters, you're tuning into the very currents beneath you. The Biology of Leadership is all about tapping into the underlying biology that drives our actions, emotions, and energy as leaders.
Oxholm, a seasoned executive coach, doesn't just throw theories at you. He brings real-world experience, showing how understanding our biological responses can transform how we lead. It's not just about being in charge; it's about connecting with your team and guiding them with empathy and insight.
So, if you're ready to improve your leadership skills, buckle up. The Biology of Leadership isn't just a book; it's a journey into the core of leading effectively in today's business landscape.
3. Amy Kemp – I See You
No one said leadership is easy. The fatigue and burnout that can come with the role is why people sometimes hesitate to take it on. But for those who do, learning how to juggle competing responsibilities and take care of themselves becomes a challenge.
In I See You, CEO and coach Amy Kemp offers solutions for leaders struggling to overcome the realities of managerial life. Feeling stretched too thin and inadequate is typical, as is a need to simultaneously achieve greater heights. Kemp’s methods show how to get more results with less work—something that sounds counterintuitive.
But by setting boundaries, leveraging strengths, and delegating tasks, you’ll ensure you won’t exhaust yourself beyond capacity. Kemp’s book is written for women in leadership roles, but other genders can benefit from her advice. You’ll learn to work smarter, have greater influence, and make more of an impact with less exhaustion.
4. Brady Brim-DeForest – Smaller is Better
If decisions seem to happen at an iceberg’s pace in your company, Smaller is Better will be an insightful read. Besides slow processes, you might also be frustrated by a disconnect between your company’s decisions and customers’ needs. Out-of-touch and slow decisions usually happen when teams get stuck in their bubbles, otherwise known as silos.
To be a leader with impact, you’ve got to create and empower effective teams. Brim-DeForest shows you how with smaller groups. Yes, it’s possible, even in larger conglomerates. Smaller is Better offers real-world examples of companies with successful track records to inspire you.
Small, more specialized teams can deliver better products and innovate faster. Employees will be happier, more engaged, and willing to stick around. For these reasons alone, Brim-DeForest’s approach can change the outcomes of your leadership’s influence.
5. Amanda and Gene Hammett - How To Have Tough Conversations
Get ready to transform your approach to tough conversations with this practical and tactical guide. In the forthcoming book, How to Have Tough Conversations, authors Amanda and Gene Hammett cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of what it takes to say what needs to be said, when it matters most. No fluff, just actionable strategies that any leader can apply immediately.
From navigating difficult feedback sessions to addressing long-standing conflicts, this book equips you with the tools to get out of your own way and have the confidence to tackle even the most daunting conversations head-on. Say goodbye to avoidance and hello to effective communication that drives real results. It's time to step up, speak up and lead with clarity and conviction.
Start Reading
While recent surveys highlight a concerning leadership crisis in the corporate realm, there is hope for improvement. By embracing new strategies and mindsets outlined in these insightful books, leaders can navigate challenges and cultivate environments that promote growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
