Competent business leadership is crucial for a successful economy. Those individuals who provide leadership will have the success of a business in their hands. If they fail to do their job properly then it could easily lead to failure for the company they work for. There have been some great books written on this topic over the years, but it would not be possible to review all of these. Here we will be reviewing just the top 6 business leadership books.
HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership by Harvard Business Review (2011)
This book by the Harvard Business Review is like a greatest hits collection of leadership texts. If you are short on time then you will find that this book is ideal for quickly tuning into the most important ideas in business leadership. It is comprised of ten articles that have been selected because of their importance. It is no exaggeration to say that this book is a must read for anyone serious about improving their business leadership skills and knowledge.
Business Leadership: A Jossey-Bass Reader by James M. Kouzes and Jossey-Bass Management Series (2003)
This text has been used as part of academic courses but it also ideal for anyone who is interested in the topic. All the main topics within business management are covered and the authors of this book know their subject well. It is an easy to read book that forces the reader to think seriously about leadership. It also digs deeply into all the different leadership styles.
Contemporary Leadership and Intercultural Competence: Exploring the Cross-Cultural Dynamics Within Organizations by Michael A. Moodian (2008)
This fascinating book is ideal for anyone who is interested in learning about cultural competency and how it impacts leadership. More and more businesses around the world are going global so such information, as contained in this book, is highly valuable. Anyone who intends to be in anyway involved in foreign leadership should check this boo out.
Sun Tzu and the Art of Business: Six Strategic Principles for Managers by Mark R. McNeilly (2000)
Most of us will have heard of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, well this book applies the same type of thinking to business leadership. This is essential reading for anyone who is determined to improve their business strategies. Even if you have read the Art of War many times you are sure to find plenty of nuggets in this book. If you belong to the school of thought that views business as a war you will love this book.
The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (2008)
The really nice thing about this book is that it is so well researched. This means that all the information contained in here about leadership is backed by evidence; you can depend on it. Some have described this text as brilliant. Even those people who already feel that they are leadership experts will learn something from this book. The authors have a lot of experience in this field and they have shared it all here.
Semper Fi: Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way by Dan Carrison and Rod Wals (2004)
No list of the best business leadership books would be complete without this one. The leadership abilities within the Marine Corps are highly respected and in this book they are transferred to the business world. The authors of this book are former marines so they really know their subject well. If you are determined to become a winner at leadership then it makes sense to learn from some of the best leaders around.
