Fourteen Top Books for Leadership

A significant part of a greater life is leadership. We make decisions that have an impact on a range of stakeholders. We has to convince them of the merits of our decisions and gather their support to make it happen. We have to negotiate, cajole, motivate and rouse people to overcome the inevitable hurdles. These great leadership books will help you develop this vital ability.

To be able to lead this cohort into difficult or new directions, architects need to study leadership consciously. The books listed here bring you the distilled ambrosia of leadership. There are lessons from superb teachers and the lives of giants among men. Imbibe the golden spirit.

Here is my selection. Please suggest more of what you think are the best of the best and I’ll add them!

1. Influence by Robert B Cialdini

Essential reading, because leadership is not about power or money.

2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell

Irrefutable indeed. Hard to remember them all, so make a list and keep them in front of you.

3. The Now Habit by Neil Fiore

Nothing happens without concentration. Use this to get it.

4. The One Thing by Keller and Papasan

Find your North Star and reach your goals.

5. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

More important than intellectual intelligence, as we are social creatures.

6. Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

You’ll know it when you can flow. And nothing can be more joyful and satisfying.

7. Good to Great by Jim Collins

It reveals insights we all need to know on pushing to a higher level.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey

A classic. You haven’t lived if you haven’t read it.

9. Basic Economics by Sowell

It will open your eyes and set you straight once and for all demand, supply, scarce resources and money. It is a must-read. Listen to it as an audiobook for more impact and speed.

10. Romancing the Balance Sheet by Lamba

What’s P&L? What’s a Balance Sheet? How do you keep track of your finances? Simple? Sure, once you read this.

11. Team of Rivals by Doris K Goodwin

Self-made, sage leadership at its best. It takes a heart like this.

12. The Last Lion by William Manchester and Paul Reid

Erudition, intelligence, grit, tenacity and wit put to the most worthwhile cause. And while dealing with the black dog.

13. Napoleon the Great by Andrew Roberts

So much to learn from the life and times of one true thought leader. A revolutionary in so many ways.

14. Benjamin Franklin – An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Learn how to combine energy, humour, self-knowledge, utilitarianism, science and financial acumen into a fine personal life and enormous contributions to society.

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