In a technological world, it can often seem like only the latest, greatest and most modern things have to value. This might be true when it comes to electronics, but when it comes to people, some things never change. While modern society may be developing a better understanding of what makes a great leader, the truth is the qualities and attributes of a good leader are as old as time. Here are five great books on leadership you need to read in 2019 (if you haven’t already.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
While modern businesses may have competitors rather than enemies, the truth is, there are some similarities between succeeding in business and successfully engaging in war. Particularly if you approach war ethically and honorably. The Art of War is a 2,000-year-old manuscript that still has profound implications in the modern world.
Wooden On Leadership by John Wooden
John Wooden is easily one of the most successful – and most beloved – basketball coaches of all time. Being successful is one thing, but the ability to be successful, respected and well-liked is a challenge tantamount to single-handedly building an Egyptian pyramid. Anyone who can successfully lead ten teams to an NCAA championship and still be well-liked is someone to listen to.
Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read
Not all of the best books on leadership are “how-to” manuals. Some are actual accounts of how individuals displayed the qualities of leadership in overcoming insurmountable odds. Alive is one such book.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Machiavelli’s The Prince may be one of the most controversial books on leadership of all time. That being said, it remains one of the most popular. Sometimes, the best books on leadership are as complicated as being a leader itself is.
Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed
Not all books on leadership have to be ancient to be great. Some of the most timeless leadership lessons will come from ancient authors, but you still need to know how to navigate in the modern landscape as well — permission to Screw Up details some of the biggest mistakes Hadeed made while building her company Student Maids.
