Top Leadership books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Leadership books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
  • Proven learning resources
  • Updated annually
Top Leadership books recommended by experts
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Fundamentals of Leadership

Understanding the concepts of Leadership starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Will Guidara was twenty-six when he took the helm of Eleven Madison Park, a struggling two-star brasserie that had never quite lived up to its majestic room. Eleven years later, EMP was named the best restaurant in the world.
How did Guidara pull off this unprecedented transformation? Radical…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

The book challenges us to change the conversation from what women can't do to what we can do, and serves as a rallying cry for us to work together to create a more equal world. Sheryl speaks to why she wrote the book, how she hopes it will encourage women, and her vision of a world where all our…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't

For years, this question preyed on the mind of Jim Collins. Are there companies that defy gravity and convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? And if so, what are the universal distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Art of Possibility

The Art of Possibility

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander is a transformative book that teaches us to shift our perspective in life from scarcity to abundance, resulting in an increased sense of possibility with practical tools and inspiring stories.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Tribes

Tribes

Tribes by Seth Godin is a leadership book that argues in favor of creating a loyal and engaged following to achieve any type of goals. It offers tips on how to identify and nurture a tribe, build trust and inspire action.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently

Now, a storied career and a Super Bowl victory later, Tony Dungy is sharing his unique leadership philosophy with you. In The Mentor Leader, Tony reveals what propelled him to the top of his profession and shows how you can apply the same approach to virtually any area of your life.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional Leadership Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Leadership, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Primal Leadership

Primal Leadership

"Primal Leadership" by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee explores how effective leaders use emotional intelligence to motivate others and build strong relationships. It offers insights and strategies for developing these skills and creating a positive work environment.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

His book Linchpin came out in 2008 and was the fastest-selling book of his career. Linchpin challenges you to stand up, do work that matters and race to the top instead of the bottom. More than that, though, the book outlines a massive change in our economy, a fundamental shift in what it means …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Leading Lightly: Lower Your Stress, Think with Clarity, and Lead with Ease

Leading Lightly: Lower Your Stress, Think with Clarity, and Lead with Ease

Leading lightly is about looking at what you do through a radical new lens. It’s a way to powerfully transform your performance, make better decisions, gain greater self-awareness, and develop the capacity to manage your work and life with enduring ease and clarity. An alternative to the everyda…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

“Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts” by Brené Brown is about leadership – but leadership with a human face. She doesn't talk about productivity techniques for outstanding results; she talks about the psychology of relationships in a business environment.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

True North

True North

True North (2007) is a guide to discovering your inner compass and staying true to yourself, all while developing the skills you need to be an authentic leader. By uncovering your values and motivations, you'll gain the tools you need to build a professional life that remains true to who you are…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek offers a fresh perspective on leadership and organizational success. By understanding the power of starting with “why,” leaders can inspire action, build trust, and foster meaningful connections with their teams a…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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