What Leadership Book Has Profoundly Impacted Your Approach to Business?
In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, learnings from a single book can transform an entire approach to guiding teams and organizations. Insights shared by Founders and CEOs bring to light practical strategies for leadership refinement. The article kickstarts with the pivotal advice to invest in improving leadership skills and concludes on the essential practice of building trust for a cohesive team. Covering twenty-four insights in total, this treasure trove of expert opinions is indispensable for any executive seeking growth.
- Invest in Improving Leadership Skills
- Embrace Level 5 Leadership
- Empower Team with Creative Freedom
- Implement Radical Transparency
- Care Personally, Challenge Directly
- Focus on Long-Term Leadership
- Adopt Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop
- Treat Everyone Equally with Genuine Care
- Simplify Processes for Effective Leadership
- View Leadership as an Ongoing Journey
- Adopt Strategic Mindset for Adaptability
- Focus on Rapid Growth with Clear Strategies
- Guide Team with GROW Model
- Encourage Calculated Risks and Innovation
- Foster Intrinsic Motivation for Engagement
- Practice Self-Reflection for Better Leadership
- Begin with the End in Mind
- Create Safe and Trusting Environment
- Start with Why to Inspire Others
- Adapt to Change in Higher Education
- Promote Vulnerability and Courage in Leadership
- Organize Tasks for Greater Impact
- Implement Intent-Based Leadership
- Build Trust for a Cohesive Team
Invest in Improving Leadership Skills
John C. Maxwell's "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" has been a guiding light throughout my career. The "Law of the Lid," in particular, helped me realize that a team's potential is directly tied to its leader's abilities. Early in my career, I noticed that the team's performance grew in parallel when I invested in improving my skills. This principle pushed me to continuously learn and mentor others, knowing that the better I became as a leader, the higher we could collectively rise in our campaigns and client success.
Embrace Level 5 Leadership
One leadership book that has shaped my mindset and approach is Good to Great by Jim Collins.
The key takeaway for me was the concept of Level 5 Leadership.
These leaders blend humility with professional will, while always believing in the organization's success above their personal achievements. It's about having a company-first mindset.
You also see this principle in sports—like the Ryder Cup team, where individual accomplishments are put aside for the shared goal of team victory. It's not about the personal win, but once you have the right people in the right seats, it's about doing what's best for the team and company.
In both sports and business, true greatness comes when everyone fights for something bigger than themselves.
Empower Team with Creative Freedom
As a Creative Director, I've read Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman, which has helped me fine-tune my leadership approach. One of the key takeaways for me was shifting from being the person who drives the creative vision to someone who empowers my team to bring their own ideas and innovations to the table.
I would highly recommend this book to new leaders or managers. It offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of leading a team while maximizing their potential.
Implement Radical Transparency
One book that profoundly impacted my leadership approach is Ray Dalio’s Principles. A key takeaway that transformed my decision-making process is the concept of radical-transparency. Dalio’s idea of encouraging openness, feedback, and honest conversations inspired me to implement a more transparent culture within my team.
By applying this principle, I’ve created an environment where everyone feels empowered to speak up, which has led to better problem-solving and more informed decisions. This open communication has not only strengthened our team dynamics but also increased overall productivity.
Care Personally, Challenge Directly
As a tech company CEO, 'Radical Candor' by Kim Scott truly transformed my leadership approach. The core principle is about caring personally while challenging directly. So, instead of tiptoeing around issues, it prompted me to be more honest, yet respectful in my feedback, encouraging transparency and fostering a culture of open dialogue. This new approach not only mitigated potential misunderstandings, but also led to increased productivity and stronger employee relations.
Focus on Long-Term Leadership
"Finite and Infinite Games" by James P. Carse has very much changed the way I lead. It's not your usual book on business leadership, but its philosophical view of life and organizations helped me see my job as Executive Director in a new way.
The most important thing for me was the difference between finite and infinite games. There are clear rules for finite games, known players, and a clear goal: to win. On the other hand, infinite games are played to keep playing. To keep the game going, not to win.
This idea really hit home for me because it made me think about long-term longevity instead of short-term gains. It made me remember that real leadership isn't about winning one battle but ensuring everyone is involved, has power, and is committed to the road ahead. It's about creating a mindset where people are always learning, adapting, and growing so that the business "game" can go on forever.
Adopt Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop
One book that I found very impactful is ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. The key takeaway for me was the importance of embracing a ‘build-measure-learn’ feedback loop in decision-making. Basically, what this means is, rather than waiting for the perfect strategy or product, I learned to implement small, testable steps and iterate based on real-time feedback.
This mindset helped me lead with agility, allowing us to pivot quickly when necessary, minimize wasted resources, and focus on continuous improvement, both in our services and in team dynamics. It’s been a game-changer in keeping our organization adaptable and resilient.
Treat Everyone Equally with Genuine Care
Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman. Bob emphasizes the need to treat everyone equally, with genuine care and respect. When I imagined setting up a business, I wanted to train a team of world-class weightlifters. This book shifted my perspective. I learned that success depends on the collective effort and the well-being of everyone in the company, not just on top performers. I became more invested and intentional about creating a nurturing environment.
The goal was to make everyone feel supported in their weightlifting journey, regardless of their level of skill. It encouraged me to offer personalized training plans, workshops, and mentorship programs. We celebrate personal bests and milestones by new members and our team, not just podium finishes. By creating a sense of community where everybody feels seen and heard, we expanded our reach. We continue to take a wider market share every year and motivate everyone to achieve their limits.
Simplify Processes for Effective Leadership
One leadership book that has profoundly impacted my approach is "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. The key takeaway for me was the idea of simplifying processes and focusing on what's truly important, rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity. It challenges traditional business practices and emphasizes efficiency, adaptability, and taking action without overthinking. This approach has helped me streamline operations and make more decisive, effective leadership choices.
View Leadership as an Ongoing Journey
A leadership book that has significantly impacted my approach is "The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek. The key takeaway from this book is the concept of viewing leadership as an ongoing journey rather than a finite competition. Sinek argues that successful leaders focus on long-term vision, adaptability, and creating a lasting impact, rather than just short-term wins. This perspective has shifted my approach to strategy and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships and prioritizing the development of our team. By adopting this mindset, I’ve seen a more resilient and innovative culture emerge, positioning us for sustained success in a rapidly changing environment.
Adopt Strategic Mindset for Adaptability
One leadership book that has profoundly influenced my approach as an executive director is "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. The key takeaway lies in the strategic mindset, which emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability. As a trial attorney, success hinges on meticulous planning and anticipating all potential moves by the opposing side. This book underscores the necessity to remain agile and vigilant, enabling me to turn challenges into opportunities, much like maneuvering through the layered tactics of a courtroom battle. This strategic outlook is paramount not only in the legal field but in any leadership role, resonating with the ethos of always staying a step ahead.
Focus on Rapid Growth with Clear Strategies
I often lean on Felix Valard's "Scale at Speed" as it is one of the few books I've found that actually offers a practical tool. The key takeaway being the Two-Year Plan framework, which focuses on rapid growth by creating clear, actionable strategies that align with everyone in the organization. It encourages leaders to focus on two or three key priorities that will impact business growth—this provides clarity and prevents distraction. Using this means that every member of the team knows what's truly important. Another key takeaway is accountability and the importance of having accountability at every level—this book emphasizes the necessity for everyone in business to be working toward the same goal, despite what team or specialization they're in.
Guide Team with GROW Model
"Coaching for Performance" by Sir John Whitmore changed how I lead. The main lesson was the GROW model—focusing on Goals, Reality, Options, and Will.
This simple method helps my team think for themselves instead of always looking for answers from me. It's an easy way to guide others to find their own solutions, making them feel more confident and motivated.
Encourage Calculated Risks and Innovation
One leadership book that profoundly impacted me is The Elephant's Dilemma by Jon Bostock. The key takeaway was to break free from self-imposed limitations and reimagine what's possible. Inspired by this, I started encouraging my team to take calculated risks and think beyond traditional boundaries.
This shift led us to innovative solutions and a more dynamic work environment. Embracing the book's lessons helped us aim higher and create a lasting, positive impact in our field.
Foster Intrinsic Motivation for Engagement
"Drive" by Daniel H. Pink has been instrumental in how I motivate and engage our team at our company. Pink's deep dive into what truly motivates people—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—has helped me redesign our operational strategies to empower employees more effectively. By integrating these principles, I’ve aimed to foster a more motivated and productive workplace.
The central lesson from "Drive" was understanding that intrinsic motivation outweighs extrinsic rewards. Implementing this at our work, we’ve shifted focus towards providing meaningful work and opportunities for personal growth, which has enhanced our team’s engagement and productivity dramatically.
Practice Self-Reflection for Better Leadership
I've read one book, and it's a fundamental part of my journey as a director. It's called It's Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff. I like this book because it's full of concrete, practical tips to make you a better leader.
And the thing that made me think differently about leadership when I read it was the focus on self-reflection. Many leaders do this wrong—they are often more eager to harp on what others are not doing, make excuses for them, or draw conclusions based on someone's status within the company. But this book drove home the point that you have to get better for your team first. Captain Abrashoff needed to become more leaderful before his crew would respond.
I have kept many of the practices in this book that I have embraced in my professional life, such as delegation, modeling, and active listening. I also bring purpose, communication, trust, and team cohesion to the table. I'm always trying to increase the quality of life of the people in my organization so the entire organization can be successful.
Begin with the End in Mind
It's gotta be Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This classic has not just been a guide, but a mentor in book form, steering me through the complexities of leadership. The most pivotal takeaway for me was the concept of "Begin with the End in Mind."
This habit emphasizes the importance of envisioning your desired outcome before starting any task. It’s about having a clear vision and a mission statement—not just for your organization, but for yourself as well. This forward-thinking mindset has helped me align my daily actions with long-term goals, ensuring that every step I take is purposeful and directed toward achieving the larger vision.
Create Safe and Trusting Environment
There is a book on leadership that my approach has also been influenced by: "The Culture Code" By Daniel Coyle. The most important lesson from this book is how critical it is for an organization to be safe and trusting. Coyle argues that greater security leads to greater risk-taking, more willingness to share ideas, and better collaborative work.
In my leadership, I have incorporated this by making open communication. I could be evaluated for micromanaging. But truthfully it's time to talk with my team, to make sure that they are doing all right. Not just on projects - but on how do they feel about the work environment.
Start with Why to Inspire Others
'Start With Why' is about a naturally occurring pattern—a way of thinking, acting, and communicating that gives leaders the ability to inspire those around them. The more organizations and people who learn to also start with WHY, the more people there will be who wake up feeling fulfilled by the work they do. Simon Sinek defines the Why as your purpose, cause, or belief. It explains why your business exists and why your customers should care.
For me, this is when I decided to change careers because my WHY was not aligning with my previous career and I needed to find a place where I was valued for what I have to give to people in the healthcare community. My WHY has always been to fulfill others and treat them the way I would want to be treated. This includes in my career and within my social and family circles.
Adapt to Change in Higher Education
Book - Commencement: A New Era in Higher Education by Joe Sallustio and Kate Colbert.
Change is a constant presence in our lives, and perhaps no better example exists today than within the virtual and physical walls of our colleges and universities around the country.
Staying on top of those changes is critical for the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), and one of the key books I continue to turn to is Commencement: A New Era in Higher Education.
What is most concerning to the leaders within the educational community (our members) is the rate of change we are currently experiencing in the industry across every intricate element. When the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) was founded some 38 years ago, our focus was to provide videoconferencing expertise and guidance to the global educational community. Colleges and universities around the world turned to our board of directors, mostly composed of presidents and industry executives, to learn about design choices and best practices.
In these early days, the data was primitive; the videoconferencing systems we spoke of were both expensive and unreliable, but industry professionals still came to our conferences to hear about the good, bad, and the ugly truths from the experts. Having been in the educational technology field for some 20+ years, I’ve seen rapid rates of change and the disruptive technologies that followed, which changed our lives forever. Videoconferencing capability that required six-figure budgets and involvement from your local telecommunications company to deploy now sits squarely in the palm of your hand. This same rate of change is quickly altering the higher education landscape forever.
There is a striking similarity between those early USDLA days and the topics discussed in this book. The team of Kate Colbert and Joe Sallustio have effectively translated the challenges facing today’s presidents, deans, and leaders into digestible, bite-sized nuggets of information that can be used to shape the educational landscape for years to come.
Commencement has become a guiding light for our association by providing insight on shaping our service offerings to best align with the member and industry partner stakeholders we serve. Whether it’s how to leverage AI in your coursework, the way community involvement can help to drive ROI, or embracing work-based credits towards CBE, this book has it all.
Promote Vulnerability and Courage in Leadership
One leadership book that has profoundly impacted my approach as an executive director is "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown. The key takeaway was the importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership. The book reinforced that fostering an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves and take risks leads to greater innovation and collaboration. This mindset has been instrumental in guiding my team at 6 Degrees Media, where I've focused on building authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns, driving growth, and scaling brands across diverse industries.
Organize Tasks for Greater Impact
I'm very late to the game on this, but I recently read David Allen's "Getting Things Done." As the ED of a non-profit with a small staff, I'm consistently overwhelmed by daily to-do-type tasks that get in the way of bigger thinking. Allen's method has allowed me to get organized and focus on impact over just keeping my head above water. Like anything else, I tend to fall out of the routine of keeping up with the method, but it's not hard to get back on track. This alone keeps me coming back to it.
Implement Intent-Based Leadership
One leadership book I was really impressed by is Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet. The thing about this book is it actually flips top-down leadership on its head by getting everyone on the team to be a leader, no matter what their role is. The biggest thing I took away from this was giving instead of stealing. It requires that a culture be developed in which decisions aren't made centrally but spread out, and everyone feels empowered to ensure the success of the entire team.
After I read it, I began to employ what Marquet calls "intent-based leadership," where instead of dictating, I ask my team to explain to me their intentions and motivations. It's a small shift, but it's helped generate ownership and initiative. It also led to better and more conscious decisions for everyone because it makes workers feel more in control of their own affairs. It's an unconventional style that's made me shift the leadership mindset of making the team more a team, rather than one that gets told what to do.
Build Trust for a Cohesive Team
One leadership book that has truly impacted my approach as CEO of Orthotic Shop is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni. The book lays out how trust, or the lack of it, is the foundation of either a strong or weak team.
The key takeaway for me was that fostering open, honest communication and addressing issues head-on is essential to building a cohesive team. By applying this to our company, I've learned that when trust is the priority, everyone feels more empowered, engaged, and aligned with the mission, ultimately helping us serve our customers better.
