Top Books for Leadership and Management in 2025

As we head into 2024, strong leadership and effective management are more important than ever. With constantly evolving business landscapes, professionals must stay ahead of trends and sharpen their skills. Whether you're leading a small team or steering a major organization, the right leadership and management books can provide the insights you need to excel. In this article, we'll explore the top books for leadership and management that are making waves in 2024, offering practical strategies, inspirational lessons, and innovative ideas.

1. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek

One of the most influential leadership books, Leaders Eat Last dives deep into the concept of leadership as service. Simon Sinek explores why some teams are more effective and cohesive than others, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration. He argues that great leaders create environments where teams feel safe, fostering innovation and high performance.

• Why Read It? It offers actionable insights on fostering a workplace culture where people thrive.
• Ideal For: Managers looking to build stronger, more cohesive teams.
• Price: Amazon

2. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… And Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Jim Collins’ Good to Great has been a staple in management literature for years, and it remains highly relevant in 2024. Collins and his team of researchers uncover the key traits that allow companies to move from good to great, focusing on leadership, discipline, and strategic planning.

• Why Read It? It presents a data-driven approach to understanding what separates successful companies from average ones.
• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business managers focused on long-term growth.
• Price: Amazon

3. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is a timeless guide to becoming an influential leader. In this updated 25th-anniversary edition, Maxwell provides essential principles that apply to any leadership role, whether you're a business executive or a nonprofit leader.

• Why Read It? Each law is backed by practical examples and strategies that you can immediately implement.
• Ideal For: Leaders at all levels who are looking to strengthen their leadership foundation.
• Price: Amazon

4. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

Gino Wickman’s Traction is a must-read for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to implement structure and processes that ensure consistent growth. Wickman introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive framework that helps leaders clarify, simplify, and achieve their vision.

• Why Read It? It offers a step-by-step system that any business can use to grow sustainably.
• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs and managers seeking practical tools to improve business efficiency.
• Price: Amazon

5. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two modes of thinking that drive our decisions—fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate thinking. For leaders and managers, understanding how cognitive biases affect decision-making is crucial for making better, more informed choices.

• Why Read It? It helps leaders understand and mitigate the biases that can undermine sound decision-making.
• Ideal For: Managers who want to sharpen their decision-making skills.
• Price: Amazon

6. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Cialdini’s Influence is a classic in the realm of persuasion and leadership. This updated and expanded edition delves into the science of influence, explaining why people say “yes” and how leaders can use these principles ethically to motivate and guide their teams.

• Why Read It? Learn the key tactics of persuasion and influence, which are crucial for leadership.
• Ideal For: Leaders and managers in sales, marketing, or any role that requires negotiation and influence.
• Price: Amazon

7. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

Kim Scott’s Radical Candor teaches leaders how to be honest with their teams without being hurtful, and how to care personally while still challenging directly. This book is particularly valuable for leaders who struggle with giving constructive feedback.

• Why Read It? It offers a clear framework for improving communication and feedback in the workplace.
• Ideal For: Managers who want to create an open, transparent, and respectful team culture.
• Price: Amazon

8. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier

Coaching is a vital skill for leaders, and Michael Bungay Stanier’s The Coaching Habit teaches leaders how to ask the right questions that will empower their teams to think for themselves. This book is all about transforming your leadership style from directive to coaching-based.

• Why Read It? It provides practical techniques for becoming a more effective coach to your team.
• Ideal For: Leaders looking to develop a coaching mindset to foster team independence.
• Price: Amazon

9. The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday

In The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday taps into the ancient wisdom of Stoicism to help leaders turn challenges into opportunities. Using examples from history, Holiday shows that embracing difficulties can lead to greater success, resilience, and strength.

• Why Read It? It’s a motivational guide that teaches leaders how to overcome adversity and maintain focus.
• Ideal For: Leaders facing tough challenges or uncertainty in their organizations.
• Price: Amazon

10. The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma’s The 5AM Club introduces the concept of starting your day early for maximum productivity and personal growth. By mastering your mornings, you can take control of your schedule and make more effective leadership decisions throughout the day.

• Why Read It? It provides actionable strategies for building habits that improve both personal and professional productivity.
• Ideal For: Leaders who want to maximize their time and energy for peak performance.
• Price: Amazon

11. "Think Again" by Adam Grant

Adam Grant’s "Think Again" encourages leaders to embrace the power of rethinking and unlearning. In a rapidly changing world, Grant’s advice to question old assumptions and stay curious is highly relevant. The book offers practical tools for fostering open-mindedness and flexibility in leadership.

• Why read in 2024? In a business landscape defined by constant change, the ability to adapt and rethink strategies is a crucial leadership skill. This book provides a framework for keeping a fresh perspective and leading with curiosity.
• Price: Amazon

12. "The 5 Levels of Leadership" by John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell’s "The 5 Levels of Leadership" is a foundational text for anyone looking to understand and apply progressive leadership concepts. Maxwell outlines a clear pathway for growth, from positional leadership to the pinnacle of leadership success, where influence is based on respect and trust.

• Why read in 2024? As businesses continue to shift towards a people-centered approach, this book provides a step-by-step framework for leaders to build influence and trust within their organizations.
• Price: Amazon

13. "Leadership Is Language" by L. David Marquet

In "Leadership Is Language," David Marquet, a former U.S. Navy captain, discusses how the words leaders use shape their teams' performance. This book stresses the importance of language in creating empowered, engaged teams. Marquet presents six new playbooks to replace outdated leadership strategies that no longer serve modern businesses.

• Why read in 2024? As communication becomes more digital and decentralized, mastering leadership language is vital for inspiring and motivating teams. Marquet’s insights are crucial for navigating this new era of leadership.
• Price: Amazon