The 5 best leadership books to read in 2018
If you want to take your leadership from good to great it's essential to develop your business skills. Our top five reads will put you ahead of the competition in 2018.
When you look at what the most successful people in the world have in common, reading might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But according to Fast Company the average CEO reads 60 per books per year and the top titles are biographies and self-help books, all with the aim of developing their knowledge and skills. We've compiled a list of the best leadership books and reads for 2018 to inspire your inner business genius.
1. The Lean Startup
Book by Eric Ries
A New York Times and Amazon bestseller (and cult favourite amongst serious entrepreneurs) The Lean Startup isn’t so much a book as the bible for modern-day entrepreneurship.
The fundamentals of this business book have challenged how traditional businesses think about innovation, and inspired a generation of agile leaders. The premise: start small, keep testing your ideas, adjust, and most of all – expect to get it wrong along the way. But stay flexible enough to try and try again until it’s right.
Mandatory reading for anyone considering a startup, or business leaders looking to navigate their way through the digital economy with aplomb.
2. The Chimp Paradox: Mind Management
Book by Prof Steve Peters
Successful athletes and top CEOs alike have lauded much praise on this ground breaking book - or mind management tool - that aims to help you become a happy, confident, healthier and more successful person.
The Chimp Mind Management Model is based on scientific facts and principles, all simplified for easy use, which will help you to develop, to remove anxiety, and give you the skills to boost your confidence and choose your emotions. If you'd like to have a happier and more successful life then this is a must read.
3. The Economist
Print and digital magazine
There’s a common misconception that The Economist only covers economics. It doesn’t. This established read prides itself on providing clear analysis of the issues that surround global news stories, whether business or finance, arts or technology.
This London based weekly can often be unconventional and quirky, and always publishes thought-provoking reporting of the week’s events. There’s some first-class journalism on show (and we’re very particular about that here at CA Today), intelligent reviews, and has an inherent call for critical thinking. What’s not to love? And as an added bonus through our partnership CAs can save 10% on the regular subscription price.
4. Lean In
Book by Sheryl Sandberg
This enormously influential business book encourages women to push past professional challenges (both external and self-imposed), and galvanised professional women across the globe to strive for leadership positions. Starting with a TED Talk in 2010 that would gain over 2 million viewers on YouTube, Lean In would quickly move away from being an inspirational talk to a global phenomenon.
The book has been subject to mighty criticism and sparked fierce debate about women and leadership. But criticisms aside, Lean In ignited much needed global conversations about gender inequality and encouraged a shift in boardroom mindset.
5. Creativity Inc.
Book by Edwin Catmull
Young leaders can’t go wrong with a recommendation from Mark Zuckerberg. Creativity Inc is the story of how Pixar was created from the ground-up, and is a perfect literary blend for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to combine creativity with hardnosed business skills.
Catmull describes the power struggles, risks, failures, and the various pitfalls that are part and parcel of running a business. But the moral of this story is overwhelmingly positive. At its heart this a manual for leaders who want to build an innovative culture, who strive for greatness, and want to inspire their employees to reach new heights.