Leadership Perspectives

Best Leadership Books of 2011

When I worked in the corporate world, I seldom read leadership or business books.  That seems unfathomable to me now but that’s how it was back then.  I worked long hard hours.  When I selected my off-hours reading material I generally went for the intrigue of the 3” thick spy novel.  I didn’t understand how powerful the reading and pondering of new ideas could be to my own growth and development. 

Today, some of my clients seem to almost inhale every book that I recommend to them.  I understand why.  When I started reading books by foremost leadership thought leaders, it was like having been led to a deep well with miraculously cool fresh water.  Now I wonder why I didn’t drink sooner.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more, here’s a list of books to get you started.  The Washington Post selected eight books last week that they assert are the best Leadership books of 2011.  They are:

  • “Great By Choice” by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
  • “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
  • “Little Bets” by Peter Sims
  • “The Decision to Trust” by Robert Hurley
  • “The Progress Principle” by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer
  • “Take the Lead” by Betsy Myers
  • “The Leader’s Checklist” by Michael Useem
  • “Credibility” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner

 See pictures of the book jackets and learn who nominated the titles and why at http://tinyurl.com/Best-leadership-books

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