The Best Leadership Books & Courses to Elevate Your Growth
- Kristen Ann
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Leadership is not about titles or authority—it’s about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire growth in others. Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or refining your skills, investing in the right books and courses can set you apart.
Here’s a curated list of essential leadership books, podcasts to follow and online courses to kick-start your journey.
Leadership Books to Start With
These books offer timeless principles, real-world application, and actionable insights for leaders at any stage.
1. "Dare to Lead" – Brené Brown
💡 Why Read It? This book redefines leadership through vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. Brené Brown explores how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience create the foundation of strong leadership.
✅ Key Takeaway: Great leaders cultivate trust by leaning into difficult conversations and leading with empathy.
2. "Leaders Eat Last" – Simon Sinek
💡 Why Read It? Inspired by military leadership, Sinek breaks down why great leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams and create environments where people feel valued, safe, and inspired to perform.
✅ Key Takeaway: Leadership is about serving others, not yourself—a true lesson in servant leadership.
3. "The 5 Levels of Leadership" – John C. Maxwell
💡 Why Read It? Maxwell provides a clear roadmap to leadership growth, explaining how leaders evolve from position-based leadership to influence-driven leadership that empowers others.
✅ Key Takeaway: Influence is earned, not given. True leadership is about developing others, not just managing tasks.
4. "Radical Candor" – Kim Scott
💡 Why Read It? This book teaches leaders how to balance direct feedback with genuine care, helping them build high-performing teams that thrive on honesty and trust.
✅ Key Takeaway: Being "nice" isn't always kind—great leaders challenge their teams while still caring personally.
5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" – Stephen R. Covey
💡 Why Read It? A leadership classic that goes beyond skills—Covey outlines mindset shifts that elevate leaders into principle-centered decision-makers.
✅ Key Takeaway: Leadership starts with self-mastery and a clear personal mission.
Online Leadership Courses
Leadership isn’t just learned—it’s practiced. These online courses offer structured guidance, coaching, and community to help you implement what you read.
Harvard Business School Online
Coursera
EdX online Leadership Courses
Leadership Podcasts to Follow
Podcasts provide on-the-go learning from some of the best leadership minds in the world. Here are must-listen leadership podcasts:
🎙 1. "Maxwell Leadership Podcast" - John Maxwell
📌 Why Listen?
Practical values based leadership insights for faith-based and business leaders
Topics on organizational culture, team dynamics, and personal growth
🎙 2. "The Learning Leader Show" – Ryan Hawk
📌 Why Listen?
Interviews with top business leaders, athletes, and coaches
Focuses on continuous learning and high-performance leadership
🎙 3. "Dare to Lead" – Brené Brown
📌 Why Listen?
Vulnerability and courage in leadership
Deep discussions on trust, self-awareness, and resilience
🎙 4. "At the Table" - Patrick Lencioni
📌 Why Listen?
Focuses on team leadership, organizational health, and workplace culture
Packed with actionable strategies to improve leadership effectiveness
🎙 5. "Coaching for Leaders" – Dave Stachowiak
📌 Why Listen?
Tactical leadership skills for managers and executives
Covers communication, feedback, and leadership mindset shifts
Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination
Great leaders never stop learning. Whether you start with a book, enroll in a course, or dive into a podcast, leadership growth happens through action, reflection, and continuous improvement.
🚀 What’s your next leadership step?
Grab a book from this list 📖
Sign up for an online course 🎓
Subscribe to a podcast for weekly insights 🎧
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