If you’ve ever attended a leadership conference, listened to a podcast on leadership, or read a blog post on becoming a better leader, you’ve most likely been advised to read more. However, for many leaders, the idea of picking up a book is intimidating, for several reasons: most leadership books are long and filled with information that isn’t immediately relevant, and trying to squeeze reading time into an already jam-packed schedule seems impossible. Fortunately, there are excellent books that can be read in one sitting—making them perfect for your next flight, a quiet night at home, or a long commute. Pick up one of these small but powerful volumes to give your leadership skills a boost.
Beyond the Idea by Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble
This short, practical book gives recommendations on how to turn ideas into actions. Using specific instructions, the authors share with readers how to build a creative team, manage innovation, and select a business model to push an idea from concept to reality. It’s excellent for any business leader who recognizes the importance of innovation and wants to increase creativity in their workplace.
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
Perfect for the leader who struggles with procrastination, Tracy’s 21 strategies to get things done can be knocked out in one evening. Taking his cue from Mark Twain’s theory about getting the hardest part of your day done in the morning, Tracy gives practical tips for avoiding the tendency to procrastinate. You can read and absorb all 21 strategies in one sitting, or focus on one each day, taking time to put each point of advice into action.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Leaders who are trying to create something often face “blank page syndrome”—what Pressfield refers to as “Resistance.” This brain block that prevents leaders from moving forward can be defeated, according to the author, through a series of tools that help remove barriers to creativity. His guide helps the reader develop a battle plan for winning the war—regardless of where the battlefield may be.
Do the Work by Steven Pressfield
A follow-up to The War of Art, Do the Work is a step-by-step manual for overcoming Resistance. While The War of Art identifies the enemy of creativity, Do the Work helps readers identify allies in the fight and provides a systematic approach to beginning—and finishing—the jobs on their to-do list.
Ready for Anything by David Allen
For the leader who wants to make things happen, Allen’s 52 principles to get things done is a manual for increasing efficiency. Each principle is discussed in a two- to three-page section, giving readers a short, easy entry to read during a lunch break, or to use as a discussion starter in a leadership meeting.
Smart People Should Build Things by Andrew Yang
Yang asserts the idea that, rather than chasing wealth or prestige, business leaders should return to the spirit of entrepreneurship that helped build some of the largest industries in the country. Through anecdotal stories, he weaves a tale of inspiration and motivation that encourages the reader to head into unchartered waters and build something of substance.
The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier
Instead of spending morning meetings lecturing your employees about your expectations for them, take a page out of Stanier’s leadership book and ask how you can make their week better. Many aspects of good leadership mirror the principles used by top executive coaches. Stanier offers practical tips on helping your team work together to reach success.
How Full Is Your Bucket by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton
Focused on the metaphorical emotional bucket that everyone carries, the authors explain that every one-sided relationship is doomed to fail. When you make a conscious decision to fill other people’s emotional buckets, these positive words and actions not only lift up the other person—they also improve your life, too. This short book can help leaders understand how to be a positive presence in their employees’ lives, which improves the work environment for everyone.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Routine can seem, well, routine. Many leaders repeatedly hit the snooze button every morning, leading to a slow start and a potential loss of activity. Elrod gives readers the tools to create a life that is so wonderful, you’ll be jumping out of bed before the alarm goes off, ready to start the day. According to Elrod, making just one or two simple changes to your morning routine can increase productivity, improve your outlook, and promote teamwork.
Leaders who wish to read more, but who are put off by doorstop-sized tomes or long, complicated instructions can rejoice knowing there are short and helpful books out there. Grab one of these and start reading today!