The Leader’s Book Shelf: What to Read for Leadership Development
Every year brings a new crop of management books, each touting the answer to productivity and leadership problems. The ones we keep going back to, though, offer ideas that are more timeless than trendy. Some of our favorite management books cover a wide variety of useful topics — time management, generational issues, leadership and managing employees. I recommend these five leadership books to help you address common management challenges.
‘Becoming the Boss’
Once new to the workforce, millennials are now maturing and moving into their first official leadership positions. “Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders” by Lindsey Pollak provides guidance to this dynamic generation on how to move up in their careers and adapt to being managers. Written for members of Gen Y, “Becoming the Boss” gives useful tips on how young employees can prepare themselves to be managers and bring with them the traits that are changing the workplace: a comfort with technology, a dedication to work-life balance, and a need for work that has a larger meaning and purpose.
‘Why Managing Sucks and How to Fix It’
We like “Why Managing Sucks and How to Fix It” by Jody Thompson and Cali Ressler because it champions creating a results-only work environment. ROWE is where you don’t judge employees’ commitment and achievement by how much face time they put in, but instead by what they accomplish — no matter when or where they get the work done. By unhooking your management tactics from the way people work, and instead focusing on the work they get done, you can help your employees be more productive and innovative while also freeing up your time as their manager. This approach encourages your organization to be more entrepreneurial, and gives employees more autonomy in how they perform their day-to-day work.
‘The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership’
Toyota has long been known as a leader in manufacturing excellence, and a lot of its success is due to its leadership. The company hires for fit and rigorously develops leaders to hone its philosophy and culture — measures that all ultimately focus on the end user. “The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership: Achieving and Sustaining Excellence Through Leadership Development” by Jeffrey Liker and Gary Convis explains how success starts at the top at Toyota. The results speak for themselves: strong branding, innovation and growth.
‘Servant Leadership’
This classic book grew from an essay written in 1970. “Servant Leadership” by Robert K Greenleaf describes the philosophy of leaders who put the needs of the organization and others in it first, and then build a culture of development and growth. Greenleaf’s approach takes the long game when it comes to leadership, but it has inspired other leadership philosophies and influenced how companies establish corporate cultures and inspire employees.
‘Getting Things Done’
“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen is a time-management manual that talks about breaking down your day-to-day tasks into smaller tasks. Doing so frees up time and mental effort to dedicate to long-term goals and creative innovation. By grouping tasks together — such as going through your email twice a day at specific times, instead of responding to emails as they come in throughout the day — you’re free to focus on more arduous tasks without being distracted.Do your company’s leaders need some hands-on leadership coaching or training? That’s our specialty. Contact us; we’re happy to help.Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more than 25 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to explore their business potential and improve their company and cultural performance. Contact us to get proactive about your people strategy.
