What You'll Get From This Article:
• A list of books that teach the best leadership skills
• The latest theories and concepts in business
• How the best leaders create a thriving company culture and win friends
• Tips for building self-discipline and engaging in continuous improvement
If you're a startup founder, reading books that can help you grow as a leader is essential. Many great leadership books are out there, but not all of them will be relevant to your situation.
That's why we, at Goosly, have compiled a list of the best leadership books for startup founders. These business books will teach you how to join the world's greatest managers and help your business grow.
How to Choose a Quality Leadership Book
When it comes to leadership skills, several excellent books can help you cover a variety of topics. For example, books like The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell can be a great resource if you want to learn about emotional intelligence. This book will teach you how to develop your emotional intelligence and display effective leadership.
If you're interested in learning how to win friends and influence people, then the appropriately titled book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is best. This book is a frequently cited classic among good leaders; it will teach you the basics of building relationships that positively influence people.
Finally, books like Good to Great by Jim Collins can be a great option if you want to learn about some examples of great leaders. Collins looks at various business leaders that have transitioned their companies from good to great, and he outlines the steps they took along the way. It's a valuable read for any startup founder who wants to build a successful leadership style.
The Best Leadership Books
1. The Lean Startup
The Lean Startup is a book by Eric Ries that explores lean management principles and how to apply them to startups. It teaches entrepreneurs how to develop products and services using a "build-measure-learn" feedback loop.
This allows startups to test their assumptions early and overcome challenges based on the results. The book has been praised for its practical advice and is a "must-read" for startup founders.
2. The Millionaire Fastlane
The Millionaire Fastlane is a book by MJ DeMarco that explores the concept of "crash and burn," or getting rich quickly. The book teaches entrepreneurs how to achieve financial independence through business ownership and investing.
It argues that the traditional route to wealth (working for someone else) is a slow and outdated way to achieve success. The Millionaire Fastlane offers a different path to riches that is faster and riskier. But it also comes with the potential for greater rewards.
3. E-Myth Revisited
E-Myth Revisited is a book by Michael Gerber that explores the myth of entrepreneurial genius. The book argues that most small businesses are started by people who are not entrepreneurs. They are "technicians" who are good at doing a specific task and decide to start a company to do more of what they're good at.
But this often leads to frustration because the business owner does not control their destiny. E-Myth Revisited teaches readers the surprising truth about becoming true entrepreneurs and taking control of their businesses.
4. The 4-Hour Work Week
The 4-Hour Work Week is a book by Timothy Ferriss that explores the concept of working less and living more. The book argues that most people are overworked and stressed out, offering a different way to live.
Ferriss advocates for a "mini-retirement" where you take time off your job to travel, relax, and recharge. He also argues for using technology to automate your work life and free up more time. The 4-Hour Work Week is most famous for its innovative ideas about work-life balance.
5. The Start-Up of You
The Start-Up of You is a book by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha that explores the concept of self-employment. The book argues that everyone should treat themselves as small businesses and act accordingly. This means being proactive about your career, networking, and creating a personal brand.
The book also offers tips for starting your own business and dealing with failure. The Start-Up of You is a popular book that has been praised for its approach to admitting mistakes and having those tough conversations with yourself.
If you're interested in learning more about startups, here's The Startup Corner podcast, where you can listen to practical advice and experience shared from a SaaS startup founder to the fellow or aspiring founders.
6. Delivering Happiness
Delivering Happiness is a book by Tony Hsieh that explores the concept of satisfaction in the workplace. The book argues that happiness is essential for creating a productive and successful team in the business world.
It offers tips for creating a comfortable and productive work environment and measuring team member satisfaction. Delivering Happiness covers the key concepts most relevant to business owners.
7. First Things First
The book First Things First is a guide to time management written by Stephen Covey. It argues that the key to effective time management is prioritization and self-improvement.
The book offers leadership lessons on creating a "life mission statement" and prioritizing time based on values. First Things First is ideal for anyone looking to improve their time management skills.
8. Traction
Traction is a book by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares that explores the concept of traction or generating interest in your business. The book teaches entrepreneurs all the rules for getting their businesses in front of great leaders.
Weinberg and Mares teach readers how to create a marketing plan that generates results. Traction is the ultimate no-nonsense guide for entrepreneurs.
9. Primal Leadership
Primal Leadership is a book by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee that explores the concept of emotional intelligence in the business world. The book argues that emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership.
It offers tips for recognizing and managing emotions in the workplace. Primal Leadership is a "must-read" for business owners.
Summing Things Up
At Goosly, we understand that a good leader constantly learns and expands their knowledge of effective leadership. They know they need to be well informed to reach their maximum potential. Future leaders understand the latest theories and concepts in the business world.
And to help you with organizing your ideas, book takeaways, and business plans, Goosly offers you a free roadmapping & planning tool with unlimited private and public roadmaps.
Discover the vast roadmap template library, get inspired by public roadmaps, and take advantage of this handy visual tool to turn your business and career into a plan!