5 must-read books for the leaders of the millennium
They say that great leaders don’t do different things, they do things differently and we couldn’t agree more! A good leader is not someone who excels at what he does. Rather, he is someone who works towards bringing out the best in his team, and that, is the toughest nut to crack. A team of people comes with different backgrounds, cultures and mindsets, and it is the resilience of leaders that makes the difference in bringing the best efforts of a team together. No matter how hard working your team is, the best can be manifested only with the help of right guidance.
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Successful leaders have certain qualities that drive accomplished teams. Read these books authored by some of the most renowned industrialists, economists and psychologists to understand what it takes to become an established leader:
Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others – John C Maxwell
Just as the name suggests, this wonderful read by John C Maxwell is about how you can bring about a positive impact in the life of someone to see bigger structural and organisational changes. You need to be an influencer and a role model in order to be able to share the aspirations of your team members. “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – This quote from the book is worth imbibing!
Across the Universe – Beth Ravis
One of the most popular quotes from this book goes, “Power isn’t control at all—power is strength and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own.” We love how the meaning and definition of power and leadership is moulded according to the requirement of today’s times. It tells us how the modern leader should be. Constant change and innovation is the key to being a successful leader—a point that is meticulously described in this book.
The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done – Peter F. Drucker
This is of the most influential reads you need while you’re working on strengthening your leadership traits. Management guru Peter F. Drucker talks about what needs to be the focal point of your task because that’s what counts eventually. One life-changing quote from this masterpiece goes, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
The Path to Power – Margaret Thatcher
This book is an essential read for you decide to take charge. It talks about how being a part of the rat-race doesn’t serve any purpose or add meaning to your life. The book addresses what the basic meaning of leadership. It talks about being a leader and not a follower. The most influential quote, and also one of my personal favourite, from the book goes, “Don't follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you.”
The Ask and the Answer – Patrick Ness
This unconventional read is a must-have for all aspiring influencers. It is rather interesting how, as leaders, it is important for your team to hate you, too, while also admiring your sense of decision-making. One inspirational quote from the book that sums up the essence of it is, “Being a leader is making the people you love hate you a little more each day.”
Besides sincerity, dedication and agility, there are other qualities that leaders develop on learning how other successful people have accomplished their aspirations. So, keep reading about successful leaders and update your know-how in order to be remembered by your team as person who made a difference.
(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)