Let’s face it—being a great leader isn’t just about yelling “synergy” in every meeting or owning a coffee mug that says “Boss Babe” or “World’s Okayest Manager.” In 2025, leadership is more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re managing a startup, running a team of creatives who only communicate in memes, or you’re just trying to lead your cat into the vet’s office, you need sharp leadership skills. And thankfully, we’ve got books for that.
This isn’t your typical boring list of dusty old titles with enough corporate jargon to summon a yawn demon. Nope, we’re diving into the best leadership books of all time and the best selling leadership books shaking up Amazon and Goodreads right now. These aren’t just highlighters-and-sticky-notes kind of reads—they’re packed with real talk, inspiring stories, and tactics you can actually use in real life.
From the authors who coach Fortune 500 CEOs to the ones who’ll call you out like a motivational best friend with a bullhorn, we’re ranking the books that will make you a better boss, manager, and all-around human.
So grab your notebook, warm up that “aha!” brain muscle, and get ready to meet the 11 best leadership books to read in 2025. Spoiler: a few of these might just change how you run your team and your life.
11 – “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith
Why You Should Read It
Because “winging it” is not a leadership strategy—and Goldsmith knows it. This book’s all about aligning your actions with your ambitions, minus the burnout spiral.
What We Liked
Clear, no-fluff strategies
Goldsmith’s no-nonsense tone (he’s like your wise uncle who also has a PhD)
Emphasis on accountability without the guilt trip
What We Don’t Like
Slightly repetitive in places
Makes you re-evaluate your entire life (which is… a lot)
Book Review
Marshall Goldsmith is a legend in leadership coaching, and in The Earned Life, he’s handing out golden nuggets of wisdom like Oprah handing out cars. The premise? Living a life where you earn your success—not just achieve it.
Through introspective exercises and behavioral frameworks, Goldsmith challenges leaders to stop chasing external validation and start pursuing meaningful goals. It’s a bit like therapy but with more productivity charts. You’ll reflect on identity, intention, and your precious little calendar—and if you’re doing any of it right.
Perfect for those in leadership roles who are tired of being busy but not fulfilled, this book bridges the gap between success and satisfaction. If you’re leading a team, a project, or even just trying to lead yourself out of a Netflix rabbit hole, this book offers clarity, focus, and some tough-love motivation.
10 – “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara
Why You Should Read It
Because hospitality isn’t just for restaurants—it’s a leadership mindset. And yes, your coworkers are your guests too.
What We Liked
Story-driven, engaging read
Applies leadership to both service and culture
Inspires better team dynamics
What We Don’t Like
A bit idealistic at times
Heavy restaurant analogies (hope you’re not reading this hungry)
Book Review
Will Guidara isn’t just serving food—he’s serving leadership wisdom on a silver platter. In Unreasonable Hospitality, he shares how he transformed Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world by obsessing over the guest experience.
But this book isn’t just for restaurateurs. It’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, generosity, and creating “wow” moments in every workplace. Guidara makes a compelling case that great leadership means going above and beyond—not because you have to, but because it builds culture, loyalty, and excellence.
Expect lots of “aww” moments, a few goosebumps, and a hunger to make your team feel genuinely seen. Bonus: it’ll make you rethink how you treat both your clients and coworkers. Leadership? Turns out, it’s all about being human—and this book proves it.
9 – “Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant
Why You Should Read It
Because you’re more capable than you think—and Adam Grant is here to prove it, using science and stories that hit you right in the ambition.
What We Liked
Super actionable insights
Grant’s signature mix of psychology and humor
Encourages growth mindset without sounding preachy
What We Don’t Like
Gets dense with data at times
May make you want to redo your whole team structure
Book Review
Adam Grant is back at it—turning research into rocket fuel for your brain. In Hidden Potential, he breaks down how untapped capability can outshine raw talent (finally, a win for the late bloomers among us).
Using real-world stories and solid research, Grant argues that growth isn’t about genius—it’s about the systems and environments we build to support development. For leaders, this means stop hiring only résumés and start spotting potential. For everyone else, it means stop doubting yourself and start building skills like a pro.
It’s motivating, sharp, and filled with moments that make you go, “Wait, why didn’t I know this?” Whether you’re leading a classroom, a boardroom, or just your own career, Hidden Potential is a reminder that greatness is built, not born.
8 – “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
Why You Should Read It
Because vulnerability is no longer a dirty word in leadership—thanks to Brené, it’s a superpower.
What We Liked
Brené’s trademark blend of research and soul
Empowers emotional intelligence in leadership
Makes courage feel doable, even in tough spots
What We Don’t Like
Can feel a bit “therapy-ish” if you’re not into self-reflection
A little heavy on the personal development side
Book Review
If Brené Brown had a cape, it would be stitched from vulnerability, courage, and coffee-fueled TED Talks. Dare to Lead is a battle cry for leaders who want to show up authentically, even when it’s scary.
The book strips away outdated models of tough-guy leadership and replaces them with heart, honesty, and clear tools for leading with empathy. Whether it’s holding tough conversations, navigating uncertainty, or admitting when you don’t have the answers (gasp!), Brené equips you with skills that foster trust and connection.
This one’s for the managers who want to build real cultures, not just clock hours. If you’ve ever thought leadership meant wearing a mask, Dare to Lead gently (but firmly) rips it off—and hands you a much better one called self-awareness.
7 – “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni
Why You Should Read It
Because figuring out what energizes vs. drains you is a leadership cheat code. No more dragging yourself through “just not my thing” tasks.
What We Liked
Quick to read and wildly relatable
Great for team building and hiring
Lencioni’s humor and storytelling style
What We Don’t Like
Not super deep on the science
Can feel a bit like a personality quiz (which you may or may not love)
Book Review
Patrick Lencioni, the mastermind behind The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, is back with a surprisingly fun twist on workplace productivity. The 6 Types of Working Genius helps you discover your unique genius (yes, you have one), and how to build a team where everyone works in their zone of awesomeness.
The six “genius types” range from Wonder to Tenacity, and once you figure out which ones you have (and which ones you don’t), the lights go on. Suddenly, team conflicts make sense, your weird dislike of brainstorming is validated, and you can stop trying to be great at everything.
It’s one part personality test, one part team strategy, and one big “a-ha!” moment for anyone trying to lead effectively. It’s especially great for managers juggling team dynamics or entrepreneurs building dream squads. Just don’t use it as an excuse to delegate everything that’s not your genius—you’re still the boss.
6 – “Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman
Why You Should Read It
Because the best leaders aren’t the smartest in the room—they’re the ones who make everyone else smarter.
What We Liked
Real-world examples and case studies
Applies to any industry
Clear framework for becoming a “Multiplier”
What We Don’t Like
Some parts can feel a tad repetitive
You might recognize a few “Diminisher” traits in yourself (awkward)
Book Review
Ever worked for someone who drained every bit of creativity out of a room? That’s a Diminisher. Now imagine a leader who lights people up, unlocks their brilliance, and doesn’t have to micromanage to get results—that’s a Multiplier, and Liz Wiseman wants you to be one.
Multipliers explores what it takes to amplify the intelligence and capability of your team. Wiseman outlines five key disciplines of Multipliers and how even well-meaning leaders can accidentally shut down productivity without realizing it. Yikes.
This is one of the best leadership books for managers who want to grow their teams without crushing them. It’s like a mirror and a map rolled into one: slightly uncomfortable at times, but super useful. After reading this, you’ll probably have a mini identity crisis—and then start running meetings like a boss-level genius.
5 – “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek
Why You Should Read It
Because not all success is measured in quarterly goals—and Simon Sinek is here to teach you how to play the long game.
What We Liked
Big-picture thinking that sticks
Encourages purpose over profit
Inspires leaders to create lasting impact
What We Don’t Like
Can get a bit philosophical
Some concepts may feel abstract for first-time managers
Book Review
Simon Sinek is basically the TED Talk whisperer, and The Infinite Game is like his greatest hits album of leadership wisdom—but with a twist. Instead of winning, he wants you to keep playing. That’s right: forget about “beating the competition” and start focusing on building something that endures.
The book breaks down the difference between finite games (short-term wins, rivalries, and ego contests) and infinite ones (vision, resilience, and legacy). It’s an eye-opener for anyone stuck in a hamster wheel of hustle without meaning.
This one’s ideal for founders, C-suite folks, and visionary leaders who are tired of chasing metrics that don’t matter. If you’re the kind of leader who wants to leave a dent in the universe (and not just get a good performance review), The Infinite Game is your new north star.
4 – “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown
Why You Should Read It
Because trying to do everything is the fastest way to accomplish nothing—Greg said it, and your burnout agrees.
What We Liked
Super practical and easy to implement
Great for setting priorities and boundaries
Makes “less but better” feel doable
What We Don’t Like
A bit minimalist in tone (on purpose)
If you love to juggle a million things, this might hurt a little
Book Review
Greg McKeown wrote Essentialism for everyone who’s ever responded to an email with “Sure, I can take that on” while internally screaming. It’s a guide to trimming the fat from your schedule, your workload, and yes, even your meetings.
His core message is simple: stop trying to do it all, and focus only on what truly matters. That might sound obvious, but the way he breaks it down—with strategies for saying no, prioritizing ruthlessly, and reclaiming your time—makes it feel like a productivity revelation.
For leaders, Essentialism is a permission slip to stop glorifying busy and start aiming for impact. You’ll finish this book with fewer things on your to-do list and way more confidence about what actually belongs there.
3 – “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Why You Should Read It
Because leadership isn’t about one giant leap—it’s about tiny steps that build massive momentum. Welcome to the power of habits.
What We Liked
Incredibly practical with instant takeaways
Great storytelling and simple frameworks
Works for life and leadership
What We Don’t Like
You’ll start judging all your bad habits immediately
Makes other productivity books seem… messy
Book Review
James Clear could probably teach a sloth to become a productivity machine. In Atomic Habits, he takes the overwhelming idea of personal growth and breaks it down into micro-changes that anyone (yes, even your least organized team member) can handle.
The brilliance of this book is how Clear makes habit formation feel like LEGO bricks instead of Mount Everest. He dives into identity-based goals, habit stacking, and environmental design—basically how to make good habits impossible to ignore and bad habits nearly extinct.
For leaders, this book is pure gold. Want to build a culture of consistency? Improve performance across the board? Actually stick to that “no meeting Mondays” policy? This is your manual. Read it once and you’ll start re-engineering your leadership style one tiny habit at a time. And yes, it works.
2 – “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
Why You Should Read It
Because being a great leader means putting people first—and Simon Sinek will kindly (and repeatedly) remind you why.
What We Liked
Inspiring case studies and leadership lessons
Hits the emotional and logical side of leadership
Reinforces the value of empathy in business
What We Don’t Like
A bit idealistic in some examples
Heavy on the military analogies
Book Review
Simon Sinek makes another well-deserved appearance on our list, this time with Leaders Eat Last, the book that answers the age-old question: “What makes people truly trust their leaders?”
Spoiler: It’s not unlimited snacks in the breakroom. It’s safety, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Sinek dives into the biology of trust and collaboration, weaving in everything from Marine Corps mess halls to corporate cubicles. He argues that leaders who prioritize their people over their egos create teams that thrive—even under pressure.
This is one of those leadership books for managers who want to inspire loyalty instead of just compliance. It’s not just about doing the right thing—it’s about becoming the kind of leader people actually want to follow. Prepare for a few tear-jerking moments and a strong urge to hug your team (consensually, of course).
1 – “The 5 Levels of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell
Why You Should Read It
Because if there were a Hogwarts for leaders, this would be the textbook—and Maxwell is basically Dumbledore.
What We Liked
Timeless leadership framework
Super clear, actionable guidance
Builds leadership from the ground up
What We Don’t Like
Slightly old-school in style
You might wish you read it five years ago
Book Review
John C. Maxwell is a leadership legend, and The 5 Levels of Leadership is his magnum opus. This book doesn’t just tell you how to lead—it shows you the journey, step by step, from positional authority to people-powered influence.
The five levels range from “people follow you because they have to” (Level 1) to “people follow you because of who you are and what you represent” (Level 5). The beauty of this model? It meets you wherever you are. Whether you’re a new team leader or a seasoned executive, there’s a clear path for growth.
Maxwell’s tone is encouraging, straightforward, and filled with examples that hit close to home. You’ll walk away knowing exactly where you stand as a leader—and what to work on next. If you want to build influence that lasts longer than your last job title, The 5 Levels of Leadership is the blueprint.
Conclusion: Read, Lead, Repeat
There you have it—11 of the best leadership books to read in 2025, handpicked for their wisdom, realness, and ability to make you a better boss (or at least less of a micromanager). Whether you’re into psychology-based insights, real-world case studies, or practical productivity hacks, this list has a little something for every type of leader.
So go ahead—highlight, dog-ear, annotate, or just toss them dramatically onto your desk for aesthetic. The important part is this: leadership is a skill, not a title. And the best leaders never stop learning.
Now go forth and lead like you mean it. Preferably with one of these books in hand.