5 leadership books to read for personal development

Joseph Lalonde

5 leadership books to read for personal developmentiStock

For this month, I am focusing on the best leadership and personal development books to develop yourself. These book recommendations will help you become a better leader and, more importantly, a better person.

You don't have to read all five of these books, but I recommend you pick up at least one or two and study them. They will have you growing, maturing, and becoming better.

1. How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This is the definitive book for personal and self-development. Dale Carnegie distills the principles he learned to the reading audience.

Though the book is over 40 years old, the nuggets of wisdom are still good. The best thing?

How To Win Friends And Influence People has been updated in this edition of the book. You'll get something extraby reading this copy.

2. The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

The habits Stephen Covey laid out in his book almost 40 years ago are as relevant today as when the book was first released. Covey had keen insights into what made people successful.

Those habits haven't changed.

3. Start With Why by Simon Sinek:

One of the books that got me genuinely excited about developing and growing was this one by Simon Sinek. His book helped me understand the importance of your Why.

You'll find this book enjoyable and informative. You'll begin to understand the reason to question why when making choices and how that will affect every choice you make.

Be an asker of Why.

4. Through Colored Glasses by Tom Harper:

Tom Harper does an excellent job of revealing how skewed our realities are in this fable. Harper tells the story of a CEO who thinks he's on the edge of the end.

Throughout the story, you will see the biblical principle of Proverbs 16:2 play out. We think we have an accurate view of reality, yet our view of reality is tinted by the experiences we've had and our mindset.

Don't keep leading the same old way. Take off the colored glasses and see the world as it really is.

5. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann:

The Go-Giver is a fantastic story that brings to life the idea of "give and you shall receive." Bob Burg and John David Mann make this principle clear as can be through their tale.

You'll find the story engaging, entertaining, and impactful. The Go-Giver is a book for the ages.

BONUS: Reel Leadership by Joseph Lalonde:

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my book, Reel Leadership,in this list. In my book, I share how you can find powerful leadership principles in the movies released every week.

From leadership experts such as former fighter pilot John Ramstead to screenwriter David Hayter, the stories engage the reader and show you how movies are a great learning tool.

And, bonus, Reel Leadership just had its first anniversary. Thank you to everyone who has made this book a success.


Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level.

This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More »

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