Leadership literature is a fantastic resource for any leader looking to up their game, fine-tune their skills, or stay abreast of current best practices. Below you will find out must-read books on leadership and management in 2024.

You often hear that the average CEO reads 4-5 books a month, although that appears to be more of a myth than fact. The notion is true, books are invaluable sources of knowledge and learning. 

With so much worthwhile material out there, it’s easy to end up neck-deep in a stack of books with no clue which to tackle first. So, we’ve taken the liberty of sorting some of 2024’s best leadership and management books by category to help you make an informed decision about your next bedtime read.

We’ll be discussing the best leadership and management books for:

• Female leaders
• New Leaders
• CEOs and Executive leaders

Let’s get started!

The best leadership and management books by or for women leaders

The titles covered in this section are written by prominent female leaders. They offer insights that will be relevant to all genders, but in particular, women in leadership and management roles.

1. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

This impressive title - written by Facebook’s former VP of design -  could also comfortably slot into the “new leaders” category. It covers all the basic strategies new leaders should consider when managing people for the first time. Hiring - firing - and everything in between. If you’re a female leader who is also new to the game, The Making of a Manager could be your ideal first read.

2. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Dare to Lead is an a fantastic resource composed by renowned academic and Ted Talk speaker, Brene Brown. The book is the result of her 7-year study into courage and leadership. It offers valuable insight for Type A leaders who may have trouble relinquishing control in the workplace.

3. The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez

Alicia Menendez is a Harvard Grad, writer, and TV personality known for her startling insight into the challenges female leaders face at work. The Likeability Trap aims to help female leaders break free of the burden of being too “likeable” or being perceived as cold when actively avoiding being a pushover. If you struggle with being caught between these two extremes, this title is a must-have addition to your bookshelf.

The best leadership and management books for new leaders

Here we have some our favourite titles for new leaders who find themselves in their first ever management role. If this is you - don’t panic - there are some incredible authors out there who have been in your shoes, and have a wealth of juicy guidance to offer.

1. The Truth About Leadership by James N. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner

This title could fairly be described as the new leader’s bible. Built on 30 years of research, The Truth About Leadership gets to the heart of everything you need to know as a fledgling leader, with no fuss or fads, and advice that applies in any context.

2. The First 90 days by Michael D. Watkins

Harvard Business School Professor Michael D. Watkins is the brains behind this incredible work and the uniquely actionable guidance it contains. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants a clear-cut roadmap to help them adapt to a new leadership role. It’s packed with tips, tools and strategies to make sure you hit the ground running and get up to speed as quickly as possible.

3. From Bud to Boss by Kevin Eikenberry & Guy Harris

From Bud to Boss, as its title suggests, focuses on the challenges inherent to the transitionary period new leaders experience, as their colleagues become subordinates. Moving from peer to leader can present a myriad of difficulties, which this book seeks to offset.

The best leadership and management books for CEOs and executive leaders

Even seasoned executive leaders and CEOs spend time investing in their skills and knowledge, to stay ahead of the ever-changing corporate game. If you’re an experienced leader interested in continual growth, here are three titles to add to your wishlist.

1. Developing the leader within you by John C. Maxwell

This book builds on basic leadership skills and techniques, branching out into slightly more esoteric, abstract, but nonetheless valuable ideas about the rule. For instance, what does it really mean to be a leader? And, what is the true difference between leadership and management? Our experts loved it, and we think you will too.

2. Leadership is an art by Max Depree

Depree is the former CEO of Herman Miller Inc. His work Leadership is an art is a great read for leaders working in technology, manufacturing, or entertainment industries. It contains valuable insights that can help leaders maximise profitability and streamline operations through the application of modern leadership practices.

3. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Executive Chairman of Walt Disney, Robert Iger, has gifted the word this fabulous work on the philosophy of leadership. It centers around the importance of respect and mutual gain in collaborative leadership roles. The Ride of a Lifetime is an incredible memoir and a New York Times best seller.

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