Books are a great resource for learning and developing leadership skills. That’s one reason I create recommended leadership book lists.
These lists are here to introduce you to new ideas, authors, and books to help you become a better leader.
It’s hard to argue that a good book can be as helpful as attending a seminar, chatting with another leader, or listening to audio content. The books on this month’s list will be an encouragement to you and help you grow professionally and personally.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
5 Leadership Books To Read In June 2024
1. Getting Out of Saigon: How a 27-Year-Old Banker Saved 113 Vietnamese Civilians by Ralph White:
I picked up Getting Out of Saigon because it was a discounted book through Audible. The story of Ralph White and his actions in Vietnam as the North Vietnamese took over Saigon was riveting.
He recalls his time as a Chase Bank employee tasked with closing the Saigon branch before things became too dicey. The picture painted for him was rosier than the reality. He would have a lot of work ahead of him.
His story is one of extreme leadership. White puts himself in the face of danger to rescue the branch employees and bring them to America. Something he didn’t have to do.
His actions are, in my opinion, heroic. They go above and beyond his job description and elevate him to the status of a true leader.
Discover his story and what it can teach you here.
2. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout:
There are people we assume are misunderstood. They make decision after decision that you question. Sometimes, they even gaslight you.
These people aren’t misunderstood. They could be the sociopath next door (or in your organization). You might even discover you have sociopathic tendencies.
Martha Stout examines the cases of multiple sociopaths. She gives you, the reader, insights into whether the actions are a mistake or a calculated attack.
The Sociopath Next Door can help you discover and root out the forces within your organization that intentionally hinder its movement forward.
3. The Memory Illusion: Why You May Not Be Who You Think You Are by Julia Shaw:
The work Julia Shaw has done in the inner workings of memory will fascinate you. You may think your memory is set in stone. Once an event takes place, you’ll remember exactly what happened.
According to memory research, this isn’t the case. Memories can be misconstrued, rearranged, and even manipulated.
Shaw’s work takes you down an exciting path to discover your memories may not be what you think they are.
4. Take Less. Do More.: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker by Glen Van Peski:
You may be surprised to discover unique leadership and life lessons from a man who became an ultralight backpacker. Glen Van Peski, the founder of ultralight outdoor and minimalist gear company Gossamer Gear, set out on a mission to carry out as little as possible on his backpacking trips.
He went from a backpack setup weighing more than 70 pounds to 12 pounds. Lightening the load changed his perspective on hiking and his leadership.
In Take Less, Do More, Van Peski shares insights on generosity, gratitude, and curiosity. He also weaves a tale you won’t be able to set down.
To learn more about taking less and doing more, click here.
5. Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading by Chris Anderson:
Generosity shouldn’t be a buzzword in your organization. It should be the heartbeat behind it.
Chris Anderson, the head of TED, shares inspiring stories of generosity and how they impact the world around us.
The world is a lot more generous than we’ve been led to believe. People want to help others. And they will when given a chance.
Let’s unpack the wisdom of generosity by clicking here.
