Four books all leaders should read in 2021 to help them develop professionally

Being a great manager requires more than just managing people well. You need to be a leader, a visionary, someone who inspires those who work for them. There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of being a great leader, but the ones that stand out from the crowd have made an impression on the business community and are definitely worth a read, especially if you have a little extra time at home to catch up on your reading.  

Here are our top four book recommendations for leaders to take their own careers to the next level.  

Good to Great

This well-known management book by Jim Collins studies the success of companies that are able to convert standard performance to long-term success. The book delves into why managers and businesses who failed to excel didn’t make the cut, and what the difference between the great and the simply good truly is. 

First, Break All the Rules

This classic by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman provides an in-depth study of great managers and how their development of their employees’ specific talents and performance helped to grow their businesses in a highly effective manner. The follow up to this classic is equally good, Now Discover Your Strengths, also by Marcus Buckingham in collaboration with Donald Clifton. Now Discover Your Strengths provides helpful insights to better understand workplace strengths and weaknesses. One of the most critical aspects of leadership is building on the strengths of others. This book helps readers identify their own strengths and therefore helps managers identify the key strengths of their team. 

Leading Change

Author John Kotter provides an eight-step process for inspiring positive change from a position of leadership. If you have been charged with the task of inspiring action and gaining buy in from staff and key stakeholders, this book is perfect. It will provide a simple roadmap to get from point a to point b. What better time to think critically about how to lead through change than in a post-COVID-19 world. The cornerstone of leadership skills can serve us better now than ever before. Turn to books like this to explore how leadership principles can help you grow your career even in challenging times. 

Why Should Anyone Work Here? What It Takes to Create an Authentic Organization 

Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones join forces to discuss what it really takes to attract, retain, and inspire industry-leading talent. Implementing management strategies such as letting people be themselves, practicing radical honesty, and building on people strengths will help you show your staff and candidates why anyone should work for you. The modern workplace calls for the strength of authenticity and inclusion to build more highly capable teams. This book will tell you how your business can evolve into a more authentic and inclusive workplace.  

When it comes to leadership and vision, our partners are our inspiration. When you need help solving document management challenges, connect with the team here at Happy Faces Records Management. 

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