Read to keep yourself sharp, to stimulate new ideas, and so you can be a better conversation partner for your customers, employees and peers.
Here are five books I heartily recommend for smart leaders.
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker 
There are more recent books that focus on personal effectiveness, but Drucker’s classic (written over 40 years ago) is still my favorite. Drucker has a unique perspective, a way of thinking that you can learn through reading his books. Part of that way of thinking is expansive and relational: Drucker relates executive effectiveness to more disciplines than simply individual or personal effectiveness, and that is very valuable in my mind. He discusses time management, focusing on results and contribution, developing talent, setting priorities, and finally decision making. Read and apply this book–it will make you a smarter leader.
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne 
Thinking strategically is a hallmark of strong leaders. Many of the approaches to strategy are focused on competition and how to gain an edge over competitors. Kim and Mauborgne suggest another way to look at strategy in which the competition becomes irrelevant. To think strategically this way assumes a certain abundance of opportunities exists instead of scarcity. This lines up with entrepreneurial thinking and activity moreso than the strategic competition genre of books. This book will help you think more creatively about strategy and your own industry and business positioning.
Let’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play by Mahan Khalsa 
Smart leaders must be good communicators, and I have found that the sales arena is one of the best training grounds for honing strong communication skills. Khalsa approaches selling from a high ethical and consultative framework. Manipulation and tricks are games to be avoided; they are really counterproductive. Khalsa’s approach to selling could be described as “highly intentional, non-manipulative, mutual discovery”, and from this basis he shares a process for clarifying if an economic relationship makes sense between a skilled provider and an intelligent buyer. Highly recommended even if you don’t see yourself selling because the truth is most smart leaders must do some kind of selling as part of their job.
How Customers Think by Gerald Zaltman 
Learning how customers think is not an easy skill, and there are few reliable guides on this path. Learning what customers are thinking is essential for any leader in business who wishes to stay in business. Far too often we assume we know what customers want, or we rely on what they say alone instead of considering the entire message that customers are sending. Zaltman will certainly challenge you to look at your own thinking as well as get more in touch with what your customers–present and future–are thinking and wanting. Every smart leader should pay attention to what they can learn from effective, ethical marketers who are willing to share their insights.
The Bible
The best is a classic, whether you consider the stories of people in difficult circumstances (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul), the message of wisdom (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms), or the teaching of Jesus and his observations on life (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). If you haven’t read this book cover to cover (yes, it is challenging), you’re missing out on some truths you can’t get anywhere else.
Start with one of these you haven’t read and work through the list. Keep a journal or notebook nearby to process the insights you’ll gain as you read and think about these books. If you want some individualized suggestions, leave a comment or send a message our way–we’re glad to offer some help.
