As a leader, you know that managing a team and driving results is far from simple. It’s not just about setting expectations or enforcing policies—it’s about motivating, communicating, and influencing effectively. Finding high-quality leadership advice can be overwhelming, but these six books provide practical, real-world strategies to help you level up your leadership game and maximize productivity.

1. Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life without Compromise – Derek Lewis

Derek Lewis’s journey from a struggling childhood in Washington, D.C., to a senior leadership role at PepsiCo is nothing short of inspiring. Survive and Advance is a blend of personal memoir and business strategy, offering lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and effective leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about adaptability and perseverance, even in challenging circumstances.
• Driving team performance requires a combination of tough but fair management and visionary strategy.
• Building equity inside and outside an organization creates long-term success.

2. The Communicative Leader: Mastering Impactful Leadership Through Effective Communication – Nicole Banks

Effective communication is at the heart of strong leadership. Nicole Banks, a seasoned leadership consultant, reveals how small yet strategic changes in communication can dramatically improve team performance and workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear, transparent communication fosters trust and enhances team dynamics.
• The best leaders aren’t just visionaries—they are great listeners and communicators.
• Learning to articulate ideas effectively can fast-track career growth and influence within an organization.

3. Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers – Steve Pratt

While written for marketers, Earn It provides valuable lessons for leaders looking to stand out in a crowded business environment. Steve Pratt emphasizes the importance of innovation and unconventional strategies to capture attention and drive success.

Key Takeaways:

• Attention is a scarce commodity; leaders must be creative in their approach to engagement.
• Traditional tactics often fall short—adaptability and bold strategies are essential.
• Marketing insights can be applied to leadership by influencing how teams, investors, and stakeholders perceive your vision.

4. Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams – Brian Gottlieb

Too many teams struggle due to unclear expectations and lack of accountability. Brian Gottlieb addresses these challenges through a compelling narrative, providing practical frameworks for leadership and team-building.

Key Takeaways:

• High-performance teams thrive in an environment with clear goals and accountability.
• Leaders must bridge gaps between departments and individuals to ensure collaboration.
• A structured leadership approach leads to a more efficient and productive workforce.

5. Do Something That Matters Journal – Michael Bungay Stanier

More than just a book, Do Something That Matters Journal is an action-driven guide designed to help leaders stay focused, set goals, and make meaningful progress in their personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about continuous growth—journaling helps track progress and insights.
• Daily reflection enhances clarity, decision-making, and productivity.
• Developing a habit of action-oriented thinking leads to lasting success.

6. Leading from the Middle: A Playbook for Managers to Influence Up, Down, and Across the Organization – Scott Mautz

Middle managers often feel stuck—pulled between executives above and employees below. Scott Mautz offers a blueprint for middle managers to expand their influence, improve cross-functional collaboration, and drive organizational success.

Key Takeaways:

• Middle managers can be powerful change-makers if they learn to influence across all levels.
• The “Middle Action Plan” (MAP) provides a structured way to maximize productivity and impact.
• Leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about leveraging influence effectively.

Final Thoughts: How to Make These Books Work for You

Your time is valuable, and reading six books might feel like a daunting task. But leadership growth doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s how you can integrate these lessons into your daily life:

• Start small. Pick one book and read a chapter per day.
• Apply what you learn. Take notes and implement strategies that resonate with you.
• Mix it up. Rotate between books to keep things interesting and gain diverse perspectives.

Leadership is an evolving skill, and these books offer timeless wisdom to help you stay ahead. Which book will you start with?