I always felt that literature is the foundation to understanding leadership. Great literature (and movies) depict a main character in the midst of a transformational journey. Writers use conflict as the tool for that transformation. Every great leader has been tested, often fail, but always learn from the conflict they are embroiled in.
These are entertaining, gripping, emotionally charged books for aspiring and even experienced leaders.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtney. This book is an amazing story of a young person facing incredible challenges and overcoming them all. It is extremely well written, and once you are hooked you’ll never put it down. This is a book of fiction, but packed with lessons, that you can read time and time again.
We Die Alone by David Howarth. This is an amazing TRUE survival story. It will forever put your personal problems into context. It reinforces the idea that all of us are capable of so much more than we ever imagined. Read this on a beach, as it will chill you to the bone. And if you love this book as much as I did, you should also read The Long Walk.
The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This a parable, a fictional story loaded with lessons. A young man, who wants to be successful, but doesn’t know how, finds a mentor. In a quick 127 pages the main character (and you) learn a formula for creating success (and helping others succeed).
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell set out to explore why certain people are successful and others aren’t. His findings might surprise you: external factors matter (when and where you are born), but so does internal factors (like the amount of time spent practicing your craft). This book is fun to read. I once had a foreign exchange student in a business school class awkwardly tell me that the best thing she learned from my presentation is that you “don’t have to be smart or have money to be successful.” Yes, that was a left handed compliment that perfectly underscores Gladwell’s thesis.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. Teddy is arguably the greatest US President. This book explores his colorful journey to the White House. A man of incomparable drive and integrity, Teddy travels the Western Frontier, captures rustlers, climbs the Matterhorn, sends warships to the Philippines, reforms the NY City Police Department, fights against powerful economic forces (and wins). He struggles, fails, succeeds and fails again. It is an amazing story and an important historical contrast to modern day politicians.
