Oftentimes when we work at a big company then there are many layers of job titles and people (who have different power in their hands). Sometimes the CEO is called the boss but the manager is called a leader and not a manager. Sometimes we even hear in our friend’s group that someone says: “Ohh, he is a great leader.”
When we think about that then a Boss is someone who gives us duties, tells us what to do and you know he is the boss, you can’t argue with him or her. But the Boss can be a leader too. We define leaders as a human being who finds the balance between business foresight, performance, and character. They have vision, courage, integrity, humility, and focus along with the ability to plan strategically and catalyze cooperation amongst their team.
A powerful leader can change people’s lives. That’s why we need leaders to be up top, not the bosses. We give you 5 books that will make you a better and more powerful leader. Remember “All the leaders are readers!” Give yourself a chance to get better and grow into something bigger.
1.” The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” – Patrick Lencioni
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is a book about teamwork and leadership. It’s about a tech company in Silicon Valley. A startup that everyone thought is going to be something great. Every meeting starts with words: “We have more cash than our competitors. We have better core technology. And we have a more connected board of directors. Yet despite all that, we are behind two of our competitors in terms of both revenue and customer growth.”
They lack something and that something is teamwork. The board hires a new CEO Kathryn. An older woman who has never been in tech companies. But the chairman trusts her and wants her to be the head and help the company.
Kathryn approaches everything differently as the formal CEO did. She starts with off-sites meetings where she talks about the five Dysfunctions: the absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, inattention to results!
She knows that the problem is about teamwork. You can have the best products, lots of cash, the best technology… but when you lack teamwork then there isn’t much to do with all of the money.
In order to be a powerful leader, you need to connect with people. There needs to be trust. And most importantly you can not fake it. If someone is not willing to make an effort in teamwork then you as a leader need to be harsh and take decisions. Maybe that person is not the best fit for this particular company.
2.” Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway” – Susana Jeffers
When you want to be a good and powerful leader then you need to know your fears. We tend to make things look worse than they actually are. Have you had times when you are so afraid of some kind of decision, meeting, or a day that you just can not get your thoughts away from that? You think what can go wrong, what might happen… Usually, these days end up being the best! Sounds familiar?
We all have had fears that are hard to admit (even to ourselves). Usually, there is always a deeper meaning about why we are afraid of something.“At the bottom of every one of your fears is simply the fear that you can´t handle whatever life may bring you!” If you think about that, it’s kinda true!
In the book, Susan Jeffers brings out so many truths about why we are afraid. She says: “The fear will never go away as long as we continue to grow.”
You find many stories from different people who talk about their fears and how they overcame them! Sometimes if you start to change to be more positive you will notice people around you are acting weird! Some of the most important people in your life don’t seem to like the changes in you!
If you want to be a powerful leader then it´s an important book for you. How to fight with all of that? How to be positive and survive in this crazy world? Some tips and tricks may open your eyes and make you see the world from a different perspective. “You are not a failure if you don’t make it; you´re a success because you try!”
3.”Man’s Search for Meaning” – Viktor E. Frankl
I think for sure that this book is something that every leader should read. This will make you think about the purpose. This book is full of wisdom and thoughts about the times when the only thing you have is air to breathe.
Viktor Frankl said: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” It makes you think about your life and the way you live it.
This book shows how different perspectives we can look at our lives and how we are so blessed with what we have right now. What amazed me was that if Frankl could find good in the concentration camp then what the hell is so bad in our lives? The answer is “Nothing!”
We can lose everything: our families, money, company, job, health… but we can always choose in these situations our attitude! “There will be suffering – It’s how we react to suffering that Counts”
What is your purpose in life? Do you know? Whoever picks up this book will definitely think about that. Frankl observed that those prisoners who survived, who found a way to endure, always had a greater purpose that carried them onward through difficult conditions.
This book shows you that human kindness can be found in the most surprising places!
4.“The Way of the SEAL” – Mark Divine
“Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training”
This book is written by ex-Navy seal commander Mark Divine. A true leadership book. Remember every powerful leader looks for ways how to grow and get better. This book shows deep relations with yourself and with your mind.
When you are thinking about how to get your focus better or how to train your mental toughness, then this book reveals to you different exercise techniques on how to do it. Mark Divine shows the tactics he has learned in his career in elite forces.
What is really great about this book is that it shows you how to define your most important goals. It makes you think about your life and what decision you have made. So this masterpiece is not only a book to read but it gives you exercises to do and add to your everyday life!
It’s a practical guide for business people or anyone who wants to be an elite operator in life. Why not start your journey as a better person. Make the change in your life.
5.“Relentless- From Good to Great to Unstoppable” – Tim S. Grover
“Being relentless means demanding more of yourself than anyone else could ever demand of you, knowing that every time you stop, you can still do more. You must do more.”
What it takes to be the best. Do you know? Or maybe you know what is different between being the best and being great? Tim Grover is a personal trainer who speaks truthfully in his book that why so few people get to the top and what it takes to get there!
Who knows a little about sports then Grover has trained great sportsmen like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade, and many others. He goes deep in talking about how to achieve total mental and physical dominance.
He reveals how best of the best are training and how hard they worked to get where they finally got. How Jordan ruled the basketball world! If you like to know the meaning of being the best and what it takes. Then this book is a great way to get started!
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable, or find another place to fail.”