10 Best Leadership Books 2025 in the United States

Written by Stephen R. Covey, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition' is a well-regarded leadership book. Covey, a respected author and educator, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in personal and professional development. The book focuses on building effective habits through principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity, making it relevant not only for leaders but anyone looking to improve their life skills.

Its practicality is one of its strengths, offering actionable advice that readers can apply in various aspects of their lives. The writing style is clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Published in 2020, this anniversary edition includes updated insights that maintain its relevance in contemporary settings.

It has received positive reviews for its impactful content and is highly recommended by both readers and professionals alike. However, the book’s length (464 pages) might be daunting for some, and its somewhat traditional approach may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, its enduring popularity and the substantial, positive impact it has had on its readers make it a valuable addition to anyone's library.

The Harvard Business Review Guides Ultimate Boxed Set is a comprehensive collection that includes 16 books, making it a valuable resource for leaders and aspiring leaders. Published by the reputable Harvard Business Review Press in March 2019, this set leverages the expertise of various renowned authors in the business and leadership fields, offering a rich and credible source of knowledge. This extensive background adds significant authority to the guide’s content, ensuring readers are getting insights from highly respected professionals.

The focus area of these guides is broad, covering various key aspects of leadership and management, which can help readers develop a well-rounded skill set. From strategic thinking to managing teams and personal productivity, this set aims to address many challenges leaders face. Practicality is a notable strength as it provides actionable advice and methodologies that can be applied in real-world scenarios, making it highly useful for both new and experienced leaders. The writing style is clear and accessible, avoiding overly complex jargon, which makes the information easy to digest and implement.

However, the extensive nature of the collection might be overwhelming for some, and the physical dimensions and weight of the set (5.1 x 9.1 x 9.2 inches and 2.31 pounds) make it less portable than single-book alternatives. Additionally, while the publication date of 2019 ensures relatively up-to-date content, some topics might not reflect the very latest trends and developments in leadership. This boxed set is ideal for anyone serious about enhancing their leadership skills and looking for a thorough, trusted resource to guide them.

The 'HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set (6 Books)' is a collection of leadership books published by the Harvard Business Review Press. This set is authored by renowned experts in the field of business and leadership, ensuring that the content is credible and well-researched. Each book within the set focuses on different aspects of leadership, providing a comprehensive overview of essential leadership principles and strategies.

This makes it particularly useful for leaders at any stage in their career who are looking for a thorough grounding in leadership theory and practice. The practical advice and real-world examples featured in these books could help you apply leadership concepts directly to your own professional scenarios. The writing style is clear and accessible, making it easier to digest complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

The boxed set is also quite portable with its compact dimensions and relatively light weight, making it easy to carry around and read on the go. If you are looking for a solid foundation in leadership from a respected source, this collection could be a very valuable resource.