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.

This leadership audiobook by Doris Kearns Goodwin is designed to provide insights into leadership through historical narratives. Doris Kearns Goodwin, a well-respected historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, brings her extensive background to the table, ensuring a well-researched and credible examination of leadership. The focus of the book is on historical leaders, which offers a unique perspective by drawing lessons from the past. This can be particularly appealing to those interested in history and looking to understand leadership in a broader context.

The audiobook's length, at over 18 hours, suggests a thorough and in-depth exploration but might be daunting for some listeners. The narration by a cast including Beau Bridges and others adds a dynamic and engaging element to the listening experience. Released in September 2018 and published by Simon & Schuster Audio, it has garnered a respectable position in various best-seller ranks, indicating positive reception.

While the writing style is likely engaging and narrative-driven, typical of Goodwin's work, some readers might find it less focused on actionable advice. This audiobook is best suited for those who appreciate historical analysis and storytelling as a means to understand leadership.

Authored by John Kotter, a well-known expert on leadership and change management, 'Our Iceberg Is Melting' offers insights into dealing with change in a simple and engaging manner. The book uses a fable about penguins to illustrate Kotter's eight-step process for implementing successful change, making the concepts easy to understand and relatable. This storytelling approach may appeal to those who prefer narratives over traditional business books.

The focus on adaptability and change management is particularly relevant for leaders and managers looking to navigate uncertain environments effectively. However, some readers may find the fable format overly simplistic or less applicable to complex real-world scenarios. The book is practical, providing clear steps and actionable advice, but its relatively short length (176 pages) may limit the depth of information.

Published by Penguin Random House in 2016, it benefits from a reputable publisher and has likely been updated to remain relevant. This book can be a valuable resource for leaders at all levels, especially those new to change management concepts or looking for a quick, engaging read.