10 Best Leadership Books 2025 in the United States

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.

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.