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.

Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People: Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders' is a refreshed version of the classic book that has influenced countless leaders since its original publication. Carnegie, renowned for his expertise in leadership and interpersonal skills, provides timeless advice that remains relevant, highlighted by the book's enduring popularity and high rankings in bestseller lists. The updated edition ensures the material resonates with contemporary readers, making the principles accessible to new generations of leaders.

The focus area is clear—enhancing social and leadership skills to build better relationships and influence others positively. The book is highly practical, offering actionable steps and real-world examples that readers can implement in their personal and professional lives. Carnegie's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, breaking down complex ideas into simple, relatable concepts.

Published in May 2022, this edition brings a modern touch to Carnegie's classic teachings, ensuring they are relevant in today's fast-paced world. The book, with a reading age recommendation of 17+, is suitable for young adults and seasoned professionals alike, making it a versatile addition to anyone's library.