The REAL Leadership summer reading list
With the weather warming up and thoughts of holidays are front of mind we share our holiday reading list – collated by the REAL Leadership team and community. If you would add any other books to this list please email us at getreal@realleadership.consulting.
Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet – how one leader gave up control to create leaders at every level, proving that empowerment, ownership, and trust drive far better results than traditional command-and-control leadership.
Dear England (Lessons in Leadership) by Gareth Southgate – a powerful reflection on modern leadership, vulnerability, and resilience, showing how creating psychological safety, accountability, and belief can transform both performance and culture.
Micro Habits by Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes – why small, consistent actions matter more than big intentions, and how building simple daily habits can quietly transform performance, mindset, and long-term success.
The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher – how to communicate with clarity and control when it matters most, showing that the quality of your next conversation can shape trust, influence outcomes, and define your leadership.
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – how cultural differences shape communication, decision-making, and trust, and why understanding these invisible rules is essential for leading effectively in a global, diverse world.
Possible by William Ury – how even the toughest conflicts can be transformed, showing that with the right mindset, empathy, and approach, what seems impossible in negotiation can become achievable.
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern – a compelling case for leading with empathy, courage, and conviction, showing that strength in leadership doesn’t come from dominance, but from authenticity, care, and the willingness to do what’s right.
Kind Folks Finish First by Sam Jacobs/Kerry Linsenbigler – why being a good person and earning money aren’t mutually exclusive.
Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger – why hard work, dedication and vision are the only things that work 100% of the time for 100% of the things worth achieving.
Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg – how to unlock the secret language of connection, how to improve your understanding of other and how to improve how others understand you.
Get Real. Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be by Steve Charlton – sorry we couldn’t resist a little self-promotion!
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – not a new publication but worth another read to see how many of his leadership principles have stood the test of time.
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson – charting the journey from huble beginnings to one of the wealthiest people on the planet – but is he a genius or a jerk – should all leaders be a “little more like Musk” sometimes?
Why should anyone be led by you by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones – what it takes to be an authentic leader.
Seven Steps to Improve your People Skills by Neil Mullarkey – a simple but extremely effective guide to improving how you deal with people in any situation.
Endurance by Alfred Lansing – a thrilling account of one of the most astonishing feats of exploration and human courage ever recorded.
#leadershipskills #lessonsinleadership #leaderchat #leaders #leadershipdevelopment #leadership