Many correlations have been drawn between those who read and those who lead. Here are three of my favorite leadership-oriented books to help occupy your time.
1. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a self-improvement book. It is written on Covey’s belief that the way we see the world is entirely based on our own perceptions. In order to change a given situation, we must change ourselves, and in order to change ourselves, we must be able to change our perceptions.
Throughout this book, Covey outlines the effectiveness of his seven-step system that will allow you to grow as a leader while ensuring that your goals are accomplished in a timely manner. This book is not a secret “how-to” on becoming a great leader, but rather a mantra you must live to be an effective leader.
2. Elevate Your Network
Jake Kelfer
In Elevate Your Network, Kelfer dissects 25 of the most important keys to building extraordinary relationships in life and business. In a world run by people, relationships drive happiness, success, wealth, love and more. In this practical book, you will learn how to empower others at a deeper level, create win-win opportunities and improve your overall quality of relationships.
Read this book to find the secrets to enhancing your communication abilities and to create amazing relationships in life and business.
3. Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
John Wooden
Through 41 years of coaching, John Wooden’s goal has never changed: to get maximum effort and peak performance from each of his players in the manner that best served the team. Wooden on Leadership explains step-by-step how he pursued and accomplished this goal. Focusing on Wooden’s 12 Lessons in Leadership and his acclaimed Pyramid of Success, it outlines the mental, emotional and physical qualities essential to building a winning organization.
It shows you how to develop the skill, confidence and competitive fire to “be at your best when your best is needed” and teach your organization to do the same.
From Dr. Stephen Covey and Jake Kelfer to the legendary Coach John Wooden, you will discover different advice throughout these three books. Yet, within each lies one common unwritten message—to become a leader you must want to be a leader. I hope that you read their messages and take initiative to become the emerging leader DECA has prepared you to become.