Best Books for Women Leaders

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I love all things learning and personal growth so reading is one of my favorite activities. Needless to say, I have read a TON of books! I  especially love books on leadership. Even if you don’t have a formal leadership role, we are all leaders whether it be at work, home, or in my extracurricular activities.

Here is a list of the very best books for women leaders.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (Sheryl Sandberg) 

Lean In is the quintessential book for women in business. Sheryl is a woman in a male-dominated field and this book details how she has been able to achieve her success all while being a wife and mother. What I love most about this book is the balance between inspiration and tactics. She not only gets you revved up to take on the world but she shows you how to do it.

 

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals

Rachel Hollis is my spirit animal. I  seriously love her so much. She is super relatable, funny, sweet, and gives you the kick in the butt that only a good friend can.   Each chapter of this book walks you through the lies and excuses that women tell ourselves such as “I can’t pursue my dream and still be a good mom” or “I don’t have enough time”. She debunks these lies that we tell ourselves and provides tactics and strategies to overcome them.   This is one of the best books for women leaders and that should be read and referenced often!

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones 

This is one of my favorite books, ever.  This book provides very practical advice and will help you make time for new habits, overcome a lack of motivation and willpower, design your environment to make success easier, and get back on track when you fall off course.  Can I  get an AMEN!   While this book is not specific to women leaders, women leaders tend to have more on their plate so it is essential to develop systems and habits.  This book will get you there!

Educated: A Memoir (Tara Westover)

Educated is a truly inspiring story and every women leader must read this book at some point. The book recounts how a girl triumphs out of terrible conditions through grit and pursuing an education.  This book shows you that you can really claw your way out of any situation and how important it is to invest in yourself despite your circumstance.

How to Win Friends & Influence People 

How to Win Friends & Influence People is an oldie but goodie. This is not only one of the best books for women leaders but is helpful for all leaders and business people.   Originally published in 1936, this book provides you very practical advice on how to gain influence and build rapport with others. Business (and you know, life in general) is built on relationships.  People need to like you and believe in you in order to work with you.   Just think about it,  reflect back on your worst boss. It is highly likely that you didn’t like their leadership because they were a jerk or you couldn’t trust them.    This book will help you identify ways that you can build solid relationships with people.  This book is so helpful to me that I have read it no less than 5 times and reference back to it regularly.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You  (John Maxwell)

John Maxwell is hands down one of my favorite authors. When you read one of his books it feels like a good friend and mentor is sitting right beside you guiding you on your leadership journey.  The 21 Irrefutable Laws is a crash course in leadership and building a high performing team. He reinforces his concepts with inspirational stories and references to help them really resonate.   Women leaders should read all of John Maxwell’s books (many of them are super easy reads and be can be knocked out in a day or two) but this is MUST read.

While this is not a complete list of books for women leaders, this is a good start.  Enjoy!   Chevelle

 

What are your favorite books for women leaders? Leave a comment below!

 

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