100 books like The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day

By John C. Maxwell,

Here are 100 books that The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day fans have personally recommended if you like The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Rusty Komori Author Of Superior: Creating a Superior Culture of Excellence

From my list on building excellence in leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was the Head Coach of the Punahou School Boys Varsity Tennis Team for 22 years, and we were fortunate to win 22 consecutive State Championships. Since retiring as head coach in 2015, I felt compelled to become an author and share my system of coaching excellence which led to this unprecedented winning streak. I know there are distinct differences between great and superior which can be applied to everyone in business, sports, and life. I want to inspire everyone to maximize their potential and have peak performance as a parent, son or daughter, coach or player, leader or team member.

Rusty's book list on building excellence in leadership

Rusty Komori Why did Rusty love this book?

I loved this book because little improvements lead to habits, which leads to remarkable results. I like how James Clear provides clarity about the four rules by making it obvious, making it attractive, making it easy, and making it satisfying.

The Power of the 1% Rule is something that I have always believed in for myself and with my teams to achieve any goal we are striving for. I also liked the clarity about the most effective way to change your habits is not to focus on what you want to achieve, but instead on who you want to become.

By James Clear,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked Atomic Habits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 4 million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the…


Book cover of The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Brian Smith Author Of Individual Influence: Find the I in Team

From my list on books for a wandering eclectic mind.

Why am I passionate about this?

My fascination with the intricate web of influence and its profound impact traces back to my immersion in literature. Through the immersive experience of reading, we embark on a journey into the minds of others, expanding our understanding and evolving our individual perspectives. My professional trajectory has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of understanding the dynamics of influence across people, processes, and technology. Coupled with experiences spanning all seven continents and interactions with tens of thousands of individuals, I've undergone a transformative journey. Yet, it's the collective success of individuals embracing their humanity, both independently and collaboratively within their spheres of influence, that fuels my passion for continual growth and improvement.

Brian's book list on books for a wandering eclectic mind

Brian Smith Why did Brian love this book?

I was introduced to The One Thing by being on their Podcast. What that experience led to was understanding the core concept of the book; understanding that one thing that will aid any individual in reaching their primary goals. What I learned when reading is that the concepts reinforced for me in a different but usable way the practices of goal setting, time blocking, and defining my purpose and vision through the seasons of my influence.

By focusing their energy on one thing at a time, people are living more rewarding lives by building their careers, strengthening their finances, losing weight and getting in shape, deepening their faith, and nurturing stronger marriages and personal relationships.

YOU WANT LESS. You want fewer distractions and less on your plate. The daily barrage of e-mails, texts, tweets, messages, and meetings distract you and stress you out. The simultaneous demands of work and family…

By Gary Keller, Jay Papasan,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The ONE Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

YOU WANT LESS. You want fewer distractions and less on your plate. The daily barrage of e-mails, texts, tweets, messages, and meetings distract you and stress you out. The simultaneous demands of work and family are taking a toll. And what's the cost? Second-rate work, missed deadlines, smaller paychecks, fewer promotions-and lots of stress. AND YOU WANT MORE. You want more productivity from your work. More income for a better lifestyle. You want more satisfaction from life, and more time for yourself, your family, and your friends. NOW YOU CAN HAVE BOTH-LESS AND MORE. In The ONE Thing, you'll learn…


Book cover of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

Roger Patterson Author Of Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

From my list on how to become the leader you want to be.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leader. I see things through leadership lenses. Everything rises and falls on leaders, so if we want to prosper, we must raise strong leaders. Having led for 30 years and taught leadership for 20, I know that if we want to improve our education systems, have great choices in politics, grow healthy organizations, and build strong families, we must have strong leaders. So, I wake up every day to be a better leader and help the leaders on my team grow in their leadership. For some it is easier than others, but everyone can grow their influence and their leadership capacity.

Roger's book list on how to become the leader you want to be

Roger Patterson Why did Roger love this book?

As a young, emerging leader, I needed a framework and handles to help me understand the task of leadership. I devoured Dr. Maxwell’s book and began to memorize the one-sentence statement that accompanied each leadership law. For instance, the Law of Navigation says, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.”

If you don’t have this one, it is a must-read!

By John C. Maxwell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the life-changing principles of Influence, Empowerment, Intuition, Respect, and Legacy that will transform your leadership-and your life.

Leadership has become increasingly complex in recent years. The times are difficult, and it can be challenging to get people to work together. Businesses, government, families, communities, and teams are all crying out for good leaders to help them. This is where the principles outlined in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership can help.

Based on the revised and updated 25th anniversary edition of the bestselling book, this workbook uses case studies, self-evaluation, and group discussion questions to help you boost your…


Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

By Sima Dimitrijev, PhD, Maryann Karinch,

Book cover of Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

Sima Dimitrijev, PhD Author Of Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

My core value is realistic education—learning from each other’s errors and successes, but with full awareness of the difference between the determined past and the uncertain future. We can benefit from uncertainty, which I’ve been doing for a living as an engineer, academic researcher, and inventor. I make use of knowledge and science as much as possible, but I also know that strategic decisions for the uncertain future require skepticism and thinking to deal with the differences in a new circumstance. With my core value, I am passionate about sharing insights and knowledge that our formal education does not provide.

Sima's book list on realistic knowledge and decision making

What is my book about?

Everything in nature evolves by trial, error, and success—from fundamental physics, through evolution in biology, to how people learn, think, and decide.

This book presents a way of thinking and realistic knowledge that our formal education shuns. Stepping beyond this ignorance, the book shows how to deal with and even benefit from uncertainty by skeptical thinking, strategic decisions, and teamwork based on enlightened self-interests.

This bottom-up thinking is thought-provoking for leaders who wish to build teams rather than herds. The insights in the book will help you to be better prepared for the unexpected, less likely to conform when you…

Trial, Error, and Success: 10 Insights into Realistic Knowledge, Thinking, and Emotional Intelligence

By Sima Dimitrijev, PhD, Maryann Karinch,

What is this book about?

Everything in nature evolves by trial, error, and success. They didn't teach you this in school, even though you should know why the rigid laws of physics don't rule nature and don't inhibit your free-will decisions to try, fail, and succeed. As a guide to success, this book shows how skepticism, prudent use of science, and thinking lead to strategic decisions for the uncertain future.
 
Presenting real-life examples, the thinking in the book combines sharp analyses with broad analogies to show:
 
How to identify realistic knowledge and avoid harm due to overgeneralized concepts. How to create new knowledge and solve…


Book cover of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest

Roger Patterson Author Of Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

From my list on how to become the leader you want to be.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leader. I see things through leadership lenses. Everything rises and falls on leaders, so if we want to prosper, we must raise strong leaders. Having led for 30 years and taught leadership for 20, I know that if we want to improve our education systems, have great choices in politics, grow healthy organizations, and build strong families, we must have strong leaders. So, I wake up every day to be a better leader and help the leaders on my team grow in their leadership. For some it is easier than others, but everyone can grow their influence and their leadership capacity.

Roger's book list on how to become the leader you want to be

Roger Patterson Why did Roger love this book?

He’s the only author on this list that I know personally. And here is what I want you to know: William Vanderbloemen is the real deal. He values data. He values principles. He values you. Having watched him build his business from the ground up and provide a service to not-for-profit leaders across the United States, I can’t help but let you know that you have to pay attention to William’s message in this book.

He is the unicorn, and his book gives leaders key habits that will help separate them from everyone else around them. William does a great job making these habits accessible and achievable. Do you need to be faster, more authentic, more curious, or purpose-driven? If so, grab this resource and grow.

By William Vanderbloemen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Be the Unicorn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This book is one of the most worthwhile and immediately usable reads I have come across in a long time." -Kiplinger

Want to stand out from the crowd? We have studied 30,000 top leaders and have discovered the 12 habits they share that make them as rare as a unicorn. Learn these habits, and you'll be one of the best at whatever you do!

How do I stand out? How do I become irreplaceable? With a crowded workforce, an unstable job landscape, and the rise of AI, these questions are the ones that everyone either is or should be asking.…


Book cover of Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Climate Change

Deborah R. Coen Author Of The Earthquake Observers: Disaster Science from Lisbon to Richter

From my list on what scientists don't know and why it matters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a historian of science fascinated by how scientists cope with uncertainty. I’m drawn to books that identify and try to explain the gaps in scientific knowledge and describe ways of knowing that might not be called scientific. I love to read stories about how ordinary people discover extraordinary things about their environments. I’m always curious about what happens when savvy locals are visited by scientific experts. Will they join forces? Admit what they don’t know? Or is a struggle brewing?

Deborah's book list on what scientists don't know and why it matters

Deborah R. Coen Why did Deborah love this book?

This classic work of history and investigative reporting reads like a whodunit. It’s about the ill-willed contrarians who tried to convince the public that scientists don’t know what they do know: that our planet is warming as a result of human actions.

So, the book is not at all about scientists’ ignorance but instead about an illusion of uncertainty that has been deliberately fabricated.

By Naomi Oreskes, Erik M. Conway,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked Merchants of Doubt as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The U.S. scientific community has long led the world in research on such areas as public health, environmental science, and issues affecting quality of life. Our scientists have produced landmark studies on the dangers of DDT, tobacco smoke, acid rain, and global warming. But at the same time, a small yet potent subset of this community leads the world in vehement denial of these dangers. Merchants of Doubt tells the story of how a loose-knit group of high-level scientists and scientific advisers, with deep connections in politics and industry, ran effective campaigns to mislead the public and deny well-established scientific…


Book cover of The Moody Bible Commentary

Scott LaPierre Author Of Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship

From my list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the teaching pastor of Woodland Christian Church. I have been in ministry since 2007, preaching God’s Word an average of 1 to 3 times weekly. Because my ministry focuses on teaching and preaching, I study God’s Word for 20 to 30 hours per week. I have used numerous commentaries over the years and settled on these as the best one-volume commentaries.

Scott's book list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers

Scott LaPierre Why did Scott love this book?

This commentary was developed by the faculty at the Moody Bible Institute. It is also easy to understand and provides comprehensive exposition of all passages and most verses. It should be noted that frequently there is commentary on a passage, or collection of verses, versus commentary on individual verses. This is helpful to understand the flow and context of a passage, but it can leave you recognizing you need to look elsewhere when you don’t feel like there is enough explanation of individual verses. There are also helpful maps and charts and bibliographies for further reading and study.

By Michael Rydelnik (editor), Michael Vanlaningham (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Moody Bible Commentary as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

OVER 100,000 COPIES SOLD!

Now you can study the Bible with the faculty of the Moody Bible Institute!

Imagine having a team of 30 Moody Bible Institute professors helping you study the Bible. Now you can with this in-depth, user-friendly, one-volume commentary. 

General editors Michael Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham have led a team of contributors whose academic training, practical church experience, and teaching competency make this commentary excellent for anyone who needs help understanding the Scriptures.

This comprehensive and reliable reference work should be the first place Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, missionaries, and pastors turn to for biblical…


Book cover of The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible

Scott LaPierre Author Of Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship

From my list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the teaching pastor of Woodland Christian Church. I have been in ministry since 2007, preaching God’s Word an average of 1 to 3 times weekly. Because my ministry focuses on teaching and preaching, I study God’s Word for 20 to 30 hours per week. I have used numerous commentaries over the years and settled on these as the best one-volume commentaries.

Scott's book list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers

Scott LaPierre Why did Scott love this book?

The MacArthur Study Bible presents some of the clearest exposition I have seen. It is the first commentary I use when developing Bible studies or sermons. The commentary was written by John MacArthur and his students at the seminary. I have been using it for 15 years of pastoral ministry and even if I have disagreed with an interpretation, I could see why it was reached and what hermeneutic they used. There are also very helpful charts and maps. The book introductions are helpful, especially if you preach or teach verse by verse and begin at the beginning of a book. There are helpful chronologies of the patriarchs, judges, kings, and profits.

By John MacArthur,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The MacArthur Study Bible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the moment you pick it up, you'll know it's a classic. The MacArthur Study Bible is perfect for serious study. Dr. John MacArthur has collected his pastoral and scholarly work of more than 35 years to create the most comprehensive study Bible available. No other study Bible does such a thorough job of explaining the historical context, unfolding the meaning of the text, and making it practical for your life.

Features include:

125-page concordance, including people and places More than 20,000 study notes, charts, maps, outlines, and articles from Dr. John MacArthur Concise Topical Index Type size: 12 point…


Book cover of Life Application Study Bible

Scott LaPierre Author Of Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship

From my list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the teaching pastor of Woodland Christian Church. I have been in ministry since 2007, preaching God’s Word an average of 1 to 3 times weekly. Because my ministry focuses on teaching and preaching, I study God’s Word for 20 to 30 hours per week. I have used numerous commentaries over the years and settled on these as the best one-volume commentaries.

Scott's book list on Bible commentaries for pastors and teachers

Scott LaPierre Why did Scott love this book?

This was one of the first Bibles I was given after becoming a Christian and for years I used it more than anything else. Unlike the other commentaries that stick to the exposition of the verses, like the title would cause you to expect, this study Bible focuses on application from the verses. Of course this is very helpful for people who want to read the Bible and find application for their lives. For Bible teachers who are looking to better understand the verses they will recognize that unlike the other Bibles and amount of the commentary is simply people's thoughts. If you want to find application for your sermons and teachings, this Bible should be very helpful for you.

By Zondervan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Life Application Study Bible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover How You Can Apply the Bible to Your Life Today

Study the stories and teachings of the Bible with verse-by-verse commentary. Gain wisdom from people in the Bible by exploring their accomplishments and learning from their mistakes. Survey the big picture of each book through overviews, vital statistics, outlines, and timelines, and grasp difficult concepts using in-text maps, charts, and diagrams.

Impacting more than 20 million lives over 30 years, the Life Application® Study Bible is the #1–selling study Bible of our generation. Now, it has been thoroughly updated and expanded to be even more helpful and relevant for…


Book cover of Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World

Jeffrey Engle Author Of All the War They Want: Special Operations Techniques for Winning in Cyber Warfare, Business, and Life

From my list on introducing military tactics into your leadership.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a veteran of the United States Army Special Operations Command, my time in the army will always guide my actions. When I began my career in cybersecurity and later took on the role of President and Chair of Conquest Cyber, I looked to my military experience for guidance. The lessons I learned from leaders were much like those I’ve learned through these books, and they are lessons that will benefit any leader, business owner, or founder. 

Jeffrey's book list on introducing military tactics into your leadership

Jeffrey Engle Why did Jeffrey love this book?

I’m a proud fighter against the conventional. Bigger is not necessarily better; Compliance is not enough. General McChrystal spends much of his book sharing in this mindset. His experience leading the Joint Special Operation Task Force in their efforts to take down Al Qaeda is inspiring, but for those less military-minded leaders, he shares other examples of where small and agile teams have found success in a hospital ER to NASA. It’s bold, fun to read, and fast-paced. Team of Teams is worth the read for leaders at any stage of their career. 

By Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins, David Silverman

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Team of Teams as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), General Stanley McChrystal discarded a century of management wisdom and pivoted from a pursuit of mechanical efficiency to organic adaptability.

In this book, he shows how any organization can make the same transition to act like a team of teams - where small groups combine the freedom to experiment with a relentless drive to share their experience.

Drawing on a wealth of evidence from his military career and sources as diverse as hospital emergency rooms and NASA's space program, McChrystal frames the existential challenge facing today's organizations, and presents a compelling, effective…


Book cover of The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership

Gary DePaul Author Of Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership: A Guide for Inspiring Creativity, Innovation, and Engagement

From my list on contemporary leadership books that guide us in the new normal.

Why am I passionate about this?

In 2014, I was laid off from my management role at Lowe’s Home Improvement. Instead of starting another job, I took several months to reflect on my leadership experiences and researched how leadership has evolved in the 21st Century. Based on a detailed analysis of 14 books, including the five I recommend, I wrote my first book that explains how to practice 21st-century leadership (now in its second edition). After publishing, I’ve written another leadership book, several blogs, and have been a keynote speaker. I now host the Unlabeled Leadership Podcast, which helps listeners learn how everyday people practice leadership.

Gary's book list on contemporary leadership books that guide us in the new normal

Gary DePaul Why did Gary love this book?

Servant leadership is about acting with humility while empowering others. Nothing illustrates this better than James C. Hunter's book.

Through a fable about a fictional character, John Daily, you envision how a struggling manager learns ten key principles of servant leadership with the help of his mentor and guide. In addition to his fable, I found Hunter’s introduction to the 2012 edition to be an authoritative explanation of servant leadership and a call to action. The introduction alone is worth reading this book!

I urge you to deliberately give up outdated leadership models and embrace servant leadership, a philosophy that values people first.

By James C. Hunter,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Servant as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With an introduction on using the principles of The Servant in your life and career, this book redefines what it means to be a leader.

In this absorbing tale, you watch the timeless principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.

To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a…


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