Stay The Course Leaders Reading Challenge
24 essential books for all leaders
Below are 24 books that come highly recommended for all emerging leaders. These books have dramatically shaped the view of leadership for many people and should be mandatory reading. These books are in no particular order. The Stay The Course Leaders Reading Challenge is to complete all 24 books (2 books a month) in one calendar year.
Character Carved in Stone by Pat Williams
Brief Summary: Pat Williams takes us to the prestigious United States Military Academy in West Point, New York to discuss the twelve virtues of one of the most prestigious academies and leadership hotbeds in the world. Read notes on this book here.
The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh
Brief Summary: Memoirs and leadership philosophies from one of the greatest coaches who ever lived. Incredible stories and practical advice from “the professor" Read notes on this book here.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Brief Summary: An instant classic read. James Clear brings us loads of research and information on habits, how to break bad habits, how to develop habits, and how it can revolutionize your life, leadership, and organization. Read notes on this book here.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Brief Summary: What is the single most predictor of success? Is it genes, status, or family history? According to Angela Duckworth’s research the single most predictor of success is one word: Grit. Read more on her research, how you can develop Grit in your own life as a leader and in the teams you lead.
Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off The Court by John Wooden
Brief Summary: The gold standard for coaches and leaders. A man of integrity who instilled character in the men he lead, all while becoming one of the most successful college coaches in history. Get a hi-lighter ready for this read with Coach Wooden.
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters by Major Dick Winters
Brief Summary: One of the commanders of the historic “Easy Company” in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II. Dick Winters shares his insights on leadership and life in his memoirs.
Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin’s Path To God by Brennan Manning
Brief Summary: A highly recommended foundational read for personal faith development. As life’s turns unfold, and uncertainty, doubt and insecurity appear Brennan Manning encourages us all to bring it all back to Trust in a loving God, both for salvation and for his leading of our lives.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
Brief Summary: What do highly successful groups have in common? Is there a science to building elite teams and groups? Best-selling author Daniel Coyle provides his insights of common threads from his time studying with some of the world’s most elite groups.
Extreme Ownership - How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Brief Summary: The credibility that two retired Navy Seals have on leadership is worth picking up a copy alone. Jocko Willink and Leaf Babin share amazing leadership insights from their experiences in war and business.
Chop Wood Carry Water - How To Fall In Love With The Process of Becoming Great by Joshua Medcalf
Brief Summary: An incredible leadership fable by Joshua Medcalf. This story gives powerful insight on the process of building skill, becoming process oriented and disconnecting ourselves from result oriented identities.
Section 529 by Frederick Brown
Brief Summary: A great read, fusing a love for baseball and tremendous spiritual insights from a seasoned leader. Section 529 will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about your life with God.
Lead…for God’s Sake! by Todd Gongwer
Brief Summary: One of the best leadership fables ever made. This book is for the coach or leader who is near burnout. Jump in to this story and hear wisdom from a school janitor that will without question transform how you see your role as a coach or leader.
In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
Brief Summary: Mark Batterson takes a deep dive into an obscure story in scripture about a warrior named Benaiah. This book will inspire you to take the risk you have been contemplating for years. With every turn of the page you will add courage to your life.
The Making Of A Leader by Dr. J Robert Clinton
Brief Summary: Dr. Robert Clinton brings us a sensational read on the development process that takes place in the life of a leader. This book will encourage you as you see traces of development in your own journey. This will also be a great resource as you mentor younger leaders. Read my notes on this book here
The Impractical Guide To Becoming A Transformational Leader by Joshua Medcalf & Jamie Gilbert
Brief Summary: Is your philosophy of leadership relevant for the people you will lead in today’s day and age? This is a must read on the topic of transformational leadership and will challenge you to grow into a relevant leader of today’s generation.
Range by David Epstein
Brief Summary: An incredible read on the idea of how to build skill and gain experience. Contrary to the 10,000 hour rule, David Epstein believes that in some domains, building skill does not come from repetitions, but from a range of skills that are transferrable. In the dynamic space of building leadership skills, this book will challenge how you view growth.
