Five Essential Productivity Books for New Leaders

President Harry S. Truman famously said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

Early on in my leadership, the concept of the importance of reading took a while to understand. Once I began leading others, I understood leadership as: Doing More and Reading Less.

However, once I was introduced to Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (below), I soon realized leadership is not about doing more, but about doing well what is most important. 

As new leaders begin in their new role, it’s important to start well in order to finish well. New leaders are encouraged to read books not only on leadership, but on productivity.

Utilize the list below for five essential productivity books for new leaders:

1. Proverbs - Have you ever considered what an ant can teach you about productivity? The author of the book of the Bible Proverbs taught a valuable lesson in productivity (Proverbs 6:6-8). Have you ever wondered what the result would be from having not one, but multiple mentors/advisors? Proverbs 15:22 shows us the outcome of receiving wisdom from multiple voices speaking into your new leadership role. You can begin reading the book of Proverbs here (Proverbs) and study Productivity from the Source of all Wisdom. ​
   
   
2. The One Thing - The One Thing was introduced to me by a mentor who noticed I was struggling with multi-tasking. I was working long hours, agonizing through multiple projects and programs, and was not recovering fully from a serious medical condition. The One Thing helped me sort through all of the important obligations and tasks and conclude what was the one thing that I could focus on as a leader that would positively affect the rest of my job, career, and life. Follow the link to learn more about The One Thing: LINK
   
   
3. Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt is one of my favorite leaders to follow on social media. He also has written some fantastic books like: Living Forward (LINK), No Fail Meetings (LINK), and Your Best Year Ever (LINK). Your Best Year Ever gives practical solutions to setting goals that actually work in your life. As Michael states, “Goals poorly formulated are goals easily forgotten. (21)” If you want to set unforgettable goals in your leadership early in your career, this book is a must read. 
   
   
4. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - In Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey introduced me to productive work, not simply working to get the job done. Covey teaches about The Four Quadrants which was invaluable as I began managing my time as a leader. New leaders should make it a habit to read and reread this book frequently. Seven Habits
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5. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - In this New York Times Best Seller, Greg McKeown realizes leaders can become overwhelmed with the amount of tasks that need to be done. Often, leaders can feel like they are stretched thin and suddenly they realize their lives are spinning out of control. In Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less McKeown gives practical solutions on removing more in order to produce more. Essentialism

Write in the comments below what books have shaped your productivity?