Could reading one book make you a better leader? If yes, which book should you read?

In a recent episode of the Career Shifts podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Raja Krishnamoorthy.

During our conversation, I asked Raja about the books he believes every aspiring leader should read. His recommendations were not only insightful but also deeply relevant to leaders navigating today’s complex organizational landscapes.

Raja highlighted two books: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Maverick” by Ricardo Semler.

Raja spoke about “Good to Great” and shared 2 key learnings from the book, but I’ve added a few more that are crucial for leaders today.

👉🏻 1. Level 5 Leadership:
One of the most profound concepts in “Good to Great” is Level 5 Leadership. Raja emphasized humility and willpower in leadership. A Level 5 Leader looks in the mirror when things go wrong and out the window to credit others when things go right. This mindset fosters accountability and a culture of collective success.

👉🏻 2. First Who, Then What:
Collins underscores the importance of having the right people on the bus before deciding on the direction. This highlights investing in top talent and aligning team members with the organization’s core values and vision, building a foundation of capable individuals to drive the organization forward.

👉🏻 3. Confront the Brutal Facts:
Great leaders must confront the brutal facts of their reality while maintaining faith in the organization’s ability to prevail. This balance between realism and optimism enables leaders to navigate challenges effectively and build resilient organizations.

👉🏻 4. The Hedgehog Concept:
The Hedgehog Concept is about finding the intersection of three critical areas: what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be the best at in the world, and what drives your economic engine. Great organizations focus on their unique strengths and stay true to their core competencies.

👉🏻 5. A Culture of Discipline:
Collins emphasizes the importance of a culture of discipline, where disciplined people engage in disciplined thought and action. This principle fosters an environment where autonomy is balanced with accountability, enabling sustained performance and growth.

Raja’s other recommendation, “Maverick” by Ricardo Semler, provides a fascinating exploration of leadership from a perspective of sensitivity and humaneness in business.

What’s the one book you believe every aspiring leader should read?

If you enjoyed this, stay tuned for more pearls of wisdom.

Don’t miss the Career Shifts Podcast on 6th June 2024 at 7 PM IST for fascinating stories from master storyteller Harjeet Khanduja.

#Leadership #goodtogreat #bookstoread

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZeQ5gSrIA4