There’s something special about having women in leadership positions. It’s not just about breaking glass ceilings (though that’s pretty satisfying). More importantly, female leaders often bring a unique perspective to the table.
But here’s the thing: developing leadership skills isn’t always a walk in the park for anyone, be it men or women. However, it can definitely be even more challenging for women because of the misguided stereotype that women are meant to provide support, not lead. Where, then, can you find the support, inspiration, motivation, and courage to continue on your leadership journey as a woman? Well, once place to start is in books!
Reading leadership books for women is like getting a one-on-one mentorship session with some of the most brilliant women out there. That’s why I’ve put together a roundup of the best leadership books every aspiring female leader should read!
10 Best Leadership Books For Women
Women in leadership is more than just a trendy hashtag or something organizations must fulfill to prove their diversity. Rather, having a female touch is turning out to be a game-changer for many industries today. That’s because women bring fresh perspectives, empathy, and a knack for collaboration that can transform entire organizations.
However, the journey to becoming a successful leader is not always a bed full of roses. There are challenges and obstacles to overcome along the way. That’s where these books come in. Think of them as your supportive friends, helping you get through the day and guiding you toward achieving yours.
Today, I’ll be chatting about some books that’ll guide you through the highs and lows of leadership. These books won’t only transform your life but that of others too, hopefully causing a ripple effect.
My reasoning for sharing the following books is the hope that it will give you the tools to not only lead but also to lift as you climb. That they’ll inspire you to mentor other women, to fight for diversity in your workplace, and to create spaces where all voices are heard and valued!
Why Is Women’s Leadership Important In Our World?
First of all, the presence of women in leadership positions increases diversity among employees and managers. When women are in leadership roles, you can expect a completely different way of thinking during decision-making processes. Female managers tend to possess emotional intelligence that’s out of this world. Quite often, women also have this innate ability to read a room, pick up on unspoken cues, and navigate complex social situations.
Women are also quite collaborative. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying men are not cooperative. Women just tend to have that extra ability and natural inclination to build teamwork and can be very convincing.
And then there is empathy. Female leaders shine at understanding their coworkers’ feelings and perspectives. As a result, women in leadership positions easily create an environment where people feel valued, understood, and motivated to give their best.
Another area where women excel is risk assessment. Studies have shown that although men tend to take more risks, female leaders are more calculating with regard to risk-taking. Every successful businessman has taken risks at one point or another it’s necessary for forward progress! However, women are more likely to be risk-aware than risk-averse.
Women leaders also tend to have a better work-life balance than men. That is because most of them are used to juggling career and family responsibilities; therefore, they are less mentally and physically stressed, which is reflected in their work performances.
Lastly, having women in leadership positions serves as a source of inspiration for the coming generation. It is like saying, “Hey, you can do this too!” Women don’t just open doors; they also keep them open for others to walk through!
What Are The Barriers In Women’s Participation In Leadership?
It’s time to finally discuss the elephant in the room the roadblocks that women often encounter in their leadership journey:
- Self-doubt in their readiness and ability to lead
- The unfair expectation is that women should be nice and agreeable rather than assertive
- A shortage of female role models in leadership positions
- The culture of excluding women from key gatherings
- Getting less pay than men while doing the same work
- Limited access to funding for women entrepreneurs in fields dominated by men
- Getting harsher judgment for the same actions that earn male leaders accolades
- The stereotype is that women will automatically become less committed and capable once they become mothers
- Occasionally, there is sexual harassment and discrimination in some workplaces
- Limited women’s representation and disempowerment in board meetings
10 Best Books For Women In Leadership
Below are some must-read books on women in leadership:
“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg
This is a book that sparked more deliberations than any other! Nothing can be truer than what Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, has to say about women in the workplace. “Lean In” is the story of the author’s personal experience. It’s backed by numerous statistics and is completely motivational.
What makes it unique is the informal tone of the book. This makes it seem like you’re having a conversation with a successful woman. Expect lots of tips on how to negotiate successfully, get a mentor, and create a fulfilling work life.
“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
Brené Brown, the queen of vulnerability research, applies her insights to leadership in this game-changing book. Brown’s perspective on leadership revolves around courage and vulnerability, which is refreshingly different from traditional leadership advice.
Expect real-world applications of courage and vulnerability in the business world. Brown’s use of active storytelling will push you to be the best leader you can be and inspire others to do the same. This book is ideal for managers and supervisors at all organizational levels, particularly those who want to build stronger, more genuine connections.
You can also give a listen to my podcast “Armored With Vulnerability” for more insights.
“The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
This book focuses specifically on the science and art of self-assurance, which is crucial for any leader. This book is both informative and practical because it combines scientific research with real-world application.
Look forward to valuable insights on the genetics of confidence, ways of dealing with low self-esteem, and how to project confidence. This book is highly recommended for ladies struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt.
“Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” by Lois P. Frankel
This book contains a list of 133 unconscious mistakes women make that can sabotage their careers. A huge plus of this book is the exhaustive list of specific actions and behaviors that you should avoid or adopt as a professional.
Expect honest and blunt advice on the leadership skills to acquire, be they body language or negotiation tactics. It’s perfect for women looking to fine-tune their professional presence.
“Own It: The Power of Women at Work” by Sallie Krawcheck
This book was written by Wall Street powerhouse Sallie Krawcheck. “Own It” is a call to action for women to embrace their strengths and be assertive in the workplace. What makes it unique is Krawcheck’s finance background, which brings a fresh approach to our ever-growing lists of the best books on leadership.
You can expect valuable tips on networking, personal branding, and leveraging typically “feminine” traits in leadership. This book is ideal for working women in industries dominated by men.
“How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
This book points out twelve derailing behaviors that hinder women from climbing up the corporate ladder. The combined insights from two industry giants make “How Women Rise” a great read.
Helgesen is an expert on female leadership, while Goldsmith is an executive coach. Expect specific action plans that can help overcome common barriers to women’s career advancement.
“The Next Generation of Women Leaders” by Selena Rezvani
Here, Rezvani interviews women executives in various fields to distill their wisdom for the next generation. “The Next Generation of Women Leaders” provides a broad but really insightful perspective on women’s leadership. This is thanks to the diversity of voices and experiences captured in the stories.
Watch out for practical tips on all matters, including work-life balance, job satisfaction, and organizational culture. This book is particularly useful for young women who are in the early stages of their leadership careers.
If you’re looking for more insights on how leadership influences the culture of an organization, give this post a read.
“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
This book wasn’t specially designed for women. However, Scott’s approach to giving and receiving feedback is particularly valuable for female leaders.
Scott’s perspective of “caring personally while challenging directly” also provides a brand-new approach to communication. So, expect measures for building strong teams and promoting open communication in the workplace.
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
This is not your typical leadership book. It’s a memoir of Barack Obama’s wife during her time as the former First Lady of the United States. “Becoming” is filled with so many leadership insights about the essence of resilience, authenticity, and using your platform for good.
What makes it unique is Obama’s life experience within and outside of the White House, which is both relatable and inspirational. The book also provides a different view of leadership in various contexts. Expect tips on balancing personal life with public roles, staying true to your values, and lifting others as you rise.
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck
This book showcases Dweck’s work on the distinction between the mindset as a fixed or a growth trait. Understanding this leadership concept is vital for personal and organizational growth.
What makes it unique is how Carol showed that mindset as a key to success is applicable across all areas of life, not just leadership. Expect strategies for developing a growth mindset, fostering resilience, and encouraging development in others.
The world needs more female leaders like you smart, empathetic, and ready to make a difference.
Reading books is nice. But, it’s even better when you start practicing what you’ve learned in your day-to-day life!
But remember, becoming a great leader isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. This journey is way more fun (and way less scary) when in the company of others. That’s where our amazing community of aspiring leaders comes in! After all, why go it alone when you’ve got a whole community out there?
So, listen to my podcast and check out my other blog posts to get your daily dose of leadership knowledge that will amaze you. Speaking of which, if you want to up your leadership game, you have to listen to ‘Hold Space and Get Backup’. Then, read my post on “The Best Books About Servant Leadership”. It’s a mini-lesson in servant leadership the kind of leadership every manager should practice in the organization. See you there!
