As a leadership book enthusiast, I’m always looking for insights that can improve the way I lead, coach, and collaborate. Some lessons stick with me long after I’ve finished a book—principles that reshape my approach to communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
Here are five of the most powerful leadership lessons I’ve adopted from my library.
📖 Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
When emotions run high and stakes are significant, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds of a disagreement. But most conflicts stem from just 5-10% of actual disagreements—the rest is noise.
Instead of getting sidetracked by minor disputes, start with common ground and stay anchored to your core goal. Ask yourself: What do I really want out of this conversation? For myself? For the other person? Keeping this clarity in mind helps you navigate difficult discussions with focus and impact.
Trust is the foundation of a strong team, but healthy conflict is what strengthens it. The best decisions come from hearing diverse perspectives, so leaders must encourage open and constructive discussions rather than avoid tough conversations.
True alignment comes from honest debate, not forced agreement. Teams that challenge each other in a respectful, solution-oriented way make better decisions—and build a culture where people feel safe sharing their real opinions.
📖 The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
The best hires are those who are hungry (driven), humble (team-oriented), and people-smart (good at navigating relationships). These qualities make for employees who work hard, collaborate well, and contribute to a thriving team culture.
While some can develop these traits, be wary of “skillful politicians”—those who are smart and driven but lack humility. These individuals often prioritize their own success over the team’s, manipulate situations to their advantage, and slowly erode workplace culture.
Don’t sacrifice long-term team health for short-term talent. Prioritize character and culture fit as much as technical skills.
Many professionals hesitate to tell clients the hard truth, fearing it could hurt the relationship or cost them business. But real trust comes from putting the client’s needs above your own fear.
Instead of protecting revenue at all costs, focus on adding value with honesty. Trusted advisors don’t just say what clients want to hear—they provide clear, constructive insights that help clients make better decisions, even when the truth is difficult to deliver.
One of the biggest drivers of employee disengagement is feeling invisible or like their work doesn’t have an impact. People need three things to stay engaged:
✅ To feel seen and valued
✅ To understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture
✅ To see measurable progress
As a leader, regularly recognize your employees’ efforts and help them connect their contributions to tangible outcomes. I often remind people to think about how their work would appear as bullet points on their resume—what impact does it show? This simple shift in perspective helps them clarify the relevance and importance of their role and contributions.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuously learning, adapting, and striving to bring out the best in yourself and others. The lessons above have shaped the way I lead, and I hope they spark insights for you as well.