5 books every CEO must read in 2021

2020 was an extremely stressful year for us all, but more so for the C-suit leaders who had to take some very hard calls and always be ready for the unexpected. While much of the dust has settled down now, uncertainties are still replete. Moreover, with the massive disruption caused by the pandemic the norms have changed, and everything is in the reset mode.

2021 is a critical year for all businesses and top leaders must be energized to rise up to unforeseen challenges that might unfold. So, here is a list of 5 inspirational business books, fit to revitalize the mind and soul of the terrific leaders.

1. Compassionate Leadership by Manley Hopkinson

Business transformation in 2020 was largely about building empowered, high performing teams, driven by compassionate leaders. Leaders were advised to practice empathy very consciously. This book is a masterpiece, craftily written – interweaving nail-biting adventures from around the globe with practical lessons that can be applied to a host of routine challenges that every CEO has to face. The book offers practical advice, tips and exercises to transform leaderships and the culture of organizations.

2. The Management Delusion by Matt Casey

Currently, most organizations are driving substantial structural transformation in their organization. The objective is to become agile and flexible with the help of AI and automation. In this new structure, will the old management structure become outdated?

In this book, the author advocates a case for an alternative approach called “Minimum Effective Management” where employees manage themselves – right from training to deciding their own appraisals. Although a bold and different idea, the author makes a compelling case.

3. Be More Kid by Ed James, Mark Taylor and Nicky Taylor

Doing great professionally doesn’t always mean personal fulfilment. Many CEOs fight an emptiness despite having fulfilling careers. In this book the authors argue that if we can reignite the childlike traits like passion, playfulness and purpose, our personal lives would be more fulfilling.

The authors combine their entrepreneurial experience and behavioral expertise to recommend easy tools and techniques to help the readers reassess patterns of work and rediscover their zest for life. A great combination of fun and practical lessons makes this book different from other self-help books.

4. She Made It by Angelica Malin

Hurdles are always steeper for women entrepreneurs. She Made It narrates the real stories of a few highly successful female entrepreneurs and how they built and operated their businesses. A lot more than a regular start-up guide, the book addresses a lot of issues like stress management, creating a personal brand, imposter syndrome, etc. that most women in business would identify with. Written by a rising entrepreneur, this book presents insights so masterfully that even the most seasoned CEOs would takeaway some new insights.

5. Inspiring Leadership for Uncertain Times by Karlin Sloan

The author, Karlin Sloan is a global leadership development expert and here she expounds on how fear-based behavior can be used to power a positive energy that can inspire people to work for building a better future. She claims that the current CEOs must have the ability to perceive the larger societal picture and shares clear and practical advice that leaders can use to frame organizational purpose and align it to the greater good of the planet. Considering the uncertain nature of the present times, this book becomes a must read for all CEOs by default.