7 Books All Aspiring Leaders Should Look Out For in 2020

January 2020 welcomes both a new year and a new decade, and a feeling that anything is possible. With the New Year, New Me mantra doing the rounds, many people across the world will have come up with New Year’s resolutions they will try their upmost to stick to. If you happen to be an aspiring leader who wants to read more in 2020, here are seven books for you. Whatever your interests are, we’ve got you covered.

For all aspiring leaders

No Bullsh*t Leadership: Why the World Needs More Everyday Leaders and Why That Leader Is You, by Chris Hirst

If you’re looking to transform your career, look no further. No Bullsh*t Leadership is the perfect step-by-step manual for those who are already in the workforce but want to become better leaders, no matter the industry. Hirst’s advice can be tailored and applied to any professional goal, making this book the ideal first read of the new decade.

Out now.

For those who value emotions

Leading with Feeling: Nine Strategies of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership, by Cary Cherniss and Cornelia Roche

When we think of leaders, we usually think of rationality, logic and (too often) ruthlessness – but will this still be the norm in the 2020s? Cherniss and Roche don’t think so. In Leading with Feeling, they demonstrate how 25 leaders overcame professional challenges and sought out opportunities using emotional intelligence, and how you can do it too.

Out on August 1 2020.

For women in business

Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose, by Lauren McGoodwin

Power Moves, written by the founder of the popular website Career Contessa, is the newest leadership handbook to help women free themselves from common ruts feeling stuck and unfulfilled in the workplace. With sections on getting rid of self-criticism, embracing doubts, making more money and the falsehood of ‘dream jobs’, this book is set to inspire women across generations and industries.

Out on May 19 2020.

For team players

Courageous Cultures, by Karin Hurt and David Dye

Working in a highly corporate environment can sometimes lead to tension between leaders and employees. In Courageous Cultures, Hurt and Dye show how to build teams of skilled people willing to work together to improve businesses. With research reports, proven working models and day-to-day advice, this book will inspire you to focus on team building and reengage with other employees.

Out on July 28 2020.

For dreamers

Make No Small Plans: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Achieving the Impossible, by Elliott Bisnow, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal and Jeremy Schwartz

Written by the founders of the globally-renowned Summit leadership series, Make No Small Plans is the story of how these four people went from starting a risky business venture to hosting events 365 days a year in the largest American ski resort. If you’re looking to be empowered to chase your wildest dreams in the new decade, this is the book for you.

Out on October 6 2020.

For fashionistas

This is Not a Fashion Story: Taking Chances, Breaking Rules, and Being a Boss in the Big City, by Danielle Bernstein

From being a college dropout at 19 to creating the hit style platform @WeWoreWhat, Danielle Bernstein is an inspiration for thousands of fashion lovers across the globe. If you enjoy hilarious and stimulating life stories but also want to get your foot in the (fashion) door, This is Not a Fashion Story should be on top of your reading list.

Out on May 12 2020.

For teachers

Leading for Tomorrow: A Primer for Succeeding in Higher Education Leadership, by Pamela L. Eddy and Elizabeth Kirby

Climbing into a leadership position can be intimidating, especially in higher education where leaders need to be able to handle and explain ever-changing social, political and cultural trends. With case studies surrounding life on campus, Leading for Tomorrow is a manual that helps readers improve their management and communication skills while maintaining their own style of teaching and leading.

Out on June 19 2020.