7 Leadership Coaching Books That Every Aspiring Leader Should Read

Leadership is not just about giving orders—it’s about influence, growth, vision, and service. For anyone stepping into leadership, coaching plays a key role in shaping how they lead others and themselves. Reading the right books can provide timeless wisdom, practical tools, and encouragement to build that foundation. With so many titles available today, it helps to know which ones truly make a difference.

From personal development to team dynamics, the following titles are considered some of the best leadership books of all time. They offer valuable lessons in leadership coaching and are essential reading for anyone who wants to lead with clarity, confidence, and character.

1. The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell is a well-known authority in the field of Leadership insights development. The 5 Levels of Leadership breaks down leadership into five stages: Position, Permission, Production, People Development, and Pinnacle. Each level builds on the last, showing readers how to move from being a leader by title to someone who inspires and develops others.

Why read it:

• Clear roadmap for leadership growth

• Practical steps to influence others at every level

• Focuses on people development and coaching

This book is a great starting point for understanding leadership as a journey rather than a destination.

2. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown explores the role of vulnerability and courage in leadership. Drawing on years of research, she makes the case that effective leaders are not those who avoid risk or discomfort but those who embrace it with authenticity and empathy.

What makes it powerful:

• Focuses on emotional intelligence

• Encourages openness, trust, and courage

• Offers coaching insights for building stronger team cultures

This book stands out for leaders who want to grow not just in skill, but in heart.

3. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek presents the idea that great leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams. Inspired by military and corporate leaders alike, Leaders Eat Last teaches that real leadership is about service and sacrifice.

Key takeaways:

• Leadership starts with putting others first

• Trust and safety drive team performance

• Great coaching requires strong, human connection

If you're searching for books that shift leadership from control to care, this one belongs on your shelf.

4. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

This book is a practical guide for anyone looking to add coaching to their leadership style. Michael Bungay Stanier simplifies coaching into seven essential questions that help team members solve problems on their own and grow in the process.

Why it’s useful:

• Offers easy-to-apply coaching techniques

• Encourages listening over lecturing

• Focuses on daily interactions, not just big moments

It’s perfect for team leads, managers, or mentors who want to build others without overwhelming them.

5. Multipliers by Liz Wiseman

Multipliers asks a bold question: Do you multiply or diminish the talent around you? Liz Wiseman examines how some leaders bring out the best in their teams, while others unintentionally limit potential. The book shows how to become a leader who energizes and empowers others.

Highlights include:

• Practical strategies to unlock team intelligence

• Identifies five types of multipliers and diminishers

• Strong focus on development and delegation

Every aspiring leader should reflect on the impact they have on others—this book helps make that reflection actionable.

6. Legacy by James Kerr

Drawing lessons from the legendary New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, Legacy explores how values, culture, and discipline shape lasting leadership. The book doesn’t just cover winning strategies; it teaches how to build a legacy of leadership through humility, excellence, and service.

What makes it unique:

• Combines sports psychology with leadership coaching

• Teaches habits of world-class teams

• Emphasizes humility and constant improvement

If you're looking to build a leadership style rooted in values and long-term impact, Legacy is a must-read.

7. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

Leadership coaching often focuses on growth, and Marshall Goldsmith’s book speaks directly to high achievers. He explains that the habits that bring success at one level may hold you back at the next. Through sharp coaching insights, he shows how to break through those barriers.

Reasons to read:

• Identifies common leadership flaws

• Offers simple, honest strategies for improvement

• Ideal for self-coaching and mentoring others

The advice in this book helps leaders of all levels fine-tune their behavior and continue growing without plateauing.

Honorable Mention: Larry Armstrong’s Approach to Leadership

Though not an author of a widely distributed leadership book, Larry Armstrong, former CEO of Ware Malcomb, is often mentioned in discussions of modern layered leadership and mentorship culture. His legacy as a builder of people, not just profits, has been praised in industry circles. His leadership style reflects many lessons found in the best leadership books of all time, especially in terms of investing in others, leading with humility, and empowering every layer of an organization.

Armstrong’s practical approach—focusing on mentorship, transparency, and shared growth—aligns well with the core messages found in the books above.

Conclusion

Becoming a great leader doesn’t happen overnight—it takes intention, reflection, and ongoing learning. These seven leadership coaching books offer powerful insights that help develop not just skills but also the mindset needed to lead effectively and ethically.

Whether you're looking to improve your influence, become a better mentor, or build stronger teams, these resources provide the tools and strategies to guide your growth. With wisdom from voices like Brené Brown, John Maxwell, and Liz Wiseman, along with real-life models like Larry Armstrong, aspiring leaders have a solid foundation to build upon.