10 Must-Read Articles About Business Leadership for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As an aspiring entrepreneur, it’s crucial to hone your leadership skills to effectively manage your team and catapult your business to success. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you improve your leadership abilities. We’ve compiled ten must-read articles about business leadership that will provide you with valuable insights and strategies.
1. “The Most Successful Leaders Do 15 Things Automatically, Every Day” by Glenn Llopis
In this article, Glenn Llopis highlights 15 daily habits of successful leaders, ranging from actively seeking feedback to taking calculated risks. Llopis emphasizes that these habits are automatic to successful leaders, rather than a sporadic display of good leadership. By integrating these habits into your daily routine, you can become a more effective leader.
2. “Why Great Leaders Are in Short Supply” by Victor Lipman
Victor Lipman analyzes why great leaders are scarce in the business world, despite the growing demand for exceptional leadership. He outlines the qualities of effective leaders, such as confidence, empathy, and strategic thinking. Lipman also offers tips on how to become a great leader, such as learning from successful leaders and embracing challenging situations.
3. “The Biggest Mistake Leaders Make” by Peter Bregman
In this article, Peter Bregman explains that the biggest mistake leaders make is avoiding difficult conversations with their team members. He emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts head-on rather than avoiding them. Bregman offers practical tips on how to initiate these conversations, from preparing for the discussion to actively listening to the other person’s perspective.
4. “The Five Dimensions of Curiosity” by Steven Kotler
Steven Kotler explores the role of curiosity in leadership and how to cultivate it. He identifies five dimensions of curiosity, including sensory, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Kotler offers practical tips on how to nurture curiosity, such as exposing oneself to new experiences and seeking out diverse perspectives.
5. “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk popularized the concept of “starting with why” in leadership. He explains that the most successful leaders are those who can articulate the purpose and values of their business, inspiring their team and customers to take action. Sinek emphasizes that people follow leaders who share their beliefs and values, rather than leaders who simply instruct them what to do.
6. “Emotional Intelligence for Leadership: Why It Matters More Than You Think” by Andy Molinsky et al.
Emotional intelligence is an essential aspect of effective leadership, yet it’s often overlooked. Andy Molinsky and his coauthors argue that emotional intelligence is crucial for cultivating positive relationships with team members, managing conflicts, and motivating employees. They offer practical tips on how to improve emotional intelligence, such as observing one’s emotions and practicing empathy.
7. “The Three Traits of Great Leaders: What You Can Learn from Starbucks’ Howard Schultz” by Tanya Prive
Tanya Prive highlights the leadership traits of Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity, empathy, and innovation. She explains how these traits have helped Starbucks to become a customer-centric brand and improve employee engagement. Prive suggests that aspiring leaders can learn from Schultz’s example by embracing these traits themselves.
8. “How to Develop a Leadership Philosophy” by Jesse Sostrin
Developing a personal leadership philosophy can help leaders to clarify their values and goals, guiding their decision-making. Jesse Sostrin outlines the key elements of a leadership philosophy, including a mission statement, guiding principles, and core values. He also offers practical tips on how to develop your own leadership philosophy, such as reflecting on your leadership experiences and seeking feedback.
9. “How to Lead with Confidence” by Amy Jen Su
Confidence is an essential quality of effective leaders, yet it’s often difficult to maintain. Amy Jen Su explains how leaders can cultivate confidence by identifying their strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic goals, and engaging in positive self-talk. She also offers advice on how to overcome common confidence barriers, such as fear of failure and negative feedback.
10. “Managing Your Energy, Not Your Time” by Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy
Effective leadership requires not only time management but also energy management. Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy argue that leaders who manage their energy effectively can sustain high performance and avoid burnout. They offer practical tips on how to enhance your energy levels, such as prioritizing recovery time and optimizing work and rest periods.
Conclusion
These ten must-read articles provide valuable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their leadership skills. From cultivating curiosity to nurturing emotional intelligence to managing energy, effective leadership requires ongoing learning and self-improvement. By integrating these lessons into your leadership style, you can create a successful business that is backed by strong leadership.
