Several years ago, my executive coach asked me to read Leadership and Self-Deception (by the Arbinger Institute) at the beginning of our coaching relationship, where we focused on the heart of leadership.

Over the years, he has asked me to read many other books, all of which were at the right time and that we discussed thoroughly. This one remains the most impactful.

Since that moment, it has been the book that I believe to be the most powerful start to knowing thyself in order to be better for others and yourself.

I have recommended it hundreds of times and facilitated over a dozen book studies with this book as the core text.

Personally, I re-read and re-listen to it once a year.

There are many great books on developing yourself as a leader: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey), Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), A Leader’s Legacy, and on and on and on.

If I had to recommend one first book, it would be Leadership and Self-Deception.

As you are planning your summer reading list, I encourage you to consider placing it at the top of the stack. I do not think you will be disappointed.

What is one book that has shaped your leadership that you would recommend to others?