Here’s my annual blog of ten books that have helped me this year as a leader. Hopefully there’s something useful for you, or to give to a friend. 

10. Chro Borhan: ‘Those Who Listen Change the World’

I picked up this book in the Alfred Nobel Museum in Stockholm, Sweden when travelling with my son, Luke in the summer. It’s so short and simple, I almost didn’t include it, or wondered if it would be better in my parallel blog on 10 Good Discipleship Books but in the end I’ve included it here, because leaders are agents of change, and this book is all about that. It’s about listening, especially to those with whom we find ourselves in conflict. Rich in stories from previous Nobel Peace Prize winners, this book seeks to build fortitude, urging us to be brave and make a real difference in the world.

9. Volodymyr Zelensky: ‘A Message from Ukraine’

This is a book of speeches given by the Ukrainian leader, President Zelensky. With the conflict in Ukraine continuing, and as I committed myself to #prayforpeacewednesday, I wanted to hear Zelensky’s voice and understand his perspective. He’s a great communicator and his speeches, while not long, are challenging and compelling, powerful and prescient.

8. Hannah Ritchie: ‘Not the End of the World’

As the lead bishop in the Diocese of Manchester for eco-matters, I’ve been seeking resources to help me better understand climate change and the ecological crisis the world finds itself in. Recommended by Grace Thomas, this has been a great help, busting myths and offering solutions. While brutally honest about the current crisis, data scientist Ritchie shows we’ve made some real progress and that if we continue with intent, we could achieve true sustainability for the first time in history. It’s so helpful, I quoted from it in Manchester Cathedral’s Rising Tides service in September, challenging myself and all, to take responsibility and turn opportunity into reality.

7. Nick Lovegrove: ‘The Mosaic Principle: The Six Dimensions of a Successful Life & Career’

Lovegrove encourages leaders to build a broader life and career, not getting bogged down in specialism but being able to offer wise leadership to people and organisations in today’s fast-changing world. I particularly appreciated the chapter on ‘contextual intelligence,’ on listening, learning and adapting. Much wisdom here.

6. Walter Brueggemann: ‘The Prophetic Imagination’

This is my first book in this year’s list written by an overtly Christian author. That’s because there’s much wisdom for leadership in all sorts of sectors (not just the church), and we need to understand the world in which we live, and learn from the best. When it comes to the church, Brueggemann is an eminent theologian and Old Testament scholar who writes here about the interface between being prophetic and imaginative, and how prophets channel visionary awareness. Originally written in 1978, I read the 40th anniversary updated edition, and discovered something of what it is to be a future-teller.

5. Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood: ‘The Porcupine Principle’

I shared a stage with Jonathan earlier this year, when all the Giving Advisors of the Church of England gathered for a 2-day conference. They were all given a copy of my book The Art of Giving, and this one by Jonathan. Together we were interviewed about generosity in church and society, and how followers of Jesus are called to give and the role of leaders in modelling this. Jonathan’s book focusses particularly on fund-raising and includes 41 mini-stories not only on the mechanics but also on getting to grips with people’s motivations behind their giving. Practical, and invaluable for all leaders, especially those in the non-profit sector.

4. Cal Newport: ‘Slow Productivity’

I bought this book as soon as I saw it. Having greatly valued Newport’s 2016 best-seller ‘Deep Work’, this new book subtitled The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout grabbed my attention. It’s excellent, urging leaders to be brave and bold and basically have 3 areas of focus: 1) Do fewer things. 2) Work at a natural pace. 3) Obsess over quality. That’s it. Read and be inspired to keep going and lead with intentionality.

3. Ric Thorpe: ‘How to Plant a Church’

This is probably the best book available on church planting. So all church leaders should read it, but also leaders in other sectors too, as there’s much guidance on how to start new things. I help proof-read this book and especially valued the chapter on prayer, and was pleased to see Ric move it up to chapter one, reminding us that prayer is basic and foundational and all church leaders and planters must be prayerful leaders. Full of practical advice and stories, Bishop Ric has given the church, especially the Church of England, a great gift in this book. Let’s take it and use it and in the coming years see many churches revitalised and brand new churches started.

2. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys: ‘Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse’

As the church seeks to better support and prioritise victims of abuse and their families, and as senior leaders and bishops recognise their need to step up and model the kind of safeguarding culture that so many are working towards, this 2019 book by researcher Dr Lisa Oakley and head of charity thrityone:eight, Justin Humphreys, is an essential read. It draws on research, testimonies and years of experience, highlighting good response and prevention, even showing that recovery is possible. Recognising there’s still a long way to go, this book urges us to go on a journey of change. We must.

1. The Bible

I normally end this post with the Bible, and this year is no different. I still believe it’s the best text for leaders, whether you’re a follower of Jesus or not. As we read carefully, interpret prayerfully and apply practically, the Bible equip leaders for a life of transformation. I read a section or more every day. Why not pick up a readable translation for the new year, and do the same?

So there we have it. 10 Books for Leaders. If you’ve enjoyed this, check out my companion post: 10 Good Books for Disciples for 2025, which I hope you’ll also be helpful. 

Read well, so you can lead well.