The 10 Best Leadership and Management Books: In Haiku

A Haiku Synopsis of the best leadership and management books

There are lots of list of the best leadership and management books such as those on Google, Soundview and Amazon. I have compared these against the recommendations of Time magazine, and the New York Times bestsellers lists to come up with an integrated list that I can personally vouch for, having read all of the titles.

All these books are great resources of wisdom and practical advice for leaders and managers, and I would recommend you read them all. But, with busy lives and so many books to read, where should you start?

Hopefully these pity summaries can help. I have composed these Haiku poems, each as a short synopsis of each book. Any volume would be hard to sum up in 1700 words, let alone 17 syllables, but hopefully there is enough to reveal a key lesson or inspire you to try the book.

I have included Amazon links to each publication. These are affiliate links so don’t feel you need to use them.


1. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Always Start With Why.

The question unlocks purpose,

To ensure success.


2. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Fear is not weakness.

Be courageous, bold and lead,

While vulnerable.


3. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

First, lead yourself well

And be principle centred.

Then influence all.


4. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Design your business,

Create a passive income,

Work from anywhere.


5. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Whether fast or slow,

Understand your biases

For good decisions


6. Outliers – The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

To become master

Ten thousand hours of practice

Is a minimum.


7. Good to Great by Jim Collins

Connect your passion

With your world class expertise

For sustained profit.


8. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell

All laws here agree:

Leadership is influence.

Use your power well.


9. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Know your enemy

And by knowing thyself too,

One fears no defeat.


10. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Build your prototype,

See what customers want most,

Learn and pivot fast.


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