Leadership is an Art by Max DePree

Max DePree offers a simple, humanitarian approach to leadership which values diversity in the workplace and makes a leader responsible not just for the health of a company's financial assets, but for its ethics. Advocating management through persuasion, and the exercise of democratic participation rather than concentrated power, he favors covenantal relationships with employees that rest on shared purpose, dignity and choice. A quick read, but filled with powerful and challenging ideas.

The Power of Servant Leadership - Essays by Robert K Greenleaf

Robert Greenleaf died in 1990 leaving as his legacy a concept of leadership which puts service to others - employees, customers, and community - ahead of all other responsibilities of a leader. This book is a collection of eight of Greenleaf's most compelling essays on servant-leadership, spirit, vision and wholeness. The impact of Greenleaf's ideas on many of the most respected thought leaders in the business world would be difficult to overstate.

The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell by Oren Harari

Insightful description of Powell's sometimes provocative leadership style and guiding principles. Well worth reading.

Shackleton's Way - Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell

As Dava Sobel says this is 'A leadership book that reads like an adventure story.' The authors draw leadership and team building lessons from Sir Ernest Shackleton's experience in saving the lives of all 27 members of his team who were stranded in the Antarctic for nearly two years between 1914 and 1916.

Developing the Leader Within You by John C Maxwell

An empowering handbook based on the premise that leaders are made, not born, and which clearly distinguishes between the management role and leadership.

The Tools of Leadership by Max Landsberg

Landsberg looks in detail at Vision, Inspiration and Momentum as critical tools for effective leadership. Full of helpful tips and ideas.

Influence - The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Cialdini's six 'weapons of influence': reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority and scarcity are described with examples of their use to persuade in various contexts.

Influencing within Organisations by Andrzej Huczynski

Although this book focuses on Getting in, Rising up and Moving on, it presents a fascinating and detailed account of how influence works in a huge array of different situations. Extensively researched and well referenced it covers verbal and non-verbal influence in one-on-one situations, through small and large groups, in a wide range of contexts including political, organisational and public forums.

The Heart of a Leader - Insights on the Art of Influence by Ken Blanchard

Inspiring and challenging quotes and insights from the author of the one minute manager.

Thoughts for the Day by Charles Handy

A collection of short reflections from one of our time's most challenging business philosophers.

Getting Things Done When You are not in Charge: How to Succeed from a Support Position by Geoffrey Bellman

A valuable book for when you find yourself leading without formal power or authority.