Despite the importance of courage and integrity in the workplace, there are surprisingly few resources on this topic. This timely book provides guidance on developing courage as one would any other skill.

Of course talent is of value, but the scientific research on performance indicates that talent and hard work alone don’t necessarily produce success. It’s a particular type of effort, repeated a lot, often with the aid of well-chosen teachers or coaches, which guarantees high performance. This is the concept of “deliberate practice” and it applies just as much to the world of leadership as it does to the domains of music, chess, and sports.

Yet another best-seller from the well-known and influential executive coach.

This is an entertaining discussion of the behaviors that contribute to our present success but hold us back from future advancement. Goldsmith offers practical advice on how to adjust our habits and reach the next level of achievement.

Now how can you pass up a book with this title? The fact that Cialdini is the social psychologist who wrote the classic Influence doesn’t hurt either. This book is an easy and provocative read. The scientific support for each tip is summarized in a short chapter along with suggestions as to how to apply it.

Like Good to Great, this book is based on extensive empirical research, and it’s findings contradict some popular leadership assumptions. One of its best-known conclusions is that leadership is best cultivated through leveraging existing strengths, a position advocated as well by Marcus Buckingham and other researchers at the Gallup Organization.

You know those colleagues who seem so well-informed about world trends and how they can impact business? They’re reading The Economist and similar magazines. This weekly periodical is well-written, insightful, and has a refreshing global rather than simply US-centric perspective. Check www.economist.com for subscriptions.

A roadmap for accelerating your effectiveness in the first months of a new role. While other books may explore particular strategies in more depth, Watkins provides an excellent overview of all the key tasks confronting a new leader.

The now classic study of what distinguishes truly great companies from their peers. Relying on extensive research, Collins authoritatively makes the case for common sense and enduring principles rather than following the latest business fad. One of its many helpful findings—first, get the right people on the bus.

In this article based on the Good to Great research, Collins elaborates on the various stages of leadership and how they correlate to sustainable organizational success.

This out-of-print classic is a secret asset for a handful of successful leaders. Simple, practical advice on how to shape your conversations to motivate and lead others. Now almost impossible to find, but occasionally copies surface on the internet.

Goleman is known for his work on emotional intelligence, so you might think this article would be all about the virtues or collaborative or consensual leadership. However, Goleman explains that context is an extremely important factor in determining what leadership style is the most effective and helpful. For example, in a true crisis we don’t need someone to check in with us. We need someone to take charge. The article has a great chart that provides a short description of different leadership styles and in what context they work best. Ideally, a capable leader develops a repertoire of at least several styles and the savvy to know when to use each.

Kotter assesses change initiatives and the pitfalls that derail them. A valuable resource for anyone who is committed to ensuring successful organizational change.

A collection of free articles, including many on leadership, by the well-known behavioral coach. Packed with simple effective tactics to ensure behavioral change. Be sure to read “Leadership is A Contact Sport” and “Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback”.

A useful guide to building personal resiliency. Relying on work done with athletes, Loehr and Schwartz explain how managing energy, not time, is the key to high performance in corporate and other settings.

A condensed version of “The Power of Full Engagement” that targets corporate executives.

Trust is not just an admirable quality, but a blend of competence and character that impacts the bottom line by accelerating effectiveness and reducing cost. Covey provides specific guidance on the behaviors that deepen trust or restore it when it has been lost.

Too often, the competing demands on our time knock us off-course. We get more caught up in the doing to the determent of the leading. This very practical article describes a simple process that helps you stay focused and effective as a leader.