Leadership Competency Reading List

A Leadership 

Competency 

Reading List 

A Dauntless Ambition Publication

Introduction 

At Dauntless Ambition we help organisations, leaders and individuals get unstuck and achieve their 

ambition. This booklet is a free guide to help you and those you work with on that journey. It is a 

short guide on some of the best books we know to develop 10 key leadership competencies. 

Developing a leadership competency is not an easy task and takes considerable perseverance, the 

books we have recommended are an aid to helping individuals on the journey, providing insight, 

motivation and tips to speed up the process. 

We have provided several books for each competency, their style and readability vary and some 

will be more suited to some than others. We have included both modern and timeless classics, short, 

and long books, as well as few ‘wild cards’ that we really liked. 

If you have any questions, comments or recommendations for other books, please do not hesitate to 

contact us at www.dauntlessambitiongroup.com.

Competency Contents 

Approachability Page 4 

Business Acumen Page 5 

Conflict Management Page 6 

Delegation Page 7 

Interpersonal Excellence Page 8 

Motivating Others Page 9 

Drive for Results Page 10 

Strategic Ability Page 11 

Building Effective Teams Page 12 

Managing Vision and Purpose Page 13 

©Dauntless Ambition Group - 2018 2

Approachability 

Approachability is how easy it is for others to come and talk to you. It is the ability to put people at 

ease quickly, so they feel trusted and welcome. It includes an ability to listen and engage with others 

that are based on equality and openness, where you give time to the other person. The contrary is 

someone who always seems too busy with their own work, leaders who are not prepared to give 

their time to help others and make sure people know it. It is someone who really isn’t fun to be 

around, can be over demanding and eventually is avoided by peers and subordinates. 

How to Talk to Anyone: 21 Tips for Instant Rapport 

2017 - Modern Psychology 

ISBN-10: 154461263X 

ISBN-13: 978-1544612638 

This is a book that helps individuals know how to make small talk and make a good impression with others. It is 

less about dealing with any deep psychological narcissistic or selfish tendencies, but more about becoming 

aware of how to engage with others in the workplace or social settings. It includes a number of communication 

tips that are quick to incorporate and should make a difference in how you are perceived by others. 

How to Win Friends and Influence People 

1936 - Dale Carnegie 

ISBN-10: 0091906814 

ISBN-13: 978-0091906818 

This is a classic and should be on the reading list of anyone interested in being more successful in their career. 

It is a good and enjoyable read that describes Carnegie’s journey in business and the things he learned on the 

way to his success. Although, not just about being approachable, it does show how you need to take care of 

personal interactions if you want sustainable success. 

I’m Ok, You're Ok 

1973 - Thomas Harris 

ISBN-10: 009955755X 

ISBN-13: 978-0099557555 

This is a really intriguing book that brings to life the theory of transactional analysis in a very readable way. It 

is a book that can help us understand a little more about who we are and our attitude to others. For leaders 

who are ‘acting out’ in some way then this may help them come to terms with this and then start on a path to 

treating themselves and others better. 


Business Acumen 

Business acumen is that fluency with all aspects of modern business practice, from the financial to 

the operational. It is someone who has a good grasp of what kind of things make a business 

successful and what doesn’t. Leaders who have this are often the go-to person to test ideas and 

concepts, their judgment on business matters is well respected and trusted. When leaders lack it, 

their impact is greatly weakened and their influence lessened. 

Good to Great 

2001 - Jim Collins 

ISBN-10: 0712676090 

ISBN-13: 978-0712676090 

Another classic book on management that every leader should read. Collins and team undertook painstaking 

research to work out how some companies are able to move from being just good to really great. The lessons 

and examples they uncovered are thought provoking and have a resonance that still holds for today. 

The New One Minute Manager 

2015 - Kenneth Blanchard & Spencer Johnson 

ISBN-10: 0008128049 

ISBN-13: 978-0008128043 

This is an update and revised version of Blanchard’s original book - The One Minute Manager - and takes a 

manager on a journey into how to incorporate simple ways of working that will improve personal effectiveness 

and enable a much better understanding of how organisations can be changed to make more successful. 

Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build Your 

Credibility, Career, and Company 

2012 - Kevin Cope 

ISBN-10: 1608322467 

ISBN-13: 978-1608322466 

This is a fabulous book, that is like a compressed MBA. It highlights five key areas of business; drivers: cash, 

profit, assets, growth, and people, that need to be concentrated on, understood and managed effectively if a 

business is to prosper. The layout and style of the book make it easy to follow and the lessons clear and very 

easy to follow. 


Conflict Management 

The opportunity for conflict with leaders, peers, staff, and clients has never been higher, as 

businesses are put under increasing pressure and time to think diminishes. As a leader, the need to 

manage conflicts is imperative as the consequences of disharmony can reverberate across the 

business. Good conflict management skills enable one to not only diffuse difficult situations but also 

to pre-empt them, so paving a road for more positive collaboration. Good conflict management 

skills can also be used across the negotiating table and in other key areas of business practice. For 

a 21 st Century leader having the ability to deal with conflict is a vital attribute. 

Asserting Yourself-Updated Edition: A Practical Guide for 

Positive Change 

2004 - Gordon H. Bower & Sharon Anthony Bower 

ISBN-10: 0738209716 

ISBN-13: 978-0738209715 

This book address one of the key issues of conflict management, that being the ineffective way we assert 

ourselves. Through the application of psychology, communication techniques, and other methods, the authors 

take you through both theoretical and practical explanations on what positive assertion is and how it can be 

mastered to ensure better results in how you deal with others and avoid the traps that can lead to conflict. 

Getting to Yes: Negotiating an Agreement Without Giving 

in 

1993 - Roger Fisher & William Ury 

ISBN-10: 0395631246 

ISBN-13: 978-0395631249 

Another classic that set the benchmark for negotiations books. Based on original research at Harvard Business 

School, this book takes you through some of the key principles of negotiating. It is full of good examples and 

illustrates the concepts in a clear and very understandable way. A great book that goes beyond its initial scope 

and will serve any reader well. 

Vital Conversations: A practical approach to handling 

difficult conversations, managing conflict, giving feedback 

and influencing difficult people 

2010 - Alec Grimsley 

ISBN-10: 0956312802 

ISBN-13: 978-0956312808 

This book does exactly what it claims on the cover. A practical guide on how to have a conversation that really 

makes a difference, even when it appears fraught or both of you are carrying previous baggage. It is a book 

that will change your mindset on how to have difficult conversations across a variety of fields. 


Delegation 

Leaders cannot do everything; their time is scarce and energy finite. However, many leaders are 

overworked and not delivering to their optimum as they fail to delegate to their team. Fearful of 

failure, worried about the consequences of the work, or just feeling that they know best; leaders 

avoid delegating effectively for all sorts of reason. For such a relatively simple activity it remains 

one the least utilised competencies by many and its failure to do has real consequences on not just 

the leader or organisation, but those lacking the opportunity to develop by being given hard or 

complicated work. 

Drive 

2011 - Daniel H. Pink 

ISBN-10: 184767769X 

ISBN-13: 978-1847677693 

This is a real favourite of ours. It takes a look at delegation from the different perspective of ‘autonomy’ or selfdetermination. 

Providing a real insight into how to get the best from others and provide a real foundation for 

people growth and organisational improvement. A real must-read, even for those who are already good at 

delegation. 

First, Break all the Rules 

2005 - Marcus Buckingham 

ISBN-10: 1595621113 

ISBN-13: 978-1595621115 

An updated version of Buckingham’s great book from the Gallup stable. This book shows how leaders should 

invest in building engagement with their teams and others across their business. With several really clear case 

studies and examples, it shows the Gallup approach on focussing on the strengths of others to build their 

competency. In so doing it will provide the leader with the context for why trusting others and therefore 

delegating is so important. 

The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary 

Things Happen in Organizations 

2007 - James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner 

ISBN-10: 1119278961 

ISBN-13: 978-1119278962 

This is a great book on leadership and contains an absolute wealth of great material on the topic. It puts 

delegation into a wider context of leadership, but should still provide enough thought to help a struggling leader 

in this area. Get it on your shelf! 


Interpersonal Excellence 

Interpersonal excellence is the skill of being able to get along with all people across a wide spectrum 

of situations. For leaders, it means that you can navigate your organisation with all its personalities 

in a seamless manner, enabling opportunity and creating a really positive impression behind you. 

Where it is missing a leader may seem awkward and difficult in their attitude or behaviour when 

dealing with others. 

Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ 

1996 - Daniel Goleman 

ISBN-10: 0747528306 

ISBN-13: 978-0747528302 

This is a seminal book on emotional intelligence and Goleman is a leading authority on the subject. This is a 

serious book and to read from cover to cover would take a big commitment. However, it can be dipped into 

and still reveal some of the core concepts of emotional intelligence and why it matters so much. Another classic 

book that is the bible on the subject. 

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop 

Talking 

2013 - Susan Cain 

ISBN-10: 0141029196 

ISBN-13: 978-0141029191 

This book is the antithesis to those that prescribe how to be the life and soul of a party or at the office. It explains 

some of the theory around some of us are more introverted than others and then how this can be used as a 

strength in our relationships. It is a thoughtful book that has the power to unravel some of the reasons why our 

quietness can be such a strong attribute. A good book for the quiet leader. 

The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence and Persuasion 

Through the Art of Storytelling 

2006 - Annette Simmons 

ISBN-10: 0465078079 

ISBN-13: 978-0465078073 

This is a book focussed on being a better communicator through the art of storytelling. Through the example of 

countless examples drawn from a diverse pool, Simmons sets out to educate and inspire you on how to tap 

effectively into the social and business world you inhabit. A book that will inspire and inform, really useful for 

the leader who has untapped potential in the way they come to the world. 


Motivating Others 

Being able to motivate others to deliver superior performance is a great skill that every leader 

should possess. However, too often we find leaders that struggle to get the best out of others and 

have to resort to over ineffective or potentially disruptive behaviours. When a leader can motivate 

others effectively, then everything becomes easier. 

The Inspirational Leader: How to Motivate, Encourage and 

Achieve Success 

2003 - John Adair 

ISBN-10: 0749454784 

ISBN-13: 978-0749454784 

As you might expect from Adair, this is a thoughtful and well-constructed book on leadership and some of the 

key ingredients to make your behaviour successful. Although not just aimed at motivation, Adair does provide 

a broad map of what should be behind leadership and how this translates into everyday life. A good book that 

will become a classic over time. 

Drive 

2011 - Daniel H. Pink 

ISBN-10: 184767769X 

ISBN-13: 978-1847677693 

We are putting Daniel Pink’s book here too because it tackles this problem head-on and is a must-read for 

tackling this issue. See the section on Delegation for more information. 

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate 

Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial 

Life 

1991 - Anthony Robbins 

ISBN-10: 0743409388 

ISBN-13: 978-0743409384 

Robbins is one of the most popular self-help gurus out there. Despite the hype, he writes in a sensitive and not 

over-sensational way, at least in his older publications such as this. This was one of his first successful books and 

is crammed full of advice, tips, and examples of the kind of things needed to grow and flourish. He tackles our 

lack of motivation head on and provides some very clear insight into why we may procrastinate and not take 

action. 


Drive for Results 

Ultimately leaders are responsible for delivering results. Getting their teams to achieve their targets 

can be a tricky balancing act of support and challenge, which many a leader fails miserably to do. 

It needs a level of flexibility and responsiveness to the situation and the type of people on the team. 

When this skill is weak targets are frequently missed or staff attrition high, which eventually leads to 

an even worse situation. 

Measure What Matters: OKRs: The Simple Idea that 

Drives 10x Growth 

2018 - John Doerr 

ISBN-10: 024134848X 

ISBN-13: 978-0241348482 

This is rapidly becoming a key reference book for some of the leading organisations in the world. Doerr explains 

his view of goal setting, which he calls OKRs, which are really neat and insightful ways to get people to achieve 

success in the world of work. This is a really important read, which would benefit many a leader. 

Managing for the Future 

1992 - Peter Drucker 

ISBN-10: 0750609095 

ISBN-13: 978-0750609098 

Drucker is one of the brilliant minds of leadership and business, and in this classic book, he reveals some of the 

secrets of economics, business and leadership. This is the kind of book that makes you sit up straight and have 

a real think about what you want your business to be and how to get there. 

The Leadership Habit: Transforming Behaviors to Drive 

Results 

2017 - Tammy Berberick, Peter Lindsay & Katie Fritchen 

ISBN-10: 1119363209 

ISBN-13: 978-1119363200 

This another broad book on leadership that looks to help leaders develop the right behaviours and outlook to 

drive success across a broad spectrum of activities. The first chapter deals directly with the drive for results, but 

the subsequent chapters are also related to this. This is a really solid and well thought out book that will become 

a classic in the years to come. 


Strategic Agility 

Strategy is the art of the long game. It is being able to see what will be needed in the future rather 

than just getting caught up in the here and now. It is a skill that many leaders believe they have but 

few really are able to demonstrate it effectively. As the world continues to change rapidly this skill 

is becoming a necessity for a modern leader. 

Black Box Thinking: Marginal Gains and the Secrets of 

High Performance 

2016 - Matthew Syed 

ISBN-10: 1473613809 

ISBN-13: 978-1473613805 

This is a book that helps individuals know how to make small talk and make a good impression with others. It is 

less about dealing with any deep psychological narcissistic or selfish tendencies, but more about becoming 

aware of how to engage with others in the workplace or social settings. It includes a number of communication 

tips that are quick to incorporate and should make a difference in how you are perceived by others. 

Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple's 

Success 

2012 - Ken Segall 

ISBN-10: 067092119X 

ISBN-13: 978-0670921195 

Segall shares his insights from working with Steve Jobs and Apple. He shares the issue of complexity and how 

making things simpler really enabled the people in the organisation to focus on doing the right work. It is a great 

read for leaders who are frustrated with how slow or cumbersome their business is and want some insight into 

how to get things done better. 

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to 

Take Action 

2011 - Simon Sinek 

ISBN-10: 0241958229 

ISBN-13: 978-0241958223 

Sinek’s book is becoming a must read for any leader wanting to know how to make their business really great. 

He shows how some of the top companies put the ‘purpose’ or why for their business at the heart of their efforts. 

This is an engaging book to read and will certainly stimulate any leader unfamiliar with the power of ‘why’ to 

think again. 


Building Great Teams 

Teams are the lifeblood of an organisation. Having them work well and effectively should be a key 

priority for any organisation looking to be successful. However, taking a team and making them 

great is no easy task and requires a level of skill and commitment that can be elusive for a leader. 

Enabling success with this competency can be a game changer for a leader and the organisation 

they work for. 

The Business of Excellence: Building High-Performance 

Teams and Organizations 

2016 - Justin Hughes 

ISBN-10: 1472953592 

ISBN-13: 978-1472953599 

This is a really fabulous book on the art and science of building high performing teams. Hughes takes his 

experience as an RAF pilot in the Red Arrows and using other examples from business and sports, illustrates 

how to get a team to step and succeed. This is a great book for any leader who manages a team and wants 

great insight into how to do this well. 

The Art of Coaching 

2015 - Jenny Bird & Sarah Gornall 

ISBN-10: 113889186X 

ISBN-13: 978-1138891869 

This is a superior book on coaching that will provide insight for both the novice and experienced coach alike. 

The authors offer a wealth of experience and practical methods for coaching in a variety of circumstances and 

to different types of individuals. If your leader is in need of developing their coaching skills and understanding 

then this is the one book you should give them. 

The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful 

Groups 

2018 - Daniel Coyle 

ISBN-10: 1847941265 

ISBN-13: 978-1847941268 

This is a fantastic book on the nature of teams and how to get them to become seriously great. Coyle has done 

some serious research into this topic and is very skilful in how he presents the insight and lessons he has to teach. 

A must read in the genre of teamwork and leadership. 


Delivering Vision and Purpose 

Although the last competency in this booklet this is one of the most important for leaders of 

organisations, departments, and teams. Many organisations and their leaders spend way too little 

time on developing a compelling vision and purpose and then communicating effectively. They really 

are missing an opportunity to engage better with their people and move their business forward in 

a much more effective manner. 

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to 

Take Action 

2011 - Simon Sinek 

ISBN-10: 0241958229 

ISBN-13: 978-0241958223 

We are including this book again as it a must read for anyone looking at vision and purpose. See the section 

on Strategic Agility for more information. 

Leading with Vision: The Leader's Blueprint for Creating a 

Compelling Vision and Engaging the Workforce 

2017 - Bonnie Hagemann, John Maketa &, Simon Vetter 

ISBN-10: 1857886828 

ISBN-13: 978-1857886825 

This is a serious piece of work, that is well researched and covers the subject of ‘vision’ in an organisation in a 

very comprehensive and clear way. The authors utilise a whole mass of quality data to provide a clear picture 

of what a good vision can do, and the surrounding context that needs managing to ensure its success. 

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and 

Happiness 

2009 - Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein 

ISBN-10: 0141040017 

ISBN-13: 978-0141040011 

This is not a book about vision and purpose but instead, it looks at behavioural psychology, and how this can 

be used to influence behaviour. It is a profound book that show how government, organisations and leaders 

can elicit change in others through intelligent and usually small changes in the way communication takes place. 

It is a good book for leaders wanting to know how to change their culture and make their vision and purpose 

come alive.

Leadership Competency Reading List

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