Written by Peter Tran

I came across a thought-provoking quote in an aviation magazine that resonated deeply:
“Experience is life’s best teacher as long as you have the brains to get it second-hand.”

It was pointing out a crucial lesson in aviation, where mistakes can be catastrophic or even fatal. It is far wiser to learn from the experiences of others - documented accidents, near misses and the reflections of seasoned professionals - than to risk replicating those experiences.

This principle doesn’t just apply to aviation; it’s universal. In every domain of life and work, while some lessons are learned through personal trial and error, there are times when those errors are simply too costly. While it might not be a matter of life and death, the consequences could still be severe - damaged team morale, a tarnished reputation as a leader, lost opportunities, or even the loss of talented individuals who decide to leave due to poor leadership.

The good news? Leadership, like many other skills, can be learned. But here’s the key: you have to study it deliberately. Leadership isn’t just something you pick up through intuition or by holding a title. It requires intent, reflection, and a commitment to growth.

So, let me ask you: Do you study leadership? What leadership book are you reading right now?

If you’re not much of a reader, I encourage you to reconsider. Developing yourself as a leader is one of the best investments you can make - for yourself, your team, and your organisation. Dedicate just a small amount of time to reading one good book on leadership each month. That’s only 12 books a year, but the cumulative knowledge and insights you gain could transform how you lead.

The best part? If you apply the lessons from these books, you’ll see significant improvements. You’ll become more effective as a leader, your relationships with your team members will deepen, and their engagement and performance will reflect that growth. Over time, this can lead to better results for your team, a stronger organisational culture, and increased profitability.

To get you started, here are some leadership books I highly recommend:

• The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

• Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

• Coaching Salespeople Into Sales Champions by Keith Rosen

• Up Your Business by Dave Anderson

• Legacy by James Kerr

• Hundred Percenters by Mark Murphy

These are just a few of the numerous exceptional leadership books available. Whether you’re a new leader just starting your journey or a seasoned leader looking to refine your craft, these books offer valuable lessons.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously growing, adapting and striving to bring out the best in yourself and others. While there are thousands of books on leadership, the most important thing is to find the ones that resonate with you and take action based on what you learn.

Do you already have a favourite leadership book? I’d love to hear about it. Sharing insights and recommendations is another way we can all grow together.

If you don’t yet have a favourite, why not sample one from the list above? Start your leadership journey today. Your team, your organisation, and even your future self will thank you for it.