This is my second annual book-list for 2026. This one is for leaders.
Here are ten books that have helped me in my leadership this year and which I recommend to other leaders. Whether you’re a leader in business, education, media, church, or some other sector, the books here are chosen to help you lead even more wisely and effectively. Enjoy!
10. Carol Dweck, Mindset
There’s much talk in the business-world about the mindset change needed for leaders to lead in today’s world. It involves learning and unlearning, with unlearning normally twice as hard as learning. We need to better understand mindset change not only in the church (as we’re supposed to believe in changing minds, see Rom 12:1-2; Mt 18:12) but also in lots of other segments of society too, if we’re going to grow in character and lead our organisations well. This book is such a helpful starter.
9. Andrew Chandler, George Bell
This 2016 book by Andrew Chandler is probably the definitive biography of Bell, who was Bishop of Chichester during the Second World War, and was a pioneer in unity and peace-making. Bell’s strategic mind, pioneering spirit and dogged determinism for transformation shine through. His friendship with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and work in international relations was so influential, and his vision for a church that brings unity to our nation feels strangely prophetic in these challenging days of the 21st Century.
8. Simon Akam & Rachel Lloyd, Always Take Notes
I’ve enjoyed listening to the Always Take Notes podcast this year, which is why this book caught my attention. It’s captures the wisdom of authors who’ve been on the show, giving us insights into their writing. We hear answers to questions such as: How do you write? How do you stay motivated? Where do the best ideas come from? Contributors include William Boyd, Alexander McCall Smith, Elif Shafak, Joanne Harris, Kate Mosse, Niall Ferguson, Nikesh Shukla, Rory Stewart, Rosie Nixon, Ruth Ozeki, Ruth Padel, and Tessa Hadley.
7. Jitesh Patel, Charismatics & Post-Modernity
Jitesh is a theology lecturer and a local church leader in Leicester. This is a summary of his fascinating doctoral work, showing that charismatic renewal in the church is not just a product of post-modern culture but more deeply rooted in history and New Testament spirituality. In chapter 5 Jitesh relies on some of my past studies on David Watson and ends the book offering some challenges that are insightful and wise. A thoughtful and insightful work.
6. Joseph Lightfoot, Leaders in the Northern Church
Written in 1890, this book is still excellent, providing short chapters on the early pioneers of the Christian faith in the North of England. There are outstanding reflections on the lives of Columba, Oswald, Aidan, Hilda, Cuthbert and Bede. If you know little about our rich heritage in the North then read on and discover how these leaders brought transformation to our nation, often in the midst of great difficulties. Much to reflect on for church and transformational leaders today, especially those like me based in the North of England.
5. Jim Collins & Bill Lazier, BE 2.0
Not a great title, but a book full of such insight, that all leaders who want to shape their organisations should read it. Read it alongside Collins other seminal texts, especially Good to Great. There’s a particularly powerful chapter on paradoxical leadership, reminding us that we need leaders who not only have a compelling vision and clear strategy, but who can hold in tension the short-term and long-term, humility and audacity, freedom and responsibly and much more.
4. Paul E Miller, A Praying Church
I enjoyed this book on what, why and how we can pray together. While there is nothing especially revolutionary here in terms of strategy, it’s message is good and right, calling not just individuals but churches to pray. That in itself is revolutionary! Miller shares quite personally his journey as he’s encouraged corporate prayer in the communities he’s led.
3. Jonathan Sacks, The Power of Ideas
The leadership author I have found most helpful over the last two years has been Jonathan Sacks. The wisdom of this man, a previous Chief Rabbi of England, is incredible. This book was published soon after his death, pulling together pieces he wrote in newspapers, as well as his speeches in a variety of settings, including the House of Lords. He had the gift of bringing clarity and challenge in a compact way. Such a gift.
2. Brené Brown, Strong Ground
This is the best single leadership book I have read this year. Subtitled ‘The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit,’ it’s classic Brené Brown, challenging all leaders to step up and lead with vulnerability, courage and emotional intelligence. There were so many insights, including working hard at honest communication, deep thinking and team collaboration.
1. The Bible
As ever, this has been my No.1 leadership book this year. As I seek to lead like Jesus, this is the manual I’ve accessed each day and always found it helpful. I commend it to all who want to lead humbly and for transformation.
So I hope there’s something here to help you and others lead well in 2026. And don’t forget: leaders are readers. They really are. So also look out for my new book in summer 2026: The Art of Reading: How to become a wiser person. Happy reading and happy Christmas.
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