Nearly 200 years ago, the Navy ordered its ships be outfitted with a reading list of 37 books in order to help train and educate Sailors. The Navy’s leaders knew then what is still the case today: to outthink our competitors we must study and apply lessons we’ve learned from our past. Furthermore, it is critically important for our Navy to be a learning organization. And one of the very best ways to do that is to foster an environment where every Sailor deepens their level of understanding and learning.

Information Warriors must continue to hone their skills and grow as leaders to drive our culture. We believe the books listed, generated by a variety of community leaders, will help build this culture and foster curiosity and learning.

By Stanley McChrystal, Jeff Eggers, and Jay Mangone

McChrystal profiles thirteen famous leaders from a wide range of eras and fields—from corporate CEOs to politicians and revolutionaries. He uses their stories to explore how leadership works in practice and to challenge the myths that complicate our thinking about this critical topic. 

By James Kerr

In his global bestseller, Legacy, James Kerr goes deep into the heart of the world's most successful team, the New Zealand All Blacks, to help understand what it takes to bounce back from adversity and still reach the top.

By Brené Brown

Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential.

By Simon Sinek

Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders create environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things. 

By William A. Cohen

Using “the combat model of leadership,” this book demonstrates how to apply the winning tactics of the military to business, while maintaining absolute integrity. Retired Major General William S. Cohen of the US Army Reserve Forces showcases the skills and drive of remarkable leaders such as director Steven Spielberg, former Intel CEO Andy Grove, and Starbucks CEO Howard Schulz, as well as military commanders from ancient times to today.

By John C. Maxwell

True leadership isn't a matter of having a certain job or title. In fact, being chosen for a position is only the first of the five levels every effective leader achieves. To become more than "the boss" people follow only because they are required to, you have to master the ability to invest in people and inspire them. To grow further in your role, you must achieve results and build a team that produces. You need to help people to develop their skills to become leaders in their own right. And if you have the skill and dedication, you can reach the pinnacle of leadership—where experience will allow you to extend your influence beyond your immediate reach and time for the benefit of others.

By John C. Maxwell

HarperCollins and John C. Maxwell are celebrating the milestone anniversary of Maxwell’s New York Times bestselling book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership with the publication of a new revised and updated 25th Anniversary Edition.

Maxwell has gone through every word of this book and updated it for the next generation of leaders. He has added new insights to these timeless laws and included lessons learned since he originally wrote the book. He removed dated stories and replaced them with fresh ones that apply to today’s world of business.

By R. Manning Ancell

Their decisions mean the difference between life and death, victory and defeat. Their actions determine the fates of nations and place an indelible stamp upon history. They are four-star generals and admirals, our country s top-ranking military leadership, and in Four-Star Leadership for Leaders, they offer their hard-won expertise to you.