5 of Our Favorite Leadership Books to Add to Your Wish List
By: Jessica Johnston
Tags: Book Review, Leadership, Professional Development, Literacy, Growth Mindset

With over 500 years of educational leadership experience and 94 post-secondary degrees, the EAI team isn’t just dedicated to lifelong learning, we’re obsessed with it. Reading is an inexpensive and just-in-time method of professional development that can help us avoid making decisions based on personal experience alone, as well as further develop our education philosophy. Our visionary team of educators, developers, technologists and business leaders recently shared some of their favorite leadership books. It’s not too late to add one (or two, or all five) to your wish list!

Jimmy Casas does a phenomenal job of outlining the importance of creating a positive culture among all constituents and colleagues in schools. Casas elaborates on four core principles: being a champion for all students, expecting excellence, carrying the banner, and being a merchant of hope. Real-life strategies are explained for each principle and are easily implemented and adapted for all roles within the school family.

Favorite quote: “Culturize: to cultivate a community of learners by behaving in a kind, caring, honest, and compassionate manner in order to challenge and inspire each member of the school community to become more than they ever thought was possible.”

Recommended by Dawn Whidden, Cardonex Sales Professional

Jim Collins’ study of companies that move from the status of “good” to “great” has roots in the business world, but many of the concepts can be applied to the educational setting for both administration and teachers. Within the pages of Good to Great is a researched-based framework for changing an organization like a school district. There is a common vocabulary that can inform conversations that must be had in order to move schools from where they are to where they want to be.

Favorite quote: “The great irony is that the animus and personal ambition that often drive people to positions of power stand at odds with the humility for Level 5 (read: great) leadership.”

Recommended by Brad Langley, Cardonex Implementation Specialist

Kristen Hadeed asserts that leadership is about empowerment, trust, and allowing others to make mistakes, fix them, and grow. What are some ways you can empower those around you?

Favorite quote: “Creating a culture in which people feel safe to make mistakes, to reveal their weaknesses and imperfections, isn’t easy, but it is what leadership is all about. Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in our charge and making people feel safe.”

Recommended by Rosilyn Jackson, TestHound Product Specialist

Brian Dixon reminds us that the key to success is building relationships, which is a critical component of working with students. Starting with a heart of service, especially when interacting with youth, can lead to both success and enjoyment. Ask your students, “Where are you stuck right now and how can I help you get unstuck?”

Favorite quote: “Living your purpose starts with showing up and serving. It’s not about you. It’s about helping them.”

Recommended by Jessica Johnston, Marketing Manager

This is the story of a CEO who received advice on how to lead by helping his team get better by becoming the CRO — Chief Reminding Officer. Lencioni’s work centers on the “who” of choosing to be a leader and outlines five core responsibilities. Who in your school can assume the role of CRO to keep your team focused, aligned, and engaged around the district’s purpose, strategy, values, and priorities?

Favorite quote: “It’s about doing the job, not just having the job. Most leaders today don’t generally see their role as a privilege or a duty. They see it as a right and a reward.”

Recommended by Kim Tunnell, Vice President of Curriculum Management