5 Must-Read Articles About Business Leadership for New Managers

Being a new manager in the business world can be intimidating, especially if you’re leading a team. However, with the right mindset, approach, and knowledge, you can work your way up and become a successful leader.

Here are the top 5 must-read articles about business leadership for new managers that will help you develop your skills and grow as a leader.

1. “The Qualities of Effective Leadership” by John C. Maxwell

In this article, Maxwell emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and outlines the six qualities every leader should possess. He explains why these qualities are essential and how new managers can develop them.

Maxwell believes that effective leaders should have vision, courage, integrity, humility, strategic planning abilities, and the ability to inspire and influence others. With real-life examples, he provides guidance on how new managers can cultivate these qualities and become effective leaders.

2. “The 5 Levels of Leadership” by Jim Collins

Collins explains in this article that there are five levels of leadership every manager should aim to reach. He argues that level one, which involves positional leadership, is not entirely effective.

Instead, Collins seeks leadership to reach levels 2-5, which require the leader to develop relationships, build trust, and empower their team to achieve the organization’s goals. According to Jim Collins, great leaders build enduring greatness by embracing these five levels.

3. “Why Great Leaders Embrace Vulnerability” by Brené Brown

Brown’s article encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and shows that admitting when you’re unsure or don’t have all the answers can be a strength, not a weakness. She argues that vulnerability allows leaders to connect with their team and foster trust, making them more authentic and relatable.

Brown presents compelling research on how vulnerability in leadership leads to better business results and better team engagement. Her message to leaders is not to fear vulnerability but to embrace it to create a more effective and inclusive work environment.

4. “The Elements of Great Leadership” by Peter Drucker

In this article, Drucker explains the elements that make great leaders, including humility, courage, and self-awareness. He argues that good leaders need to develop and nurture relationships and continuously work towards improving their skills and knowledge.

Drucker presents several real-life examples to illustrate how great leaders must balance the needs of the organization with the needs of its people. He advises new managers to learn from these examples and work towards becoming great leaders by cultivating their strengths.

5. “The Art of Saying No” by Greg McKeown

As a new manager, it can be tempting to take on everything that comes your way. In this article, McKeown provides guidance on how to say “no” without damaging relationships or undermining your authority.

He emphasizes the importance of prioritization and boundary-setting, allowing managers to stay focused on the most critical tasks and responsibilities. McKeown shows how saying no can lead to better management, time management, and overall effectiveness as a leader.

In conclusion, learning new management skills can be challenging, but with the right mindset, approach, and knowledge, anyone can become a great leader. These five must-read articles offer excellent guidance for new managers trying to develop their skills and become effective leaders in their workplace.