Parents are increasingly dissatisfied with mainstream schooling. With many turning to homeschooling or online alternatives, will schools respond? Education leaders must act to stay relevant. They are at the helm in a system that is in a liminal space.
Powerful leadership insights can come from looking beyond the school gates to experts from other sectors. I have collected eight non-educational books, recommended to me by leadership professionals around the world. Each book provides timeless lessons in decision-making, team-building, ethical leadership and personal growth.
Whether you’re guiding teachers, inspiring students, or managing a school community, these books will equip you with fresh ideas to lead with integrity, resilience, and vision.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems driving human thought: the fast, intuitive “System 1” and the slow, rational “System 2.” This foundational book reveals how these two modes of thinking influence our decisions, often leading us to cognitive biases and errors.
For educational leaders, understanding these mental processes can lead to more intentional decision-making, allowing them to weigh rapid responses against slower and more thoughtful strategies. This book was recommended by Berkeley College professor Jason Gulya, who observed, “As school leaders, we’re going to need to think a lot about the value of slow, meaningful work at a time when we’re pressured to do things faster and faster. And we’ll need to find specific ways to show that value to our students.”
Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
Matthew Syed’s Black Box Thinking is a compelling call to action for leaders who want to transform failures into stepping stones for success. Syed draws inspiration from industries like aviation, which analyzes mistakes to improve safety and performance. His message to leaders is clear: failure isn’t the end but the start of learning and improvement.
For school leaders, the book’s insights can help create a school culture where errors are learning opportunities, building resilience and opportunities for innovation. The head of digital learning at Gloucestershire College in the UK, Ryan Molyneaux explains that “it is a compelling read that encourages readers to adopt a mindset of curiosity, experimentation, and learning from failure, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.”
The Republic by Plato
Plato’s The Republic dives into some of humanity’s oldest questions around justice, governance and ethical leadership. This timeless dialogue presents the concept of the “philosopher-king,” a ruler committed to wisdom, truth and pursuing the good.
For today’s school leaders, Plato’s vision is a powerful reminder of the importance of leading with integrity and purpose. The Republic challenges leaders to build school communities rooted in empathy, excellence and justice. Ioannis Anapliotis from Nea Paideia School in Greece thinks it’s a must read for school leaders: “Plato’s Politeia offers profound insights that resonate deeply with school leaders, urging them to lead with integrity, wisdom, and a relentless commitment to the greater good.”
Strengths-Based Leadership by Don Clifton
Drawing from Gallup’s extensive research on high-performing teams, Strengths-Based Leadership by Don Clifton shifts the focus from improving weaknesses to maximizing strengths. This book provides school leaders with actionable strategies for identifying and leveraging both their own strengths and those of their teams. With access to the StrengthsFinder assessment, readers gain a customized approach to leadership, which can help create a positive school culture that empowers each team member to thrive.
Heather Brown, from East Coloma-Nelson Elementary School, Illinois, believes this book to be “essential reading for educational leaders and should spark meaningful discussions within any team. It reveals individual and collective strengths, enabling leaders to make smarter decisions, save valuable time, and build stronger, more positive communities.”
Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen sheds light on a skill most overlook: the art of receiving feedback. While many books focus on how to give feedback, this one addresses the often difficult task of accepting it constructively. The authors break down common reactions to feedback and offer tools to interpret and use it for growth.
For school leaders, the ability to receive feedback well can lead to more productive relationships, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.
Andrew Kaiser, the founder of Educated AI in Canada, recommended this one. He explains that “learning to understand and manage the feedback you receive as a leader helps maintain your perspective and your mental health. Teaching others to receive feedback is a real superpower.”
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead challenges the notion that leadership requires a “tough” exterior. Instead, she argues that the best leaders embrace vulnerability, empathy and authenticity. Through extensive research, Brown provides a roadmap for leading with courage and building work cultures grounded in trust and open communication.
For educational leaders, Dare to Lead offers powerful tools to connect with staff and students on a deeper level, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, valued and motivated to do their best work. Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall, from the University of Hong Kong explains that “society often confuses toughness with leadership. Dare to Lead revolutionizes how we think about courage in leadership by showing that our greatest strength comes from embracing vulnerability and leading with our whole hearts.”
Quiet by Susan Cain
In Quiet, Susan Cain challenges a world that often favors extroverted traits by highlighting the strengths of introverts. Through compelling research and storytelling, Cain shows how introverts bring unique perspectives, creativity and leadership qualities that are often undervalued. For school leaders, Quiet is an eye-opener on the importance of creating environments where introverts can shine. With this understanding, leaders can better support introverted staff and students, recognizing their potential and building a more inclusive school culture.
Dom McNeill, a parent and airline pilot in Scotland, shared: “It’s a refreshing look at introversion and how misunderstood and undervalued introverts are. With the knowledge gained through this book, teachers would recognize and understand introversion in kids to a much greater extent.”
Leading by Sir Alex Ferguson
In Leading, legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and co-author Michael Moritz share insights from Ferguson’s decades-long career managing Manchester United. Ferguson’s approach to building successful teams, fostering loyalty and adapting to change offers timeless leadership lessons applicable to any field. School leaders will find inspiration in his strategies for creating strong, cohesive teams, adapting to new challenges and maintaining peak performance.
Aaron Wolfe, from Nord Anglia School in Abu Dhabi, explained his choice: “I’d recommend this book due to the insights on building strong teams, fostering resilience, and adapting strategies to meet changing demands. Although there won’t be direct links to education, I think this book can help leaders create a supportive culture and bring out the best in both staff and students.”
Final Thought
While these books weren’t written with educators in mind, their lessons are universal and profound. As we move into the second half of the 2020s, school leadership demands new thinking. Take the time to dive into these diverse perspectives and bring the best of them into your school community.