I love to read. I mean, I really love to read. And yes, I’ve heard so many times that readers are leaders. What should you be reading then? What are the best coaching books to read if you want to improve your leadership, mentoring, or coaching skills? Whether you’re a new coach, a team leader, or someone who just wants to support others more effectively, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Why Read Coaching Books?
Coaching books are a great way to grow your skills without needing to attend a course. You can learn from top thinkers, gain new tools, and apply them right away in your work or life.
How Books Can Sharpen Your Coaching Skills
Books give you time to reflect. You can learn how others solve problems, what tools they use, and how they build trust with people. Reading builds your mindset and helps you think more clearly as a coach or leader.
What Makes a Good Coaching Book?
Look for books that are easy to follow. The best ones share real stories, offer practical steps, and come from authors with real-world experience. A good coaching book helps you take action—not just think.
Top 10 Best Coaching Books Every Leader Should Read
These books are popular for a reason. They give clear advice and are backed by years of proven success.
1. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Simple and direct. This book shows you how to ask better questions. It’s great if you coach busy people and want to make your conversations more useful.
2. Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle
This one tells the story of Bill Campbell, who coached many top leaders in Silicon Valley. It’s packed with lessons on trust, care, and high performance.
3. Co-Active Coaching by Henry Kimsey-House and team
A go-to book for many professional coaches. It teaches you how to create real partnerships with the people you coach.
4. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Helps you learn how to challenge directly while caring personally. Great for leaders managing teams.
5. Helping People Change by Richard Boyatzis and team
Focuses on emotional intelligence and how to guide people through change in a way that sticks.
6. The 4Cs of Accountability by Don Markland
Teaches how Accountability works in the simplest way – and how we’ve been using Accountability incorrectly our entire lives.
7. The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
A follow-up to The Coaching Habit. It helps you stop giving advice too quickly and focus more on listening.
8. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Not just a coaching book, but great for anyone working with teams. It explains what breaks trust and how to fix it.
9. Drive by Daniel Pink
This one explores what truly motivates people. Useful if you’re trying to coach or manage better performance.
10. Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
Learn how the best leaders bring out the best in others. This book shows how to avoid being a “diminisher.”
Best Leadership Coaching Books to Develop Teams and Culture
These books go beyond one-on-one coaching. They help you build stronger teams and a better culture at work.
Books That Help You Lead With Empathy
Try Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. It focuses on courage, connection, and building trust through vulnerability. It is a powerhouse and must read for any leader.
Books That Teach Performance Conversations
Crucial Conversations is a classic. It teaches how to talk through tough issues without causing damage. If you are handling toxic teams, this book is for you.
Books That Improve Coaching Cultures at Work
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle explains how great teams communicate, build safety, and grow together.
Good Coaching Books for Beginners and Aspiring Mentors
If you’re just getting started, don’t worry. These books break things down clearly and help you build confidence.
Introductory Coaching Books That Keep It Simple
Start with The Coaching Habit or Coaching for Performance by John Whitmore. Both are easy to follow and very practical.
Books That Teach Listening and Asking Better Questions
Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams is a great pick. It helps you ask questions that unlock insight.
How to Choose the Right Coaching Book for Your Needs
Not every book will be the right fit. Here’s how to pick one that helps you now.
Pick Based on Your Coaching Style
Are you more of a guide, a motivator, or a challenger? Pick books that match how you like to help others.
Match the Book to Your Career Stage
New coaches need simple tools. Seasoned coaches may want more depth or strategy. Look for what fits your level.
Look for Real Stories, Not Just Theory
Books that include real examples tend to be more helpful. They show you how ideas work in real life.
Paperback vs. Audiobook: Which Format Works Best?
This is the greatest of debates! And there is really no easy answer. The short answer? What works for you as a learner. That is the safest bet.
What to Highlight and Revisit in Your Coaching Books
Mark the parts where you think “That’s a great question” or “I could use that next week.” Those notes become your toolkit.
Should You Join a Book Club or Study Group?
Yes—if you want to talk through ideas and learn faster. Teaching someone else what you read can help you grow too.