Meyer is the Ohio State Football Coach. I have read countless books in my career authored by athletic coaches and players. This is the only one that makes this list. It’s worthwhile because it is anchored in well-constructed organizational psychology. Meyer asserts that the most important thing you have to do as a leader is build trust with all stakeholders. This is aligned with the linchpin in the ConantLeadership Flywheel: trust is at the epicenter of effective leadership. So Meyer fittingly begins with trust. I also enjoy that he takes this idea all the way to the granular level of what to do on Monday morning. The book offers a model that is disciplined, intentional, and approachable. It’s a worthy read. I have trouble getting some of my more intellectual friends to read it — but they should.

– D. R. Conant