Many executives and consultants use online blogs as a way to share their knowledge and experience. Whether you’re a current or future business leader, reading leadership blogs is a great way to build your skills and knowledge. Here are some of the best blogs about leadership for 2017.
Leadership Blogs
1. Harvard Business Review
The leadership section of Harvard Business Review (HBR) includes magazine articles and digital articles from the publication. HBR was founded in 1922 and its mission is to improve the practice of management in a changing world.
HBR’s leadership blog provides a variety of contributors and article topics. Contributors range from consultants to startup CEOs and thought leaders across industries. Article topics include current events, ethics, sales, organizational structure and talent acquisition.
Non-subscribers may read four free digital articles a month.
- Example Post: Jon Maner, a researcher and leader in the science of motivation, examines two fundamental strategies in leadership known as dominance and prestige. Leadership through dominance influences others by being asserting and leveraging power, while leadership through prestige displays one’s knowledge and expertise while encouraging others to follow. Maner says that good bosses switch between the two leadership styles.
- Example Post: Dr. Sunnie Giles, an executive coach, leadership development consultant and organizational scientist, asked 195 leaders in 15 countries this question: “What makes an effective leader?” Giles shares some takeaways from the first round of her study, like the major theme of how effective leadership demonstrates strong ethics and provides a safe and trusting working environment.
2. Inc. Magazine
The leadership section of Inc. magazine offers articles and videos that are published online, including some content from the magazine. Inc. was founded in 1979 and is focused on helping readers start and grow their business.
Inc. accepts a wide range of entrepreneurs, content experts and more as contributors. Articles are generally aimed at entrepreneurs, but are appropriate for all types of business leaders and aspiring leaders. Topics include current events, improving productivity, enhancing creativity and other areas linked to growth and leadership.
- Example Post: Lolly Daskal, president and CEO of consulting firm Lead from Within, presents 18 habits that will make you smarter. Daskal discusses the importance of reading as much as you can, taking time to reflect when learning and coming up with new ideas each day by using a journal.
- Example Post: Jessica Mah, co-founder and CEO of accounting software and services provider inDinero, speaks with another entrepreneur about her tips for women who are going into business. Mah advises women to focus on the positive and not be afraid to seek allies.
3. Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt’s website includes a blog about leadership along with sections devoted to personal development, productivity and influence. Hyatt is a blogger, speaker, bestselling author and the former chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Hyatt produces a mix of content that can range from the skills and knowledge leaders need to more motivational pieces that inspire and encourage leaders. Topics include innovation, communication, employee morale and more.
- Example Post: Hyatt discusses three key revelations about effective teams he learned from meeting with each of the more than 20 employees in his business. The revelations resulted from asking each team member three things: what the company’s top priority should be next year; what the biggest challenge facing the company is; and the one opportunity or idea that the company should pursue next year.
- Example Post: Hyatt offers three lessons from the Cubs’ historic World Series win that relate to leadership. One lesson stresses how businesses should remain true to their identity, just as the Cubs did during their journey to ending the longest World Series championship drought (107 seasons) in Major League Baseball history.
4. John Maxwell
John Maxwell’s website includes a blog that deals exclusively with leadership. Maxwell is a speaker, bestselling author and pastor. He was named the No. 1 leadership and management expert by Inc. in 2014.
Maxwell tackles common concerns for business leaders and focuses on growth and positivity. Topics include discipline, character, growth, servant leadership, development, time management and more.
- Example Post: Maxwell introduces ten commandments of confrontation that approach confronting or correcting a team member in a positive way. By handling this process with care, confrontation can go as smoothly as possible and lead to change and improvement. Leaders should strive to create a culture that handles confrontation constructively.
- Example Post: Maxwell outlines five levels of leadership that define someone’s journey and growth. He begins with position, which requires no ability or effort to achieve, and then proceeds to developing a relationship that enables people to follow the person (permission), getting things done and becoming a change agent (production), as well as two higher levels.
5. Lolly Daskal
Lolly Daskal’s website includes a blog about leadership in addition to her contributions to Inc. and Fast Company. Daskal founded Lead from Within, a leadership firm that customizes plans for those in leadership and organizational development. She is a consultant, speaker, published author and leadership coach.
Daskal approaches leadership topics from her experience in behavioral and psychological principles. Topics include leadership development, conflict resolution, communication, employee engagement and more.
- Example Post: Daskal says that there is one leadership skill that influences success more than anything: listening. She breaks the word into an acronym for additional advice and strategies, such as “look interested and get interested” (or pay attention) for the “l” in “listening.”
- Example Post: Daskal lists five things you can never get back as a leader when making a mistake. She illustrates the power of being aware of dangers like wasting time, missing opportunities or undermining trust with negative words. “We all make mistakes—just don’t make the same ones twice,” Daskal writes.
Becoming a Business Leader
Aurora University’s online MBA helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead others. Graduates receive instruction in current business practices from faculty members with real-world experience. Each program takes place in a fully online learning environment.
