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These are the 6 books Bill Gates thinks you should read on leadership

He is a billionaire after all

These are the 6 books Bill Gates thinks you should read on leadership
08 June 2018

Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, international billionaire, life-changing philanthropist and King o’ the Nerds, has carved out something of a new role recently: book reviewer.

On his blog GatesNotes, the 62-year-old, who reads about 50 books per year, gives an insight into the books he’s reading and what he thinks about them.

“This is my personal blog, where I share about the people I meet, the books I’m reading, and what I’m learning. I hope that you’ll join the conversation,” Gates says on the website.



So what does it take to become a titan of industry like Gates, who’s worth more than $90 billion, and work your way to the top of the leadership pile?

“Reading is still the main way that I both learn new things and test my understanding,” he told the New York Times.

And these are the six books on leadership that Gates has recommended, according to Mic

1. The Myth of the Strong Leader, by Archie Brown

Bill’s review: “Whether we’re avid political scientists or not, we can learn a lot from Brown’s analysis of leadership.”

Buy on Amazon here

2. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck

Bill’s review: “One of the reasons I loved Mindset is because it’s solutions-oriented.”

Buy on Amazon here.

3. How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, by Paul Tough

Bill’s review: “Tough argues that non-cognitive qualities like perseverance and optimism are what make kids successful.”

Buy on Amazon here.


Read more: This is Bill Gates’ new favourite book of all time


4. The Art of Being Unreasonable: Lessons in Unconventional Thinking, by Eli Broad

Bill’s review: “Broad believes you may have to be “unreasonable” sometimes to accomplish your goals. He’s certainly accomplished a lot.”

Buy on Amazon here

5. Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World With OKRs, by John Doerr

Bill’s review: “I’d recommend John’s book for anyone interested in becoming a better manager.”

Buy on Amazon here.

6. Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation, by Tim Brown

Bill’s review: “Design thinking is a model of problem solving that could have huge implications for global health and development.”

Buy on Amazon here.

Now you’ve got these tips, go forth and become a billionaire. It’ll be easy now, won’t it? 

(Image: Getty)