Preface

This guide to professional reading on leadership has been created to provide assistance to leaders at all levels, in all branches and in all environments in our regular and reserve force of the CF. The purpose of this list is to provide a recommended group of books, which if read by a leader will develop their knowledge of a broad range of topics related to leadership. The Reading List is broken down into the core subject areas of leadership theory, leadership doctrine, professionalism, ethics, command, psychology, biography/memoirs, Canadian military history, the future security environment and the theory of war and conflict. Within each subject area, the books are listed alphabetically by the author’s name. Each recommended book includes the reference information and an annotated overview of the book. The book is also annotated with an (E) if available in English only, (F) it available in French only and (B) if available in both official languages.

This reading list of books is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is based on the best judgment of a group of Officers, Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) and civilian experts and reflects their choice of “best examples” of a plethora of works on leadership and related military leadership topics. The list is also not intended to be static. It will be updated based on feedback from the leaders of the CF who take the time to read the list and submit recommendations of what they consider better books on the core subject areas. Every opinion will be considered in the subsequent updates. Comments and recommendations on additions or deletions, by all members of the CF, are encouraged and can be submitted by email to the Canadian Forces Leadership Institute.

I encourage leaders at all levels to review this guide and to take the time to read the books as a life-long pursuit of professional development. In addition, leaders are encouraged to engage their subordinates, peers and superiors in discussing these books and take the time to provide feedback for the benefit of all members in our profession. Reading adds to one’s knowledge, which is the basis of skill development. I hope that this guide will assist those professional leaders who are intent upon expanding their knowledge and skill in our most critical core capability, namely leadership.

B. Horn
Colonel
Director, Canadian Forces Leadership Institute
Canadian Defence Academy

Canadian Forces Leadership Institute
PO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston, Ontario K7K 7B4

cfli.cda@forces.gc.ca