When you think about a great leader, what do you think about? It’s probably the way they made you feel. They listened. They communicated well. They helped you to trust them.
If you lack trust, the team will fracture. You’ll find yourself wondering why nothing gets done. It’s simple: Your team doesn’t trust you.
That’s why I’ve focused this month’s reading list on the topic of trust and communication. When you’re able to have both of these in your skillset, the game changes. Things begin to get done.
Here are five books that will help you build trust and communicate better.
Photo by Beau Carpenter on Unsplash
5 Leadership Books To Read In April 2026
1. Trust Works!: Four Keys To Building Lasting Relationships by Ken Blanchard, Cynthia Olmstead & Martha Lawrence:
Ken Blanchard is known for his One Minute Manager book series. He helps leaders understand complex leadership principles in an easy-to-digest way.
In Trust Works!, Blanchard, Olmstead, and Lawrence tackle the idea of trust and what it means to organizations. They believe it is the backbone of a successful, thriving business.
They’ll help you understand the ABCD Trust Model and how you can apply it to your organization.
2. Words That Change Minds by Shelle Rose Charvet:
In Words That Change Minds, Shelle Rose Charvet looks at the power of words. She believes they matter. Especially when influencing others.
Everyone processes information differently. Learning how others process information can be transformative. What if you could adapt your language so that those you lead process it more efficiently?
That’s what Words That Change Minds will help you do.
If you want your words to change minds, get a copy of the book.
3. Humble Leadership by Edgar H. Schein & Peter A. Schein
Leadership goes beyond the roles of the leader and the employee. You’ve got to move beyond the idea that your relationship will be role-based. It’s not. At least not any more.
Edgar and Peter Schein argue that trust isn’t built on a transactional level. Instead, they believe you have to build Level 2 Relationships. These relationships are:
- Personal
- Have Open Communication
- Challenge the hierarchy
If you want to bring a new level to your relationship with employees, this is the book for you.
4. The Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman:
I believe there’s something truly special about short books. They cut to the heart of the matter. They cut out the fluff. They give you what you need to know.
The Thin Book Of Trust does just that. It clocks in at just under 100 pages. It’s quick. It’s powerful.
In the book, author Charles Feltman breaks trust into four distinctions:
- Sincerity
- Reliability
- Competence
- Care
When you work on these 4 areas, your trust level goes up. Who doesn’t want that?
Learn what Feltman has to say by buying your copy.
5. Just Listen by Mark Goulston:
Do you constantly struggle to get through to those you lead? Maybe you feel your employees are a brick wall. They just don’t hear what you have to say!
It’s frustrating. But there’s something you can do.
Mark Goulston helps us understand that trust isn’t built by talking. Trust is built by listening to others… and letting them know we hear them.
Just Listen will take your communication game to the next level.
