Search “business self-help” on Google and you’ll instantly be flooded with thousands of results. One of the most enduring titles? Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson’s fable-like story that uses two mice and two tiny humans to explore how people respond to change. 

It’s simple, quick to read, and surprisingly sticky—part parable, part productivity pep talk. But it’s just one of many tools leaders turn to when they’re trying to evolve mindsets, improve culture, or sharpen leadership skills.

To follow is a curated list of some of the most popular, accessible business self-help resources—books, videos, and frameworks that continue to show up on office bookshelves, team development sessions, and leadership training plans. Think of it as your leadership starter kit: a handy reference for whatever challenge you’re trying to tackle.

1. Who Moved My Cheese? — Spencer Johnson

Best for: Navigating change
The classic. This quick read reframes change as something to expect, prepare for, and even embrace. Teams often use it during transitions: reorganizations, new software rollouts, leadership changes, or company growth spurts. Its strength lies in its simplicity—everyone sees a bit of themselves in the characters.

2. Atomic Habits — James Clear

Best for: Improving routines and productivity
Clear’s message is straightforward: small habits create big outcomes. This book is wildly popular among managers trying to improve team accountability, personal productivity, or organizational consistency. It’s practical, research-backed, and easy to apply.

3. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick Lencioni

Best for: Fixing communication and trust issues
Presented as a business fable, Lencioni’s model breaks down why teams fail: lack of trust, fear of conflict, absence of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. It’s a favorite tool for leadership retreats and team resets.

4. Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek

Best for: Strengthening culture and motivation
Sinek’s argument is that great leaders put the needs of their teams before their own. The book (and accompanying TED Talk) resonates with organizations looking to improve morale, loyalty, and psychological safety.

5. Crucial Conversations — Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler

Best for: Handling tough conversations
When the stakes are high and emotions are elevated, conversations become landmines. This resource offers step-by-step guidance for approaching difficult discussions—everything from performance issues to client disputes—to ensure they stay productive rather than explosive.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey

Best for: Leadership fundamentals
A timeless classic, Covey’s seven habits remain foundational for leaders of all levels. Its content spans personal responsibility, strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building. Many businesses still use it as the backbone of leadership training.

7. Good to Great — Jim Collins

Best for: Long-term business strategy
Collins explores why some companies outperform others over time, backed by extensive research. The concepts—like the Hedgehog Model and Level 5 Leadership—give leaders big-picture frameworks for steering organizational success.

8. TED Talks & Short-Form Learning

Best for: Quick insights
From Amy Cuddy’s talk on body language to Angela Duckworth on grit, TED Talks offer bite-sized leadership lessons ideal for busy professionals. Many companies use them to kick off meetings or spark team discussions.

9. Personality & Strengths Assessments

Best for: Team communication and self-awareness
Tools like CliftonStrengths, DISC, and Myers-Briggs aren’t perfect, but they help teams understand how individuals work, communicate, and react. When used thoughtfully, they can reduce friction and boost collaboration.

10. Dare to Lead — Brené Brown

Best for: Building courage and vulnerability in leadership
Brown brings research and humanity together, challenging leaders to develop the courage to have honest conversations, own mistakes, and lead with authenticity.

Pulling It All Together

There’s no shortage of self-help content for business leaders. The trick is finding the resource that matches the problem you’re trying to solve. Whether you’re navigating change, improving team cohesion, or trying to build better habits, the tools above offer proven guidance.