Ready to revolutionize your leadership in 2026? Here’s the secret most leaders overlook: it’s not just about experience—it’s about the right mindset, tools, and inspiration. And this is where it gets game-changing. Imagine sitting on your back porch, coffee in hand, as the sun rises over the Brisbane Test, discussing life, business, and the future with friends. That’s exactly where I found myself one morning, deep in conversation about what truly drives leadership in the agricultural industry. What emerged? Three transformative books that every leader needs to dive into this year. But here’s where it gets controversial—these aren’t your typical business reads. They challenge the status quo and push you to rethink everything.
First up, Good to Great by Jim Collins. In the unpredictable world of agriculture, ‘good enough’ often feels like a victory. But Collins flips the script, arguing that ‘good’ is the silent killer of greatness. His concept of Level 5 Leadership—a rare blend of humility and fierce resolve—is a wake-up call for modern producers. It’s not just about having a strategy; it’s about having the right people on your team first. Think about it: even the best plan fails if your team isn’t aligned. And this is the part most people miss—humility isn’t weakness; it’s the foundation of unstoppable leadership.
Next, Tribal Leadership by Logan, King, and Fischer-Wright. Every rural community, every farm, is a tribe. But here’s the kicker: most tribes get stuck in Stage Three, where egos clash and silos thrive. For 2026, we need to leap to Stage Four—‘We’re great.’ It’s about shifting from ‘me’ to ‘we,’ where the tribe owns the mission, and momentum becomes unstoppable. Imagine a workplace where everyone rows the boat together—no pushing required. But here’s the question: Are you ready to let go of ‘I’m great’ and embrace ‘We’re great’? It’s harder than it sounds.
Finally, Legacy by James Kerr. This isn’t just a book; it’s a playbook from the All Blacks, one of the most dominant teams in sports history. Their mantra? ‘Better people make better All Blacks.’ In agriculture, this means being a better human before being a better manager or producer. Kerr’s ‘sweep the sheds’ philosophy is a humbling reminder that no task is beneath anyone—not even the leader. It’s about stewardship: leaving the land and the industry better than you found it. But here’s the challenge: Are you willing to do the small things consistently, even when no one’s watching?
As we step into 2026, remember this: your business will only grow as much as you do. These books aren’t just reads—they’re blueprints for leading with purpose, humility, and vision. So, here’s my question for you: Which of these principles resonates most with you, and which one do you think is the hardest to implement? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments—I’m all ears!
