10 Jon Gordon Books & Quotes About Leadership

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Are you interested in growing your speaking or coaching career? Then you need to read Jon Gordon books. Jon Gordon is at the top of his field when it comes to creating a stage presence – and he can teach you actionable tips for success. 

If you want to learn how to become a public speaker, Jon Gordon books are a great place to start. Jon is an accomplished keynote speaker with an impressive following and his books are full of quotes and inspiring for anyone trying to improve their speaking, coaching, or consulting business. 

Today we will take a look at who Jon Gordon is, what some of the top Jon Gordon quotes are, and the best Jon Gordon books to read to launch yourself into the limelight. 

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Who is Jon Gordon?

Jon Gordon is an American author and keynote speaker on topics such as leadership, teamwork, culture, and sales. He is truly an inspiration for those looking for practical advice on growing their consulting business and speaking career. 

He has published multiple books on leadership principles, having a positive mindset, teamwork, and personal development. Some of the most well-known Jon Gordon books include The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Carpenter, and Training Camp (more on those in a bit).

In short, his work is up there with big-name inspirational speakers like Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi. Like both of them, he frequently speaks at conferences and corporate events, sharing his insights on building strong teams and cultivating a positive organizational culture.

Don’t be surprised if you recognize some of the Jon Gordon books we summarize below. They often end up in best business books and best sports book lists because his teachings translate especially well to these niches. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and resilient mindset to achieve success both personally and professionally. And that’s something all of us could use more of!

Before we get to the full list of books, let’s take a look at some of the top Jon Gordon quotes. 

Top Jon Gordon Quotes

“Your plan may not be working perfectly but there is a perfect plan working in you.”

“Great leaders don’t succeed because they are great. They succeed because they bring out the greatness in others.”

“No one is perfect. Your past mistakes and failures don’t have to define your future. They can refine you and help you become all that you were created to be. There is a plan for you. You have a purpose. Don’t give up. Have faith and continue to get better.”

“There’s nothing more powerful than a humble person with a warrior spirit who is driven by a bigger purpose.”

“Through adversity we have a choice. We can run away from each other or we can run towards each other. Remember, Connection breeds Commitment.”

“One person in pursuit of excellence raises the standards of everyone around them. And as they strive for greatness they bring out the greatness in others. Be that one person today.”

“Positive energy and positive people create positive results. There is certainly a lot of negativity in the world and choosing positive energy helps us deal with the negative people and negative situations that can knock us off course.”

If you’re interested in getting to see Jon speak live, claim your tick to Author Advantage Live, where he’s one of our top speakers and will be sharing how to leverage the right mindset as your competitive advantage.

10 Jon Gordon Books You Need to Read 

Get ready to fill your “must-read” list! Here are the top Jon Gordon books to read right now: 

1. The Energy Bus

Top Jon Gordon Books - The Energy Bus

The Energy Bus is the most popular of all Jon Gordon books, so if you only can read one, this is it! This book is about the power of positivity and how it can transform individuals and teams. 

The book follows the story of a man facing challenges in both his personal and professional life, who learns valuable lessons about positivity and leadership during a transformative bus journey. 

The Energy Bus reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work and gives a roadmap for overcoming adversity.

2.  The No Complaining Rule 

The No Complaining Rule By Jon Gordon - Top Books And Quotes By Jon Gordon

Here is another of the Jon Gordon books about positivity! In The No Complaining Rule, Gordon introduces a rule where no one is allowed to complain without proposing a solution. 

The book explores how eliminating negativity and fostering positive communication can improve workplace culture and productivity.

3. The Coffee Bean 

The Coffee Bean By Jon Gordon

Not all Jon Gordon books follow the same format. In fact, The Coffee Bean is an illustrated business fable! 

Written in parable style, this book teaches how to transform yourself and your environment by adopting the mindset of a “coffee bean” rather than being influenced by your surroundings like a “carrot” (hardened by adversity) or an “egg” (weakened by adversity).

This is such a creative and clear way to demonstrate a new idea.

4. The Carpenter 

The Carpenter By Jon Gordon

The Carpenter may just be the most inspirational of all Jon Gordon books.

A lover and master of using different literary devices, Gordon uses metaphor in this book. It’s about a carpenter who builds a house with love and care, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship, relationships, and a positive attitude in both work and life.

5. One Word That Will Change Your Life 

One Word The Will Change Your Life By Jon Gordon

Did you know that just a single word could completely change the outcome of your life? That’s what Jon Gordon argues in One Word That Will Change Your Life. The idea? A cluttered and complicated life can lead to procrastination or decision paralysis.

But focusing on a singular idea?

That’s the ticket to success. 

This book is co-authored with Dan Britton and Jimmy Page, and encourages readers to choose a single word to focus on throughout the year. This word will help to guide your actions and decisions towards personal growth and fulfillment.

6. You Win in the Locker Room First 

You Win In The Locker Room First By Jon Gordon

For any athletes or coaches out there, You Win in the Locker Room First is the must-read pick amongst all Jon Gordon books. 

Co-authored with Mike Smith, this book explores leadership lessons from the sports world, emphasizing how creating a strong team culture and fostering positive relationships among team members are essential for success.

7. Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to be Difficult 

Difficult Conversations Don'T Have To Be Difficult By Jon Gordon

Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to be Difficult is a must-read book for coaches, trainers, consultants, teachers and other professionals who are trying to help people reach their full potential.

This book provides practical strategies and insights on how to approach and handle difficult conversations effectively, focusing on communication skills and maintaining positive relationships.

8. The One Truth 

The One Truth By Jon Gordon

Just like most Jon Gordon books, The One Truth focuses on the power of positive thinking. The One Truth is that our thoughts, words, and everything we experience are ultimately influenced by oneness and separateness.

When we feel a sense of oneness, we are strong and successful. When we feel a sense of separateness, we are disconnected and weak. 

The book inspires readers to adopt a mindset that enables them to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.

9. The Power of Positive Leadership 

The Power Of Positive Leadership By Jon Gordon

In The Power of Positive Leadership, Gordon outlines principles and practices that empower leaders to foster positivity, resilience, and collaboration within their teams, driving organizational success and employee engagement.

Related: The Top Leadership Books for Women

10. Row the Boat 

Row The Boat By Jon Gordon

Last in our list of Jon Gordon books is Row the Boat. This book was co-authored with P.J. Fleck, and shares the inspiring story of Coach Fleck’s journey and his “Row the Boat” philosophy. 

This philosophy focuses on resilience, teamwork, and perseverance in achieving your goals. It’s the “never give up” approach to achieving everything you’ve wanted. 

Grow Your Business Like Never Before 

If you really want to launch your speaking or consulting career, the very best way to do it is by publishing a book of your own. A book is the perfect lead magnet for your business, and having one gives you so much more authority in your field. 

Best yet, you can easily write your book in 90 days or less, even if you aren’t a writer! At selfpublishing.com, we’ve helped thousands of people self-publish their books and launch wildly successful businesses as a result – even people who never considered themselves to be authors. 

Want to learn how to grow your business with a book? Reach out to our team today for a free strategy call

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