An on-demand resource that you can read based on need, this book spotlights the four most important components of character and competence and offers a series of eloquent, inspiring, and actionable reflections on what's needed to build each one.

Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a consulting and training organization that focuses on leadership development, change management, and strategic agility. Clark earned a doctorate in social science from Oxford University and is a former first-team academic All-American football player at Brigham Young University. He is the author of four books and more than one hundred articles. His clients include organizations such as Accenture, Dow, the FBI, Genentech, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Stanford University

This handbook for developing six crucial habits “ should be on every modern leader’s desk” (Jeb Blount, bestselling author of People Follow You). While many books focus on developing managerial competencies, most leadership failures are the result of a failure in character, not a failure in competence. But just as you don’t get in shape by reading a fitness magazine, you don’t become a leader of character by reading a book on character. You have to do what you want to be! Becoming a Leader of Character is a workout plan designed to develop six Habits of Character by providing small daily exercises that strengthen your character muscles—for the important tests of character all leaders face.

This book focuses on the element of leadership that has largely been neglected in the literature: character. Often thought to be a subjective construct, the book demonstrates the concrete behaviors associated with different character dimensions in order to illustrate how these behaviors can be developed, and character strengthened. Based on research involving over 300 senior leaders from different industries, sectors and countries, Crossan, Seijts, and Gandz developed a model for leadership character that focuses on eleven dimensions. The book begins by setting the context for the focus on character in business, asking what character is and whether it can be learned, developed, molded or changed. Next, the book focuses on each dimension of leadership character in turn, exploring its elements and the ways in which it can be applied in a business setting. The book concludes with a summary of the key insights, an exploration of the interactions between the character dimensions, and a call to the reader to reflect on how to develop one’s own and others’ leadership character. Bridging theory and management practice, Developing Leadership Character will interest students and practitioners alike. Readers will benefit not only from a new, robust theoretical framework for leadership character, but will also learn how character can be developed further.

Look around your office. Turn on the TV. Incompetent leadership is everywhere, and there's no denying that most of these leaders are men. In this timely and provocative book, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic asks two powerful questions: Why is it so easy for incompetent men to become leaders? And why is it so hard for competent people--especially competent women--to advance? Marshaling decades of rigorous research, Chamorro-Premuzic points out that although men make up a majority of leaders, they underperform when compared with female leaders. In fact, most organizations equate leadership potential with a handful of destructive personality traits, like overconfidence and narcissism. In other words, these traits may help someone get selected for a leadership role, but they backfire once the person has the job. When competent women--and men who don't fit the stereotype--are unfairly overlooked, we all suffer the consequences. The result is a deeply flawed system that rewards arrogance rather than humility, and loudness rather than wisdom. There is a better way. With clarity and verve, Chamorro-Premuzic shows us what it really takes to lead and how new systems and processes can help us put the right people in charge.

The real-life experiences portrayed in 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead is YOU are told with a combination of introspective humor and heart-wrenching candor that will inspire you to consider your approach to leadership from a new perspective-you. The stories author Becky Halstead, retired Brigadier General, United States Army, shares in this book illustrate leadership principles that transcend age, gender, race, and profession. Her personal leadership journey will capture your attention and cause you to re-evaluate how you define leadership - whether you are a corporate CEO or a high school student. The book presents the author's five fundamental leadership truths, followed by her key leadership principles, which ultimately lead you to her inspirational definition of leadership. The principles and supporting personal stories cover a lifetime of leadership lessons: from playing sports in high school to taking responsibility for over twenty thousand soldiers and civilians in combat as a general officer in Iraq. Becky has built highly successful teams in demanding environments and stressful situations. In 24/7 she shares with you the heart and mind traits and skills that allowed her to do so. The book also provides multi-leadership perspectives: the author as a leader, the one being led, a peer leader, and as an individual who becomes part of an enduring leadership legacy. She explains how to learn from both toxic and ideal work environments and bosses. This book is a much needed guide that reminds you what is really important when you are in a position of leadership. Becky has effectively translated lessons learned as a child growing up in small town USA, as a member of the second class of women to attend the United States Military Academy, and as the first female general to command at the strategic level, to a practical guide for use in the civilian world. In recent years, women in the military -- especially in combat -- have been the center of controversial discussions and congressional policy. While not her intent, these stories also educate those of you unfamiliar with the role of women in the military, providing a new understanding of the greater effectiveness of a military that includes them. Her stories are humorous, sad, celebratory, intense, and consistently relevant. Because they range over a life-time-from being a junior level leader responsible for a small team to being a senior level leader with a complex mission and a widely diverse team-the stories provide a relatable path of lessons in self-leadership. Becky's authenticity and unique experiences enhance her powerful messages. 24/7 is a book that you will want to refer to again and again as you find yourself in tough positions as a leader or as the person being led.