Leadership is an integral component of the human experience and of practical importance to all. For nearly 25 years, the multiple editions of Hackman and Johnsons outstanding work have been the backbone of leadership courses at hundreds of colleges and universities. The authors extend this tradition of excellence in the Sixth Edition, which continues to serve as a valuable catalyst for generating new insights, debating controversial issues, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on leading and following. Hackman and Johnson illuminate our understanding of leadership by approaching it as a communication-based activity. They artfully balance research and theory with practical, real-world suggestions for improving communication competence and leadership effectiveness in small-group, organizational, and public contexts. The comprehensive Sixth Edition adds discussions of organizational politics, project leadership, executive-level teams, adaptive leadership, intergroup leadership, sensemaking, and in extremis leadership. Readers will also appreciate the expanded treatment of bad leadership, emotional competencies, followership styles, charisma, leader development, crisis leadership, and virtual team leadership. Case studies cover such timely issues as the pink slime controversy, the legacy of Steve Jobs, banning super-sized soft drinks, the scandal at Penn State University, and the Miracle on the Hudson. Abundant examples, case studies, self-assessments, and research highlights enhance the presentation. Moreover, wide-ranging application exercises offer multiple opportunities for readers to review and apply the skills covered in the chapters.