The Leaders Character

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.

Does the character of our leaders matter? You may think this question was answered long ago. Countless business authors and analysts have assured us that great leadership demands great character. Time and again, we’ve seen that truth play out, as once-thriving organizations falter and fail under the guidance of leaders behaving badly. Why, then, do so many executives remain skeptical about the true value of leadership character? A winning strategy and a sound business model are what really matter, they argue; character is just the icing on the cake. What’s been missing from this debate is hard evidence: data that shows not only that leadership character matters for organizational success, but how it matters; and concrete evidence that it leads to better business results. Now, in this groundbreaking book, respected leadership researcher, adviser, and author Fred Kiel offers that evidence—solid data that demonstrates the connection between character, leadership excellence, and organizational results. After seven years of rigorous research based on a landmark study of more than 100 CEOs and over 8,000 of their employees’ observations, Kiel’s findings show that leaders of strong character achieved up to five times the ROA for their organizations as did leaders of weak character. Return on Character goes on to reveal: • How leadership character is formed, how it creates value, and how that value spreads throughout the organization • How low-character leaders undermine the success of even the best business plans • How leaders at any level can develop the habits of strong character and “unlearn” the habits of poor character The book also provides a character-building methodology—step-by-step advice and techniques for assessing your own character habits and improving your performance and that of your organization. Return on Character provides the blueprint for building your own leadership character and creating a character-driven organization that achieves superior business results.

The Character-Based Leader is a must-read for anyone who realizes that leading from who you are (rather than your title) is the key to longevity and satisfaction in any leadership role. This well-written, easy read will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take ACTION! Marshall Goldsmith, recognized as the Thinkers 50 most-influential leadership thinker in the world, and author of the New York Times bestsellers MOJO and What Got You Here Won't Get You There A rich and comprehensive collection of compelling perspectives on the importance of character in the leadership equation. A very worthy read. Douglas R. Conant, Retired President and CEO, Campbell Soup Company, and author of the NY Times Bestseller TouchPoints What do you get when 21 deep-thinking leaders share their thoughts on Character-Based Leadership with the world? You get a book filled with actionable advice that can change the world one person at a time. Buy it. Read it. It will change how you see your leadership. It will change how you live your life. Liz Strauss, International Business Strategist, Author of Successful-Blog The Lead Change Group has hit it out of the park! The Character-Based Leader distills timeless lessons of virtuous, effective living-and applies them seamlessly to the daily demands and spectacular opportunities of the 21st century. Put this wonderful book to use today, transforming your life and work into a masterpiece of service. James Strock, businessman, speaker, citizen servant, and author of the award-winning business bestseller Serve to Lead The Lead Change Group is a nonprofit global community dedicated to instigating a leadership revolution that encourages, energizes and equips people to apply character-based leadership to lead change. Learn more at http: //leadchangegroup.com

How to Protect Your Leadership Influence and Power You’ve worked hard to achieve your dreams and goals. Many others have done the same—only to lose it all in the end. Every day, we read about successful people in various walks of life who have lost their power and influence. They’ve been fired, forced to resign, or shamed out of public life. They no longer have a market for their gifts, and they may even face criminal proceedings. These leaders have lost the trust of their companies, constituents, nations, followers, and families. Many were surprised to discover that their talents alone were not enough to prevent their downfall. Why did they fail in the end? Because they lacked the one quality that would have protected their leadership and given them enduring influence. Ironically, this quality is seldom taught to leaders today, either formally or informally. It is the quality of moral force, or character. Every human being is a leader over some domain as he or she exercises gifts and influence. That domain might be the halls of government, the boardroom, the classroom, the community, or the home. In The Power of Character in Leadership: How Values, Morals, Ethics, and Principles Affect Leaders, you will discover what character is, what it means to develop moral force, and how to preserve your leadership influence so that it is both effective and enduring.

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.

The Leader′s Shadow is the first book to fully examine the inner dynamics of executives in top leadership positions. Based on systematically collected descriptions from a wide variety of executive leaders and a comprehensive review of the literature on leadership character, this book provides a framework for thinking about the character development of those in leadership positions. Judge describes and analyzes the context within which leaders operate, the theory and research behind the personalities of leaders, and the values held by leaders. The Leader′s Shadow is an important resource for executive coaches, management trainers, and consultants, as well as students in leadership, organizational change and organizational development.

Leaders are always looking for an edge. That often sends many of them looking for the next big thing. Although leadership approaches and trendy management fads come and go, what remains the same? The qualities of a leader. Internationally-recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author John C. Maxwell touches on the process of developing the art of leadership by giving the reader practical tools and insights into developing the qualities found in great leaders. As the authority on leadership today, Maxwell shares his innovative yet timeless principles on how to effectively lead others has impacted the lives of thousands of business leaders. In The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Maxwell expands on the qualities every leaders needs to be successful such as: Character – be a piece of the rock Charisma – the first impression can seal the deal Communication – without it, you travel alone Commitment – it separates doers from dreamers Competence – if you build it, they will come Everything rises and falls on leadership, and leadership truly develops from the inside out. If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will become the leader you want to be on the outside. The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader will show you that when you develop these qualities, people will want to follow you. When that happens, you’ll be able to tackle anything in the world.

How do leaders learn to lead? How do leaders set themselves up for success? This book explores the real-life experiences of a wide variety of leaders from different industries, sectors, and countries to bring to light new lessons on the importance of life-long learning. Consisting primarily of a series of probing interviews, Good Leaders Learn presents the challenges, triumphs, and reflections of 31 senior and high-profile leaders, offering insight into how they learned to lead during their careers. The book pulls important and useful perspectives into a robust theoretical framework that includes the importance of innate curiosity, challenging oneself, risk-taking, and other key elements of good leadership. With practical insights complemented by the latest leadership research and theory, this book will help current and potential leaders to build a solid foundation of the leadership qualities vital to their continuing success.