The Leadership Code

What makes a great leader? It's a question that has been tackled by thousands. In fact, there are literally tens of thousands of leadership studies, theories, frameworks, models, and recommended best practices. But where are the clear, simple answers we need for our daily work lives? Are there any? Dave Ulrich, Norm Smallwood, and Kate Sweetman set out to answer these questions—to crack the code of leadership. Drawing on decades of research experience, the authors conducted extensive interviews with a variety of respected CEOs, academics, experienced executives, and seasoned consultants—and heard the same five essentials repeated again and again. These five rules became The Leadership Code. In The Leadership Code, the authors break down great leadership into day-to-day actions, so that you know what to do Monday morning. Crack the leadership code—and take your leadership to the next level.

This title answers one of the most timeless questions around leadership - what makes an effective leader? It presents the essentials of good leadership and shows how to develop these elements in oneself as well as in others.

What does it take to be a great leader? In a word: character. This unique book by decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran Donovan Campbell, the New York Times bestselling author of Joker One, draws on his years of training and combat experience to reveal the specific virtues that underpin effective leadership—and how anyone can stand up, serve others, and make a difference in the world by bringing out the best in a team. The Leader’s Code is a practical action plan that can be applied to any situation in which exemplary leadership is required, whether that be at home or in the workplace. Moreover, The Leader’s Code unpacks the military servant-leader model—a leader must take care of his mission first, his team second, and himself a distant third—and explains why this concept of self-sacrifice is so needed in today’s world. Focusing on the development of character as the foundation of servant-leadership, Campbell identifies character’s six key attributes: humility, excellence, kindness, discipline, courage, and wisdom. Then, drawing on lessons from his time in the Corps and stories from history, Scripture, and American business, he shows us how to develop those virtues in order to take the helm with confidence, conviction, and a passion to bring out the best in others. Being a leader is about being worthy of being followed. True leaders, Campbell argues, foster compassion for others and they pursue excellence in all that they do. They are humble and know how to self-correct. Campbell’s exploration of these vital qualities is wide-ranging, as he takes us from the boardrooms of the world’s most successful companies to the Infantry Officer Course, the intense twelve-week training gauntlet that Marines use to prepare their leaders to sacrifice themselves for the welfare of others. With faith in our political and business leaders at an all-time low, America is in the midst of a crisis of trust. Yet public opinion polls show that there is one institution that still commands widespread respect because of its commitment to character and sacrifice: the United States military. The Leader’s Code shows that this same servant-leader model can help us all become our best selves—and provide a way forward for our nation. Advance praise for The Leader’s Code “A refreshing model for leadership, offering convincing principles and motivating examples that are sure to make a difference in a leader’s personal and professional life. I can’t remember a leadership book that has had more influence on my thinking.”—Steve Reinemund, dean of business, Wake Forest University, and retired chairman and CEO, PepsiCo “Donovan Campbell has written a superb, thoughtful, all-encompassing examination of leadership and leaders. His key lessons, easily understood and well articulated, are applicable at home, within the community, and to professionals in all walks of life. The Leader’s Code is an important book for anyone concerned about today’s leadership crisis in our country and in our communities.”—General Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret.), 33rd Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps “Donovan Campbell nails it as he speaks to our country’s need for leadership at every level: at home, in the marketplace, in education, in government, and in the military. The Leader’s Code is a clear call to be focused on the right mission, in the right way, and at the right time. This is a thoughtful book that will keep you awake at night and challenge you to dream in the daytime!”—Dennis Rainey, president and CEO, FamilyLife

Become the effective, proactive leader you aspire to be with this practical tool kit for leading people and organizations Yes, you can learn the skills to effectively lead people, organizations, and employees. With the right motivation and knowledge, you can be a leader who knows what it takes to succeed. Throughout his extensive experience in training leaders, author Alain Hunkins discovered that many leaders shared a common trait. They were mainly focused on what they were doing but not so focused on how they were doing it, especially when it came to working with other people. By strengthening their leadership capabilities, they could become trusted leaders within their organization, improve employee communications, and build bridges across hierarchies. Cracking the Leadership Code shares the valuable principles and practices that Hunkins developed and refined during the 20+ years he’s worked with leaders. When you crack the code, you’ll have a new operating model for organizational leadership that will help your teams thrive in a 21st century economy. Discover the brain science behind leading people Get inspired by real life leadership stories Use a practical leadership tool kit to become a better leader Learn how to communicate, influence, and persuade others, more effectively than ever before With this book as a resource, you’ll have a new perspective, a new framework, and new tools at your disposal, readily available to guide your leadership. You’ll learn to establish proactive, leader-follower relationships. To do this, you’ll use the interconnected elements of Connection, Communication, and Collaboration. When you learn from the author’s insightful experiences working with organizations around the world, you can accelerate your leadership development and become the leader you’ve always aspired to be.

Supermarket bag boy, frontline supervisor, corporate vice president, consultant, university and college professor: these are the kinds of work experiences Ken Chapman brings to The Leaders Code. Drawing on his diverse experience, Ken provides a practical guide to principle-centered leadership. Ken has provided leadership and business ethics development for Fortune 500 Companies and many lesser known organizations. Ken is the author of several books including Personality: Making the Most of It, The Shoulders of Giants, and Small Town Graces. Address inquiries to [email protected] The Leaders Code is about the principles which have guided leaders over the years. The best leaders have always led by example by first directing themselves. Having mastered the art of self-management, the best leaders turn their attention to those who follow them. Their ultimate goal is to lead others to lead themselves. Leaders who put into practice the time-tested principles of The Leaders Code enable us all to work today with a vision of what we want tomorrow to be.

This title answers one of the most timeless questions around leadership - what makes an effective leader? It presents the essentials of good leadership and shows how to develop these elements in oneself as well as in others.

Two leadership consultants identify three keys to being a more effective leader: knowing your strengths and investing in others' strengths, getting people with the right strengths on your team, and understanding and meeting the four basic needs of those who look to you for leadership.