Chapter 5

Leadership

Leadership is a key ingredient to successful change. This seems obvious, doesn’t it? But what makes strong leadership is often misunderstood. When we ask groups around the world what makes a great leader, long lists emerge with such characteristics as charisma, a strong public persona, the ability to inspire and motivate, and so on. But when you ask about particular leaders held in high regard, seldom can all the characteristics listed be ascribed to a single leader. So you are left wondering what the critical skills, characteristics, and competencies of a leader really are. Is there anything underneath or behind these characteristics? And furthermore, what is the difference between a good leader and a good manager?

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