Extending beyond traditional leadership books to offer readers a path for developing their own character, this compelling new text uses a storytelling approach and real-world cases to explore different dimensions of leadership character. With a clear, student-friendly writing style, bestselling author Amy Newman deftly captures various approaches in which corporations and people respond to situations in difficult times and learn from mistakes. Using real companies and situations, each chapter examines a leadership character dimension such as accountability, integrity, authenticity, and courage. Readers will learn to develop their own character, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills as they engage with assessments, reflection opportunities, and exercises.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. Leadership Character in Context Chapter Overview Leaders Choose Character Leadership Theories Have Evolved Dimensions Focus Our Efforts to Develop Character Leadership Character Has Organizational and Personal Benefits Judgment Contributes to Ethical Decision Making Corporate Failures Teach Us About Character—and About Ourselves Learning From Corporate Failures Respecting and Learning From Failure Summary Exercises Chapter 2. Learning Character Lessons From Failure Chapter Overview Failure Is Critical to Success People Fear Failure Because of the Pain Learning From Failure Builds Character Leaders Adopt a Learning Orientation Forward-Looking Organizations Value Failure Self-Reflection Helps Us Learn From Failure Reflection Prepares Us Intellectually Practicing Mindfulness Prepares Us Emotionally Taking Care of Our Bodies Prepares Us Physically Summary Exercises Chapter 3. Vulnerability: Risking Exposure Chapter Overview Volkswagen’s “Clean Diesel” Dupes Customers Vulnerability Means Risking Exposure Vulnerability Builds Connection Apologizing Is Good for Business Connection Is Built or Destroyed on Social Media Summary Exercises Chapter 4. Authenticity: Living as Yourself Chapter Overview General Motors Delays Recalls Authentic Leaders Are True to Themselves Authenticity Doesn’t Mean Being Rigid or Morally Correct Authentic Leaders Bring Their Whole Selves to Work Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance Help Us Feel Comfortable in Our Own Skin We Want to Connect With Real People on Social Media Summary Exercises Chapter 5. Integrity: Being Consistent and Whole Chapter Overview FIFA Leaders Disappoint Athletes and Fans Around the World Leaders of Integrity Are Consistent and Whole Behavioral Integrity Is Good for Business Trust in Organizations Is Eroding Leaders Who Model Integrity, Trust, and Transparency Cultivate Trust Leaders With Integrity Tell the Truth Investors Seek and Demonstrate Integrity Summary Exercises Chapter 6. Accountability: Responding to Others Chapter Overview Wells Fargo Sets Unrealistic Sales Goals for Employees Responsibility and Accountability Definitions Are Complementary Leaders Avoid Accountability by Shifting Blame Incentives and Regulations Ensure Some Accountability Leaders Foster a Culture of Accountability Accountable Leaders Admit and Forgive Mistakes External Leaders Step in When Boards Fail Whistleblowers Demand Accountability Companies Improve Their Accountability Summary Exercises Chapter 7. Courage: Standing Up Chapter Overview Samsung Botches a Recall Courageous Leaders Fight for Worthy Goals Taking Measured Risks Improves Outcomes Courage Means Facing Our Fears Public, Unpopular Decisions Take Courage Courageous Leaders Tackle Different Conversations Radical Candor and Radical Transparency Are Two Ways Leaders Demonstrate Courage Self-Righteousness Needs to Be Controlled Summary Exercises Chapter 8. Humility: Learning From Others Chapter Overview Constituencies Question Uber’s Ethics Humble Leaders Recognize Their Own Limitations Humility as a Management Strength Humble Leaders Make Space for Others Assessments Teach Us About Humility Leading With Humility Requires Perspective Humble Leaders Seek Feedback Curiosity Is Associated With Intellectual Humility Two Chefs Illustrate Humility Summary Exercises Chapter 9. Compassion: Caring for Others and Ourselves Chapter Overview SeaWorld Fails to Respond to the Movie Blackfish Compassion Alleviates Suffering Responding With Compassion Involves Four Steps Compassion Benefits People and Organizations Compassionate Leaders Respond With Small Gestures, Comfort, and Empathy Communication About a Suicide Offers a Model of Compassion Self-Compassion and Gratitude Ease Suffering Summary Exercises Summary Notes Company Index Subject Index About the Author