In a world that demands evolving leadership, Becoming a Better Leader—a collaborative work by multiple renowned scholars and leadership practitioners—serves as a powerful guide to transforming your leadership approach through theory-backed, research-driven strategies.
Published by Routledge in partnership with the International Leadership Association, this book blends academic insight and practical application. It features 16 chapters from top experts, covering leadership development, ethical decision-making, global leadership, gender inclusivity, emotional intelligence, virtual leadership, and more.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or a student of leadership, this collection arms you with the frameworks, models, and mindsets to lead in today’s complex and diverse environments.
🔟 10 Key Takeaways from Becoming a Better Leader
1. Leadership is Both Art and Science
Leadership is not just about charisma—it’s built on skills, values, and relationships. Strong leaders are developed through reflective, structured learning.
2. Good Leaders are Also Good Followers
Marc Hurwitz reminds us that leadership and followership are complementary roles. Great teams require great followers.
3. Leadership Development Must Be Evidence-Based
Face-valid programs aren’t enough. Effective leadership training must be theory-driven and research-tested to create lasting change.
4. Judgment is the Most Critical Leadership Skill
Michael Genovese argues that great leaders excel in judgment—combining reason, emotion, and intuition while avoiding cognitive traps like groupthink and hubris.
5. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness Are Essential
The best leaders cultivate empathy, humility, and emotional balance, enabling them to build trust and motivate diverse teams.
6. Trust is Built Through Authenticity and Consistency
Aneil and Karen Mishra emphasize that trust is earned, not assumed. Leaders who are transparent and humble create psychologically safe environments.
7. Ethical Leadership is Always the Right Path
Ethical dilemmas test character. Lonnie Morris highlights that doing the right thing, even when difficult, builds lasting credibility and influence.
8. Diverse and Inclusive Leadership is the Future
Juana Bordas and others stress that leading in a globalized world demands cultural competence, inclusivity, and breaking away from Western-centric norms.
9. Virtual Leadership Requires New Skills
Nita Cherry’s chapter explains that virtual leadership needs clarity, structure, and emotional connection—not just digital tools.
10. Effective Leaders Create Healthy Systems
From coaching rising stars to fostering sustainable organizations, leadership is also about empowering others and transforming systems for long-term impact.
🎯 Who Should Read This Book?
- Current and aspiring leaders in any industry
- Educators and students of organizational psychology or leadership studies
- Leadership coaches, HR professionals, and executive mentors
- Managers navigating remote work, team-building, or change
- Anyone committed to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable leadership
📚 Recommended Books Like Becoming a Better Leader
- Leadership and the New Science – Margaret Wheatley
- The Leadership Challenge – Kouzes & Posner
- Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
- Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
- Good to Great – Jim Collins