Leading with Personality and Competence

Moving beyond Name, Position, and Authority

“Leadership is an applied discipline, not really a foamy concept to muse about,” says three-time CEO, Oxford-trained scholar, and specialist Timothy R. Clark. “In reality, it’s the most important applied discipline in the world.” The success of any firm could be traced directly to management. And management can be discovered. But way too many books and advancement programs focus exclusively on skills.

The truth is, about Leading with Character and Competence: Moving Beyond Title, Position, and Authority performance and best credibility derive from a combined mix of character and competence. As Clark places it, character may be the core and competence the crust. He displays how greatness emerges from a powerful combination of both, although in the end character is more important. A head with character but no competence will become ineffective, while a leader with competence but no personality is dangerous.

Clark spotlights the four most important components of character and competence and will be offering some eloquent, inspiring, and actionable reflections on what’s needed to build each a single. Fundamentally, he views leadership as impact—leaders influence people “to climb, extend, and be.” You will need personality to influence positively and competence to impact effectively.

This is a book for anybody, no matter where they’re on the business chart. Because today employees at all levels are becoming asked to intensify, not only can everyone be considered a leader, everyone has to be. Clark’s insights are deep, and his interest is usually infectious. “Management” he writes, “is certainly the most engaging, inspiring, and deeply fulfilling activity recognized to humankind. Through leadership we have the chance to progress, conquer adversity, change lives, and bless the race.”