Arts of Leadership

Leadership is still much discussed, studied, and sought after, even though we now live in supposedly more democratic times with flatter organizations and empowered employees. But how can we best understand leadership? Are leaders born or made? Do they have particular traits or are we all potential leaders? Do the requirements for leadership change over time or are there timeless patterns? Do traditional approaches help us to pick and develop leaders or are there alternative ways that advance our understanding?;Keith Grint investigates the notion of leadership in a series of historical case studies and essay portraits of some of the most famous, and infamous, leaders (e.g. Florence Nightingale, Richard Branson, Horatio Nelson, Martin Luther King, Henry Ford, etc.). The scenarios are drawn from right across the spectrum to include business, politics, society, and the military. The first part of the book considers four sets of parallel cases where leadership appears to be a major explanation of success and failure. The second part takes the four critical issues arising from these parallel cases (identity, strategic vision, organizational tactics, and persuasive communication) and expl

... this is a masterful book of its sort ... Grint makes his case consistently and persuasively ... This is an excellent book that deserves to be considered as one of the reference points in the contemporary literature on leadership., This book makes for thoroughly digestible reading. Management Theory with a difference., Well written ... truly a voyage of remarkable insight into comparative success and failure situations in different contexts ... It is steeped in social and political history, which makes it unique and, for any managers who are students of history, a wonderful excursion ... fascinating, illuminating and absorbing.

Keith Grint is University Reader in Organizational Behaviour, Said Business School, and Fellow in Organizational Behaviour at Templeton College, University of Oxford. He worked for ten years in various industries before his academic career. Prior to his present positions he taught at Brunel University for six years.