Leadership Stories
The Essence of Leadership
Leadership Stories
The Essence of Leadership
Can leadership be learned? We think so and reading our growing collection of leadership stories is an excellent way to illustrate this. They help bring different perspectives to the meaning of leadership.
Search Amazon.com for “leadership” books and you’ll find over 40,000 titles from which to choose. It seems everyone has a view on leadership but how is it possible to learn about leadership, and how do you learn how to be a better leader? The debate over whether leadership can be taught has gone on for some time. If it can be taught how do you learn how to lead?
Catching the Essence of Leadership
Perhaps leadership is something which is as much “caught” as it is “taught”. That is, the example of others can help us to “catch” what it is to lead, as much as being “taught” by good books, courses etc.
Reading leadership stories is one way for the essence of leadership to be caught as much as taught. Indeed, leadership storytelling is a very effective way to educate, motivate and inspire – yourself and others! This page contains fascinating examples of leadership in action, and some words from us to help you on your way.
Hopefully you’ll gain inspiration and insight from the stories and from our interpretation. Enjoy the stories and use them to catch the spirit of leadership, or perhaps to pick up some practical tips.
Storytelling is the single most powerful tool in a leader’s toolkit. (Howard Gardner)
Our Leadership Stories
Characteristic of Leadership: Seeing Things Differently
How leaders see things differently is powerfully illustrated by this motivational story about IBM’s Tom Watson Jr.
Leadership Concept: Valuing Ideas
A key leadership concept is to ensure you place a high value on the ideas of others, ensuring you allow time to foster creativity. This story illustrates how one famous leader did just that.
Leadership Quote: the “ultimate measure of a man”
In confronting one of his own personal challenges, U2 singer Bono referred to a story about Dr Martin Luther King, one of the world’s most famous civil rights leaders.
Leadership Philosophy: it’s the little things that count
If you were asked to consider a basic leadership philosophy, what immediately springs to mind? Vision, inspiration, communication and drive are all important. But never overlook the little things…..
Essence of Leadership? Seeing Triumph in Tragedy
Thomas Edison showed the essence of leadership in this story from Jim Clemmer. Renowned as one of America’s most famous inventors, Edison showed powers of leadership which would rival any general.
Leadership Quality: Seeing the Bigger Picture
“I’m building a cathedral!” Seeing the bigger picture is an essential leadership quality. Read these great lessons from one of the most powerful leadership stories.
Leading With Vision: Bridging the Gap
Leading with vision requires foresight but do leaders also need to look elsewhere? Looking ahead is important but thinking about those who will follow is the sign of a great leader……
Quotes About Leadership Success: 3 Things Successful Leaders Have in Common
This page contains a story and some quotes which look for a “common” thread in what makes a successful leader.
Leading Insights
If you’re interested in developing your leadership skills, take a look at one of our leadership e-guides. Leading Insights is packed with more leadership stories, and some leading insights into how they can be used! Insights such as:
- Uncommon insights
- Tipping point leadership
- Find the glass
- Leaders need to be cathedral thinkers
- Would you recommend your service/organisation to your friends?
- Putting on a performance
- Would people pay to see your team perform?
- Bricolage leadership
- Resourceful leadership
- Nudging leadership
- Mirror leadership
- Chameleon leadership
- Catalyst leadership
- Chrysalis leadership
- Saliency, sagacity and serendipity
- Infectious leadership
- Infected leadership
- Great work days
- Defining moments
- Conveying what you care about
- The kind of goals leaders set matters
- Motivating leaders
