On Leadership

Essential Principles for Business, Political, and Personal Success

Lessons on making effective, inspiring decisions from case studies of former, real-life leaders in times of crisis.

Anyone can claim to be a leader in times of calm, but crisis situations sift the true visionaries from the false ones. Recent events in global affairs make it increasingly apparent that nations must cultivate and encourage true leaders—and eschew false ones—if they hope to survive.

Fortunately, effective leadership is a skill that can be taught, especially through the study of exemplary figures of the past. In each chapter of On Leadership, Donald J. Palmisano cites an example of positive or negative action as a source from which to glean essential leadership lessons. Through guided analysis of each real-life situation, readers will learn detailed, practical methods and strategies for becoming true leaders.

This second edition includes two new chapters which are highly applicable to today’s issues: “Leadership in Crisis: The British Petroleum Gulf Oil Spill,” and “Emerging Leaders in a Time of Crisis.” On Leadership provides crucial advice for those who aspire to become effective leaders in any position.

“Whether you’re looking to improve a management style or inspire others, this book is an invaluable tool.” —Bill Frist, former US Senate majority leader