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Leading with Character and Competence: Moving Beyond Title, Position, and Authority
“Leadership is an applied discipline, not a foamy concept to muse about,” says three-time CEO, Oxford-trained scholar, and consultant Timothy R. Clark. “In fact, it's the most important applied discipline in the world.” The success of any organization can be traced directly to leadership. And leadership can be learned. But too many books and development programs focus exclusively on skills.
In reality, performance and ultimate credibility are based on a combination of character and competence. As Clark puts it, character is the core and competence the crust. He shows how greatness emerges from a powerful combination of the two, although in the end character is more important. A leader with character but no competence will be ineffective, while a leader with competence but no character is dangerous.
Clark spotlights the four most important components of character and competence and offers a series of eloquent, inspiring, and actionable reflections on what's needed to build each one. Fundamentally, he sees leadership as influence—leaders influence people “to climb, stretch, and become.” You need character to influence positively and competence to influence effectively.
This is a book for anyone, no matter where he or she is on the organization chart. Because today employees at all levels are being asked to step up, not only can everyone be a leader, everyone has to be. Clark's insights are profound, and his passion is infectious. “Leadership” he writes, “is the most engaging, inspiring, and deeply satisfying activity known to humankind. Through leadership we have the opportunity to progress, overcome adversity, change lives, and bless the race.”
In reality, performance and ultimate credibility are based on a combination of character and competence. As Clark puts it, character is the core and competence the crust. He shows how greatness emerges from a powerful combination of the two, although in the end character is more important. A leader with character but no competence will be ineffective, while a leader with competence but no character is dangerous.
Clark spotlights the four most important components of character and competence and offers a series of eloquent, inspiring, and actionable reflections on what's needed to build each one. Fundamentally, he sees leadership as influence—leaders influence people “to climb, stretch, and become.” You need character to influence positively and competence to influence effectively.
This is a book for anyone, no matter where he or she is on the organization chart. Because today employees at all levels are being asked to step up, not only can everyone be a leader, everyone has to be. Clark's insights are profound, and his passion is infectious. “Leadership” he writes, “is the most engaging, inspiring, and deeply satisfying activity known to humankind. Through leadership we have the opportunity to progress, overcome adversity, change lives, and bless the race.”
- GenresLeadershipBusiness
216 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2016
13 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Timothy R. Clark
19 books53 followersTimothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a global consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He is the author of four previous books: Epic Change: How to Lead Change in the Global Age (John Wiley/Jossey-Bass), Leadership Bones (Bradmore Road Press), The Employee Engagement Mindset (McGraw-Hill), Leading with Character and Competence: Moving Beyond Title, Position, And Authority (Berrett-Koehler). He is also the developer of the EQometer emotional intelligence assessment.
Dr. Clark is a highly sought-after advisor, coach, and facilitator to CEOs and senior leadership teams. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Dr. Clark earned a PhD in social science from Oxford University, and was both a British Research Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar at Seoul National University in Korea. He also earned a master’s degree in Government and economics from the University of Utah. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, he was named a first-team Academic All-American football player where he completed a triple degree cum laude.
Dr. Clark is a highly sought-after advisor, coach, and facilitator to CEOs and senior leadership teams. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Dr. Clark earned a PhD in social science from Oxford University, and was both a British Research Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar at Seoul National University in Korea. He also earned a master’s degree in Government and economics from the University of Utah. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, he was named a first-team Academic All-American football player where he completed a triple degree cum laude.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 31, 2020
Great book but got a little dry a few times. Even though I am not a "leader" in the traditional sort of way i.e. leader of an organization or business, this book helped me notice more that I am a leader in my own way. I am a mother, a sister, a daugher, a member of my community and church. The vitrues esposed in the book made me realize ways I can improve and how my actions truly make a difference even in the very little things. Glad I read the book.
Currently reading
February 26, 2023This book has triggered clarity on character and competence regarding leadership. If we need a title to start behaving ethically, there's some serious groundwork that needs to be done.
People that are proud of being manipulative are not trustworthy people in management. People will know when we are disingenuous.
"Never lie to the horse." - Peter Halay, Equine Coach
People that are proud of being manipulative are not trustworthy people in management. People will know when we are disingenuous.
"Never lie to the horse." - Peter Halay, Equine Coach
November 1, 2016
I received a copy of this book from a giveaway on Goodreads. This was a fairly quick read that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. I am not in a leadership position but still found the information useful and really like the way that it was split up with the four cornerstones.
June 3, 2019
One of the better leadership books out there. Talks extensively about different facets of character and competence. Well written - easy read.
June 23, 2021
The best leadership book alongside John C Maxwell
February 4, 2023
Will read again. Some good stuff in here I want to distill and put into practice.
June 7, 2023
This book is very informative and divided very well
Organized in a way that makes it easier to understand
Organized in a way that makes it easier to understand
November 6, 2023
Very succinct and dense in substance. Takes a vary direct and no-nonsense view on leadership. Absolutely life changing for a leader willing to listen
November 27, 2016
Great teachings on leadership. A must read for leaders
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews