In search of Leadership

"We seem to live at a time of first class problems and second class leadership,' says the author in his Preface to this book.

What makes for great leadership? Can it be learnt? If so, what are the essential values and qualities that go into its chemistry? By studying the lives, successes and failures of some of the greatest leaders to have shaped man's life on earth, the author identifies thirteen qualities of leadership: communication, compassion, competence, courage, decision making, humility, integrity, man-management, purpose, stamina, teamwork, training and vision. The importance of each of these qualities is highlighted by examples from the lives of such outstanding leaders as Cyrus the Great, Emperor Ashoka, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and many others. Among the intriguing questions the book probes are:-
How did General Montgomery organise competently for victory against Rommel?
Why did Truman, Marshal and Acheson become the most awesome trio in history'?
How did Emperor Akbar, Wellington and Nelson handle men? -What made President Sadat undertake his historic journey of peace to Israel?
How did Truman decide on dropping the atomic bomb and why did Kennedy restrain himself during the Cuban missile crisis?

Why did Nehru think of stepping down from Prime Ministership? Why did Nehru not heed Patel's warning on the danger China?

While the instances of great leaders chosen by the author are drawn chiefly from among statesmen, and political and military leaders, the rich insights and understandings offered by the book would benefit leaders and potential leaders in every field of human endeavour whether it be business, public service, military or education.