Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Leadership Character in Context
Leadership Theories Have Evolved
Dimensions Focus Our Efforts to Develop Character
Leadership Character Has Organizational and Personal Benefits
Judgment Contributes to Ethical Decision Making
Corporate Failures Teach Us About Character—and About Ourselves
Learning From Corporate Failures
Respecting and Learning From Failure
Chapter 2. Learning Character Lessons From Failure
Failure Is Critical to Success
People Fear Failure Because of the Pain
Learning From Failure Builds Character
Leaders Adopt a Learning Orientation
Forward-Looking Organizations Value Failure
Self-Reflection Helps Us Learn From Failure
Reflection Prepares Us Intellectually
Practicing Mindfulness Prepares Us Emotionally
Taking Care of Our Bodies Prepares Us Physically
Chapter 3. Vulnerability: Risking Exposure
Volkswagen’s “Clean Diesel” Dupes Customers
Vulnerability Means Risking Exposure
Vulnerability Builds Connection
Apologizing Is Good for Business
Connection Is Built or Destroyed on Social Media
Chapter 4. Authenticity: Living as Yourself
General Motors Delays Recalls
Authentic Leaders Are True to Themselves
Authenticity Doesn’t Mean Being Rigid or Morally Correct
Authentic Leaders Bring Their Whole Selves to Work
Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance Help Us Feel Comfortable in Our Own Skin
We Want to Connect With Real People on Social Media
Chapter 5. Integrity: Being Consistent and Whole
FIFA Leaders Disappoint Athletes and Fans Around the World
Leaders of Integrity Are Consistent and Whole
Behavioral Integrity Is Good for Business
Trust in Organizations Is Eroding
Leaders Who Model Integrity, Trust, and Transparency Cultivate Trust
Leaders With Integrity Tell the Truth
Investors Seek and Demonstrate Integrity
Chapter 6. Accountability: Responding to Others
Wells Fargo Sets Unrealistic Sales Goals for Employees
Responsibility and Accountability Definitions Are Complementary
Leaders Avoid Accountability by Shifting Blame
Incentives and Regulations Ensure Some Accountability
Leaders Foster a Culture of Accountability
Accountable Leaders Admit and Forgive Mistakes
External Leaders Step in When Boards Fail
Whistleblowers Demand Accountability
Companies Improve Their Accountability
Chapter 7. Courage: Standing Up
Courageous Leaders Fight for Worthy Goals
Taking Measured Risks Improves Outcomes
Courage Means Facing Our Fears
Public, Unpopular Decisions Take Courage
Courageous Leaders Tackle Different Conversations
Radical Candor and Radical Transparency Are Two Ways Leaders Demonstrate Courage
Self-Righteousness Needs to Be Controlled
Chapter 8. Humility: Learning From Others
Constituencies Question Uber’s Ethics
Humble Leaders Recognize Their Own Limitations
Humility as a Management Strength
Humble Leaders Make Space for Others
Assessments Teach Us About Humility
Leading With Humility Requires Perspective
Humble Leaders Seek Feedback
Curiosity Is Associated With Intellectual Humility
Two Chefs Illustrate Humility
Chapter 9. Compassion: Caring for Others and Ourselves
SeaWorld Fails to Respond to the Movie Blackfish
Compassion Alleviates Suffering
Responding With Compassion Involves Four Steps
Compassion Benefits People and Organizations
Compassionate Leaders Respond With Small Gestures, Comfort, and Empathy
Communication About a Suicide Offers a Model of Compassion
Self-Compassion and Gratitude Ease Suffering
Summary
Notes
Company Index
Subject Index
About the Author
