Perfect leaders are figures of fantasy: What counts is knowing your strengths and weaknesses

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Great leaders will have fine strategic skills, communication skills, and business and financial acumen. They will recognize the need for change while also preserving the company's most important values, they will be self‐aware, self‐reflective, inspirational, willing to listen, able to influence people by their actions and oratory. And so on. Nobody embraces all these talents and some of them are not entirely complementary. The consummate definition of leadership also creates its own problems.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

Citation

(2012), "Perfect leaders are figures of fantasy: What counts is knowing your strengths and weaknesses", Strategic Direction, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541211222979