Understanding Leaders is based on the belief that exceptional leaders are made, not born. Leadership is a skill that can be learnt, and this book outlines what you need to learn, the key attitudes to develop, and the important behaviours to practise. The book focuses on 3 essential leadership elements – the mental models that shape the leader's approach (Paradigms); the means by which leaders build a following (People); and the strategies they use to build engagement (Processes). Part 1 of Understanding Leaders examines the paradigms that guide the leader's approach. Organisational contexts vary greatly in level of complexity and each level makes its own demands on the approach to leadership. Skilled leaders recognise this variability and respond relevantly to each level of complexity. Part 2 focuses on people; specifically why people would willingly choose to follow a leader. Exceptional leaders understand the deep concerns of people. They know how to make followers feel secure, and they have genuine care about their needs. They have developed specific personal attributes that inspire others to follow them. Part 3 explores the processes leaders use to move people beyond following into active engagement and commitment. Exceptional leaders are great not because people follow them, but because they have the ability to inspire and engage others to work towards common interests and purposes. Understanding Leaders provides a framework where your experience, knowledge, capacities, and personality can blend, and where you too can create your own unique expression of exceptional leadership.