This management book is published in association with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). Drawing upon both contemporary experience and that of well known leaders, this book offers practical advice and guidance to inspire, encourage, and inform anyone facing, for the first time, the real day to day challenges of leadership. Over recent decades technology and education have led to great challenges for traditional styles of leadership. Nevertheless, the author demonstrates real prescience in ancient tales of leadership, its initiation and development and their practical value for leaders today. The book opens with the author's account of his own initiation into leadership; of being propelled totally unexpectedly and quite unprepared into the practice and challenges of leadership. The book contains reflections on and fundamental insights into the nature and practice of leadership. Illustrated with many rich examples, metaphors, allegories and illustrations, the author exposes consistent patterns marking the practice of great leaders. - Written for those seeking guidance in practical leadership - Written for the vast majority of leaders: who are in middle management - Not burdened with theories and models found in many academic books