Richard A Davis.

What is the real difference between the competent leader and the extraordinary executive? Is it pedigree, experience, intelligence? The answer is yes…and much more. Exceptional leadership hinges on a complex interaction between individual psychology and unique needs of the organisation. At the top rung of the ladder, where the dynamics are most complicated, subtle adjustments in style can produce outstanding results.

In this book Richard Davis uncovers patterns in the attributes that truly distinguish those who succeed at the top. What he found was that extraordinary leaders possess certain characteristics that fall between the lines of existing leadership models, yet are fundamental to executive success. Davis explains each of these qualities, the people who exemplify them, how to detect them in others, and most importantly, how to develop the subtle characteristics that will enable them to stand out from the pack.

He explains that it’s often better to aim for silver than for gold, that playing hard to get attracts people to you and that it’s important to have a slightly inflated view of your abilities.

Published by Jossey-Bass. ISBN: 978-0-470-67915-9. £18.89