Dr. Picardi has produced a helpful handbook for those who aspire to leadership positions in their organizations. It is a careful blend of theory, practice, and examples. Leadership concepts are concisely presented and the book is easy to read. The chapters on situational and contingency leadership and leading a thriving organization by themselves make this book a worthwhile read.
-- Dr. Mark Koscinski Assistant Professor of Accounting Practice
The capacity of Leadership is the most important ingredient to organizational well-being and success. Leadership is a philosophy of use of power, a set of learnable, observable competencies, skills and behaviors. Anyone can develop themselves as a leader. You become a leader when people choose to follow you. There is no topic that has been written about as extensively. The newly authored, Leadership Essentials, offers the reader a wonderful smorgasbord of all things leadership. It is a perfect way to begin your leadership studies.
-- Leslie Yerkes, President, Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc.
While the world is combatting Covid-19 and, as a consequence, facing one of its worst health and financial crises, strong leadership is now required more than ever before at all levels and in all countries. Dr. Picardi’s work has arrived during a perfect storm exposing learners and practitioners of leadership to the essential aspects of leadership. There is much confusion in both the academic literature and popular press as to what constitutes ‘good and effective’ leadership. Dr. Picardi’s book takes the reader back to the basics and unpacks the many mysteries of this popular topic. This book covers the key concepts of leadership and makes a strong and timely contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary leadership.
Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted To Know
-- Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi, Georgetown University
This book is an important source of information on a topic which is ever more important in today's rapidly changing world where leadership is not an option for organizations to be able to navigate successfully and remain competitive.
This book represents an important guide for anyone who wishes to understand what are the key principles of leadership and to also better understand how they can improve their own leadership skills.
-- Dr David Forgaty, Enterprise Marketing Analytics Leader at Evernorth Corporation
A book that really does what it says on the tin. The Essentials of Leadership are truely covered as the author takes the reader on a journey through the recognised theoretical concepts and ideas in a way that makes then both interesting and relevant. It is good to see that the influence of power is not forgotten and that ethical leadership is considered at a time when many leaders are being faced with demonstrating their ability to create value for society as much as value for their shareholders. An essential title for any leader's bookshelf and one that adds true value to the associted discourse on Leadership Practice and its role in organisational success.
-- Dr. Gary Ramsden, Lincoln International Business School
For professionals interested in a better understanding of types of leadership and ways to become a more effective leader in normal times and times of change, this is an excellent book.
I can easily see Leadership Essentials You Always Wanted to Know by Dr. Carrie A. Picardi being used in corporate department meetings, retreats, noncredit classes, and seminars very effectively as it focuses on the important leadership models which can make us more effective leaders. A concise and well-explained book!
-- Reviewed By Randy B. Lichtman for Readers’ Favorite
An exceptional work on the foundation and practice of leadership within today's society. The author does a wonderful job in moving skillfully from the overall purpose of leadership, to the attributes & behaviors of those who are effective at it, onto the various situations that can arise within this area of management, with emphasis on the attributes needed to successfully handle them. What's most impressive to me is that all of this is covered in a concise, readable 200-page format, making it a 'go-to' resource for any college professor teaching a course on this subject. I highly recommend this dynamic, user-friendly text and plan on using it myself in the future.
-- Prof. Anthony Rondinelli
Department of Business Administration School of Liberal & Professional Studies Springfield Technical Community College
Dr. Picardi has created a remarkable text. She accomplishes the most difficult task of translating her mastery of the subject matter into a form suitable for undergraduate students (or anyone else, for that matter) interested understanding leadership. Her text is straightforward, accurate, and oriented toward a practical application of the material. This book is designed for those who value their time and wish to gain an understanding of leadership principles that can be effectively put into practice. Well done!
-- Wade M. Chumney, J.D., M.Sc.
Associate Professor of Business Ethics and Law
Department of Business Law
David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
California State University, Northridge
This is the best Leadership book I have ever read! It compiles all the practical Leadership information, ideas, and guides that anyone would ever need. It includes the advice you need to be an excellent Leader. There are charts, summaries, and quizzes to organize your thinking. All the Chapters you would expect in a Leadership book are there. It even has a reference to an old friend on mine, Ken Blanchard,The One Minute Manager, who is an expert in Leadership and Training!!
This book is a highly practical book on Leadership which I want to expose to all my own students. It is germane to any industry.
-- Frank E. Cuzzi
Professor of Marketing and Sports Management
Monroe College and Berkeley College
A well-rounded book on leadership, Dr. Picardi has done an excellent job of introducing the complexities of leadership, walking readers through various characteristics of leadership, and culminating in leadership development, ethical leadership, and leading a thriving organization. Written in a style that is welcoming and easy to follow along, Dr. Picardi's presentation of concepts models for students how to support concepts by referencing seminal works throughout the text. I highly recommend Leadership Essentials for use as undergraduate or graduate level introductory classes on leadership!
-- Dr. Joseph H. Schuessler
Associate Dean College of Business
Tarleton State University
Carrie captualates decades of experience in this interesting and compelling read. It's not just a text book, but a story. It pulls together the essence of the key research on this topic.
The key learning objectives and chapter summary makes internalizing the material an easy task.
-- Reo Oravec Host and Executive Producer of the SME showcase Show, Author, Speaker, Adjunct Professor of Discission Sciences
Dr. Picardi creates a monolithic learning path that enhances the student’s potential for success by building a model that is inclusive in all facets of both the leader and leadership within it’s role. Her focus on building the mindset, character and traits of a leader as foundations of a leader’s styles and role of impact; creates a platform for the student’s journey of understanding how a leader influences teams and an
organization’s performance. Her sequitur of the leader and leadership model is comprehensive to the point of filling the lacuna of leadership pedagogy and learning. As a recognized leader in business and entrepreneurship higher education, I recommend this book to anyone teaching a leadership course. It is one of the few leadership books I have read that has such a impactful journey of discovery and learning for the
benefit of the student.
-- Bob Milner
CEO TerBo Enterprises & MRH Automotive
"Leadership Essentials" is an exceptional book that offers a comprehensive and refreshing understanding of leadership for 21st-century readers. With its well-structured chapters and relevant examples, the book provides valuable insights into the complex nature of leadership and its interconnecting elements. Written in an engaging and easy-to-read style, the book emphasizes the importance of leaders in various contexts and highlights the symbiotic relationship between leaders and followers. From discussing the relevance of leader traits to exploring the dynamics of power and influence, each chapter provides thought-provoking insights and practical strategies for effective leadership. Whether you're a new leader or
seeking to enhance your skills, ""Leadership Essentials"" is a must-read resource that offers guidance, inspiration, and actionable steps for success in today's dynamic world."
-- Dr.Ramana Koppula Asst. Professor
Dept. of MBA Maris Stella College Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
This book is as the title implies a book about leadership skills. It outlines many good skills and backs them up with fact and references. It gives charts and other references you and look at to enhance what the book says.
-- polarmath Librarything User
I received this book at just the right time. I design and develop training programs and am currently researching data for a leadership program. I found the topics in this book to be very useful and will be able to apply much of the info into my program. While I wouldn’t utilize it for advanced leaders (i.e. C-Suites) I think it’s practical for entry-level leaders, or to keep as reference guide for mid-level managers. Chapters 2, 3, 7-9 will be used to shape quite a bit of my training.
-- msliz_31
Librarything User
The layout of the book is basic as it describes what leadership is, the attributes of leaders, The book cover the development of leadership behavior theory as well as a few other theories on leadership. Within each section you are provided with action steps to grow and develop ones leadership style. The chapters end with a summary of the important points and a quiz to test ones knowledge. I received a PDF of the book. Since this is a learning manual a hard copy would have been nice.
-- Mzlg4
Librarything User
As the title suggests, this is an overview of leadership, including its aspects and variants. This is well written, concise, and includes quizzes and references so students and teachers can dig further.
-- 06nwingert
Librarything User
I've taken a very quick look at Leadership Essentials. For me, it's a good reference book or a textbook for Master’s studies. The author uses expert management theories to give overviews of necessary leadership attributes that include not only traits and competencies but also situations and behaviors. This book with its extensive bibliography is a good overview and addition to any management library.
-- MarilynD
Librarything User
An informative book to help anyone looking to improve their leadership skills. Well written and concise.
-- Jennifer Hall
Librarything User
This is a great book to read if you're looking into expanding your leadership skills. It is concise and informative. The summary and quiz at the end of each chapter really help enforce what you read through out the chapter. I recommend this book for people wanting to improve and expand but don't like to read 500/600+ page books. This is also a great book to share with your co-workers or to use in training management on all levels.
-- AlejandraIvanez
Librarything User
Leadership Essentials offers the reader a wonderful smorgasbord of all things leadership. It is a perfect way to begin your leadership studies.
-- Leslie Yerkes
President
Catalyst Consulting Group, Inc.
This book covers the key concepts of leadership and makes a strong and timely contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary leadership.
-- Prof. Dr. Franco Gandolfi
Professor, Georgetown University, Washigton DC, USA
An essential title for any leader's bookshelf, and one that adds true value to the associated discourse on the practice of leadership and its role in organisational success.
-- Dr. Gary Ramsden
Associate Professor, Logistics and Operations Management, Lincoln International Business School
An insightful, down-to-earth guide that reinforces the idea that becoming better doesn’t require perfection – instead, it simply requires intention, consistency and the courage to start.
-- Pat Belinski, McDonald's Business Unit Director, Restaurant Technologies Inc.
Better provides a practical blueprint every executive needs to navigate the high-stakes intersection of technology and the human heart.
-- Karna Crawford, Former Head of US Marketing, The Ford Motor Company
This is not just a book. It’s a reckoning. Rooted in real pain, backed by research, and guided by soul, this book is a roadmap to the kind of success that doesn’t leave our loved ones behind.
-- Jacques Meir, Chief Knowledge Officer, Grupo Padrao, Sao Paulo, Brazil
A powerful blueprint for building the life you truly want, one intentional step at a time.
-- Dr. Katherine McRae, Director of People & Culture, Zion Solutions Group
A clear, approachable guide to living intentionally — full of quirky questions, practical ideas and the science behind them.
-- Nicola Barrett, Chief Corporate Learning Officer, Emory Executive Education | Goizueta Business School
I have always been skeptical of ‘mindset’ talk in business. But Jamie has actionable techniques with proven formulas to help just about anyone perform at their peak.
-- Ayman Itani, Entrepreneur and CEO, Dubai
A practical guide on how to get the best from yourself and from your relationships – both at home and at work.
-- Shannon Houde, Executive Leadership Coach, Walk of Life Consulting, LLC
Jamie’s insightful new book has predominantly science-based strategies for personal transformation, pairing deep self-understanding with engaging, relatable anecdotes.
-- John H. Murphy, Professor, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
Rich in clear guidance and motivating ideas for success at home and at work
-- Eduardo E. Fakhoury, Founder and Vice-Chairman, CFI Financial, Dubai
A smart, actionable guide that turns self-improvement into a daily practice, blending clarity, discipline, and real-world wisdom.
-- Pancho Gonzalez, CCO, Inbrax, Santiago, Chile
In a world dominated by 'silicon,' Jamie Turner reminds us that the 'soul' is the ultimate multiplier for success—this is the compass every leader needs to find their true north.
-- Dr. Reshma Shah, Professor of Marketing, Emory University
Better is a real page-turner that invites you into meaningful introspection while offering practical lessons in empathy, clarity, and authentic leadership.
-- Xavier Ponce, CEO and Board Member, Consumer Goods Industry, Quito, Ecuador
This book cuts through the noise of self-help and offers a refreshingly actionable path to becoming better—one decision at a time.
-- Erik Qualman, 5x #1 Bestselling Author
