Leading for a Lifetime

Today's young leaders grew up in the glow of television and computers; the leaders of their grandparents' generation in the shadow of the Depression and World War II. In Leading for a Lifetime, Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas set to find out how era and values shape those who lead. At the heart of this model are what the authors call "crucibles"--utterly transforming periods of testing from which one can emerge either hopelessly broken or powerfully emboldened to learn and to lead. Whether losing an election or burying a child, learning from a mentor or mastering a martial art, crucibles force us to decide who we are and what we are capable of.

Robert J. Thomas is an Associate Partner and Senior Fellow with the Accenture Institute for Strategic Change.