This book challenges the orthodox discourse on leadership - often expressed in heroic and individualistic terms - and presents leadership as a practice within which communication, research, imagination and ethical judgements are continuously improvised. It suggests how leaders might become more politically, emotionally and socially savvy.

1 Introduction; PART I BEING LEADERS 2 From magico-mythical thinking to making promises and forgiving: A headteacher's critique of transformational school leadership practice; 3 Acting into the unpredictable future: A project manager's appreciation of a complexity perspective; 4 Leadership as inquiry: Rhythm analysis as a response to contemporary idealisations of freedom; 5 A dialogue with Adam Habib: Radical pragmatism - navigating social justice in universities in the neo-liberal era; PART II DEVELOPING LEADERS 6 A critical look at corporate leadership development; 7 Leading as practice: Expedition-based learning with NASA in the Canyons; 8 A group analytic approach to executive education: Lessons from the larger group; 9 Can talent be managed? A critical perspective on the practice of talent management; 10 A dialogue with Sewit Haileselassie Tadesse: Developing leadership; 11 Final notes on the practice of leadership