In the crowded landscape of courses, books, and TED Talks on corporate leadership, is another leadership resource really necessary? According to Antony Bell in Great Leadership: What It Is and What It Takes in a Complex World, the answer is yes—not because we need more information, but because we need a framework that helps us make sense of the overwhelming leadership advice already available.

Great Leadership first presents two pressing realities about the world of leadership development: it is both vitally important and highly confusing. Bell underscores the importance of leadership by referencing both successful and failed examples of its impact on organizations, supported by research. He then highlights the root of the confusion by walking readers through nearly 100 years of leadership theories. By recounting the many leadership trends—from an emphasis on management techniques to visionary leadership, company culture, etc.—Bell makes a strong case for the need for a framework that unifies these scattered insights.

Character and Competence

The core of Bell’s “Total Leadership Framework” rests on two pillars: Character and Competence. He defines character as “pursuing noble ends with noble means” while competence is about leveraging the right knowledge, skills, and talent to achieve those ends effectively.

Bell introduces the “Character-Competence Grid,” which helps illustrate the relationship between these two components. The best leaders exemplify both character and competence, yet such leaders are rare. He discusses the “thornier quadrants” of the grid, such as leaders who are “Competent but Untrustworthy,” who may be gifted but pose risks, and those who are “Noble but Inept,” who are well-meaning but ineffective due to their lack of skills.

When discussing character, Bell draws on ancient wisdom, creating a pyramid that represents great leadership traits. This pyramid is:

set on a solid foundation, with a core of humility, focus, and care for others; strengthened with qualities related to each; capped with courage; and cemented with solid communication skills and a vibrant sense of humor.

Bell emphasizes that leadership is not about charisma, but rather about a clear set of values lived out consistently—an empowering message for those who don’t fit the typical charismatic mold.

Three Dimensions of Leadership

The rest of the book focuses on leadership competence, breaking it down into three complementary dimensions:

• Organizational Leadership
• Operational Leadership
• People Leadership.

Each of these dimensions of leadership has three key, fundamental functions, which Bell explains in detail. One of the key strengths of Bell’s book is its focus on the different types of leadership required at various stages of one’s career and for different spheres of responsibility. For instance, many leaders start in technical or operational roles, excelling at the specific tasks at hand. However, as their responsibilities grow, they often fail to shift to organizational leadership, attempting instead to simply expand their technical efforts. Bell makes it clear that this transition is essential for sustained leadership success. Throughout these changes, people leadership remains critical and must be adjusted to fit the organization’s current stage of development.

Great Leadership opens with a quote attributed to Einstein: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” Bell’s framework does just that—offering a clear roadmap that weaves together the complex elements of leadership into a unified whole. For anyone looking to understand how to lead effectively in today’s complex world, Bell’s book is a valuable and highly recommended resource.

Verse of the Week:

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72 (NIV)

As we lead enterprise by God’s grace and for his glory, may we increasingly be marked by both character and competence.