It's good that not everybody wants to be top dog. But if you work in an organization, much of your life depends on what the top dog does, so you need to understand the world in which he or she lives.

Some of this is based on academic research and published material. The rest is the result of practical observations and insights gained over the course of a career in assessing, coaching, and consulting with top executives in some of the most successful organizations in the world.

This is a practical roadmap of tips and insights for anyone who works in organizations, especially those who must lead and manage. If you use these guidelines actively, you'll be a more successful leader at any level. Leadership, however, is not about mechanically following a set of instructions to get people to do what you want. It's about getting people to want to follow you. That's more about who you are. And how you behave ultimately determines who you are. This blueprint describes the behavior of successful leaders and highlights important concepts to consider in your leadership journey. It describes some of the realities you will face and offers practical suggestions for succeeding in any leadership role.