Leading with Character and Competence

Is leadership a question of character or competence? Most leadership training separates these two factors, but Clark shows that anyone at any level can be a superior leader by balancing these dimensions.


Our leadership development programs teach necessary skills, yet we often train individuals who do not have the character to lead, which is a weakness because a leader with skills but no character can be dangerous. But a leader with character but no skills is useless. In this book, author, consultant, and entrepreneur Tim Clark shows how anyone can develop both character and competence.

Clark lays out his model of the “core” (character) and the “crust” (competence) to explain how we can rethink leadership. Most importantly, this model makes no allowance for job title, formal authority, or position. Almost anyone with the right character can learn competence, but Clark makes clear that the formula rarely works the other way around. For each aspect of leadership, he shares a series of mini lessons taken from his research and experience. Clark's book will be a key personal growth tool for anyone anywhere ready to step up, regardless of external labels or job description.

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• Part One The Four Cornerstones of Character
• Part Two The Four Cornerstones of Competence
• Conclusion
• Notes
• Leading with Character and Competence Self-Assessment
• Acknowledgments
• Index
• About the Author

“Again, Timothy Clark has captured a complex topic with elegant simplicity. His character and competence dimensions and the four cornerstones of each offer timeless principles that will enable all leaders to fulfill their potential. His artful writing captures images and offers guidance that will enable any aspiring leader to be better.”
-Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor of Business Administration, University of Michigan, and Partner, The RBL Group

“This book will be the cornerstone of MBA programs and leadership training. It is packed full of practical real-world examples from the production floor to the chaotic decision-making dens of CEOs.”
-Michael Goold, EdD, Chief of Police, Rancho Cordova, California

“This book provides new and seasoned leaders with practical tools for leadership development. It's a great reference that offers fresh insight combined with compelling stories. You will find breakthrough concepts and ideas that you can put to work right away.”
-Murray Manzione, Director, Leadership and Professional Development, NVR

“As a high school calculus teacher, I honestly did not see how this book would apply to me personally. I love teaching, and I don't have aspirations of becoming a principal. However, Timothy Clark's description of a true leader is what every devoted and caring teacher is striving to become! If all teachers were to genuinely put into practice the ideals described by Clark, the learning environment in classrooms across the country would change dramatically.”
-Craig B. Smith, calculus teacher, Lone Peak High School

“I have known Tim for nearly twenty years. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to synthesize and inspire. This book offers powerful guidance for leaders. I am eager to apply what he teaches.”
-Eric L. Denna, Chief Information Officer, University of Maryland

“Tim's book challenges us to have the courage to consistently model true leadership. As a parent, I think the most important place to get it right is at home.”
-Libby Macomber, Partner, Advantage Performance Group, and mother of teenagers