There are tens-of-thousands of studies, theories, frameworks, models, tools, and recommended best practices in the discipline of leadership. No other management-related topic is built on a body of knowledge this enormous-or confusing. What is one really to do, to become a better leader? To answer this question, authors Dave Ulrich, Norm Smallwood, and Kate Sweetman set out to find the essentials of great leadership. Drawing on their decades of experience as academics, researchers, and consultants, the authors spent months talking to CEOs, experienced executives, respected academics, leadership researchers, and seasoned consultants. After asking them all, the question, "What makes an effective leader?" they identified the five things all great leaders do-the leadership code. This is the one leadership book, among a field of thousands, to have.