A quick scan of the latest 'how to run a business' publications to emerge, reveals a large number which focus on the importance of leadership, and the ability to assess great leadership behaviours through 360 degree feedback.

It probably comes as no surprise that as we are navigating our way through an economic crisis, recession and some fundamental changes in the way we work, that people need their leaders to exhibit behaviours which show strength in the face of the adversity, coupled with a humility which enables them to be open to new ways of working, drawing ideas from their people and their changing environment, and being resilient in handling the ambiguity they face.

Successful organisations which manage these storms appear to invest a great deal of time in developing their leadership 'bench strength', having clear succession planning and a talent management approach which supports both.

One book which caught my eye was "One Page Talent Management" by Marc Effron and Miriam Ort; it looks at some of the key activities grounded in academic research which yield results.

John