What is the difference between a competent leader and am extraordinary executive? This is the question Richard Davis proposes to answer in The Intangibles of Leadership. Davis argues that intelligence, pedigree and training are all important…but there is more to it than that. Davis cites research, case studies and his own experience as a management psychologist and coach and explores ten “intangible” qualities that are found in extraordinary leaders: wisdom, will, maturity, integrity, social judgment, presence, self-insight, self-efficacy, fortitude and fallibility.

The book itself is organized into ten chapters, each chapter covering a different quality. The chapters are organized around standardized questions: “What is it?” “How do you know it when you see it?” and “How do I get it?” This format makes the content very easy to absorb, a plus for time-strapped leaders. While the book cites a wealth of leadership and theory, it does so in order to expound upon these ten qualities. No real indication of how the research methods behind the creation of this list is given. It’s unclear whether this is a definitive list, or the author’s opinion on which qualities matter most.

To the well-read leader, there is not much new in this book. However, the book presents a useful review of the literature surrounding leadership which serve as a primer or reminder. Overall, The Intangibles of Leadership, is worth a read either to learn or relearn the subtleties of leadership excellence.