The Leadership Test: Will You Pass?

by Timothy R. Clark

The Leadership Testis a provocative and engaging story about the first lessons of leadership. Izzy Kroll, an eccentric and brilliant high school teacher in a tough section of Chicago, mentors his former student, Marcus, and reveals to him the universal test of leadership:

1. Fill Your Pack.
2. Sign Your Name.
3. Share the Stage.
4. Take the Oath.
5. Pour Your Cup.

A call to action for leaders at every level, The Leadership Testis a quick and powerful read that will motivate you to reflect on your intent and influence as a leader. The book concludes with a leadership self-assessment for the reader.

Genres: Leadership, Professional Development, Nonfiction

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2009

About the author

Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a global consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He is the author of four previous books: Epic Change: How to Lead Change in the Global Age (John Wiley/Jossey-Bass), Leadership Bones (Bradmore Road Press), The Employee Engagement Mindset (McGraw-Hill), Leading with Character and Competence: Moving Beyond Title, Position, And Authority (Berrett-Koehler). He is also the developer of the EQometer emotional intelligence assessment.
Dr. Clark is a highly sought-after advisor, coach, and facilitator to CEOs and senior leadership teams. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Dr. Clark earned a PhD in social science from Oxford University, and was both a British Research Scholar and a Fulbright Scholar at Seoul National University in Korea. He also earned a master’s degree in Government and economics from the University of Utah. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, he was named a first-team Academic All-American football player where he completed a triple degree cum laude.

Reviews

[CodeBlue]

I remember being wowed by this book the first time I read it several years ago after I received it as a gift from a summer internship. For one reason or another the message really resonated with me and even after seven years it seems it still strikes a nerve. Especially when I went through the Leadership Test included in the book. The best part about the book is not that it is a short read, but more that the delivery is spot on by first relating to the reader on a basic level - by going back to high school. There the author encourages the reader to believe there is no such thing as smart/dumb but that these are just labels - that our capacity to learn is infinite. From there the author introduces the definition of leadership and encourages us to look at the 'why' to ensure the motivation behind something is the right thing.

[David S.]

5 stars for being insightful yet concise.

[Donna]

Ok. Technically this isn't non-fiction, but I can't think of anywhere else to put this one. A mentor gives a former student a lesson in what it means to be a leader. It's cheesy and reads like a radio play (I can "hear" the dialogue, but I can't "see" the scene), but it has some food for thought.

Quick, easy, and full of good advice.

[Nickie]

I like the ideas expressed in this little book. I wonder about our city council here in Provo. Who is taking seriously the idea of stewardship over self-interest? The author makes the 5 concepts of being a leader easy to understand, and presents his ideas is such a fashion that I am encouraged to be a better leader of myself, my children, and of my community.






I was hoping the 'teacher' was a real person but I can't find any indication on the web. No matter, this is worthwhile especially when needing to be reminded that leadership is about stewardship which isn't always easy or convenient.

I like that the author starts with crossing out the words smart and dumb and and says, "The only thing we know for sure is that we have the ability to learn, and that ability has no end."

I like many quotes in this little book. It's a quick read and easy to follow. Plus it reminds you have the purpose for being a leader and inspiring others to help willingly.

I'll how my feelings change once I finish which wont be today.

[Greg]

A very quick read that highlights some truly fundamental principles of leadership and ethics. I read it because I friend of mine asked for recommendations for very short books on leadership for a training program, and I had read other material by Tim Clark and though it to be beneficial. For a young person beginning a career, maybe thinking about a new leadership role, or contemplating other ways in which they might be (or become) leaders at work, at home, or in the community, this would be a good starting place. The story keeps you entertained while thinking about and applying the principles to your own situation. While it can be easily read in an hour or so, I would encourage a reader to read a little, set is aside and think about how it relates to you personally, then read a little more, rinse and repeat.

[Brad]

If you are looking for a leadership How-to book, this isn't it. However this is an excellent book about purpose and motivation for becoming a leader. In other words if you aren't willing to lead for the right reasons don't bother. You don't have to be perfect but you need to be willing to change and grow in the right direction. I especially like the insight into stewardship versus self-interest. It doesn't just apply to what we typically classify as "leadership." All our activities involve some form of stewardship.

[Casey]

Very glad I read it.

[Lon]

This quick read accomplished it's design, as it made me truly evaluate my leadership skills. It made me consider how well I am able to sacrifice self-interest for the sake of stewardship.

[David]

A quick read and had some very good insights on leadership.

[Sheree]

excellent book. you can read it in an hour.

[Brad Boyce]

Decent book. Quick read.

[Kent]

This little book delivers good insights on the qualities of good leadership and may cause some beneficial introspection for its readers.

[Travis]

My father recommended this to me. A very quick read, but I'm not sure I got everything out of it that he seemed to.

[Bridget Hinckle]

A must read for anyone considering leadership.

[Emily]

Short, easy read. Thought it would be better, but it's just ok. Not bad, not life changing.