I think that one of the best ways to learn leadership isn’t studying “leadership” at all. Instead, study individual leaders in their natural habitat and decide what they do that you want to try. Articles by and about leaders and interviews with them are mini-case studies that show you an actual leader in a real situation.

That’s why, every week, I bring you a selection of post about individual leaders. This week I’m pointing you to pieces by and about Howard Kahn, Kara Goldin, Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul McGinley, John Donahoe, and Megan Smith.

From Beth Pinsker: How to keep a 127-year-old family business alive

“As a preteen, Howard Kahn could not have had less interest in his family business – the Kahn Lucas girls’ dress company, founded in 1889. He was not a customer. He had no interest in fashion. And he did not work on the factory floor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania during summer vacations. But when Kahn was 24 and working for Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, his dad offered him a job, and he could not resist.”

From Elliot Begoun: Solve a problem that no one else is working on

“Kara Goldin is the founder and CEO of hint Inc. Located on Union Street in the heart of San Francisco, hint (yes, the ‘h’ is not capitalized) produces flavored waters made without the use of any sweeteners or artificial ingredients.”

From Rob Morris: Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul McGinley

“Legends from the world of football and golf share their insights into combating complacency, building trust and managing diverse teams.”

From Luke Stangel: John Donahoe: Dump the Myth of the High Achiever

“The former CEO of eBay encourages students to build a life outside of work and find creative solutions to problems.”

From Tom Fox: Talking leadership with the country’s chief technology officer

“Megan Smith is the U.S. chief technology officer and assistant to the president. Smith—an engineer, entrepreneur, technology evangelist and former vice president at Google—spoke with Tom Fox about her views of government, including expanded engagement with Silicon Valley, as well as her prioritization of diversity.”