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 Steve Ballmer, Chanda Kochhar, Laurie Glimcher, and C. Dean Metropoulos, plus the advice of forty top execs.

From Shira Ovide: Steve Ballmer on His New Life as a Basketball Owner and Microsoft Shareholder

“Nine months after Steve Ballmer retired as Microsoft ’s chief executive, two things are clear: He retains his intense enthusiasm for the software giant and he’s applied a whopping dose of it to his new passion, the Los Angeles Clippers.”

From Barrie McKenna: India’s first female bank CEO aims to develop country’s economy

“Chanda Kochhar, the first woman to run a bank in India, is no stranger to tough situations.”

From Adam Bryant: Dr. Laurie Glimcher, on Putting Everything on the Line

“I’ve inherited a lot of traits from both my parents. I’m very empathetic and maternal. My mother used to say that when I went to the pet store, I would come home with a one-eyed bird. I’ve always wanted to make things better, take care of people. I also used to dissect frogs, though, which horrified my sisters.”

From Drew Harwell: Meet the Twinkie-saving, beer-selling billionaire who has changed the way you eat

“When Pabst Brewing, the lowbrow beer house behind Old Milwaukee and Colt 45, went on the market in 2010, few expected its new buyer would have the industrialist poise or presidential hairline of billionaire dealmaker C. Dean Metropoulos”

From Christopher Tkaczyk and Scott Olster: The best advice in business: 40 execs reveal their secrets to success

“We’ve gathered wisdom from those who have rocketed up the corporate ladder and helped others climb with them. Here, some valuable lessons on how to lead well, achieve more, and have fun doing it.”