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 Schultz, Julie Sweet, James Mattis, and Rick Hendrick.

From Mary Ellen Slayter: 5 Things You Need to Learn Before You Become CEO

“Of course, the job doesn’t end there. Monster talked to several CEOs to find out what must-haves you need before you can consider yourself cut out for the gig.”

From Andrew Ross Sorkin: Howard Schultz to Step Down as Starbucks Chief Next Year

“Mr. Schultz, one of the most visible chief executives in the country, has made Starbucks a vocal part of the national conversation on issues like gun violence, gay rights, race relations, veterans rights and student debt. The succession will take place on April 3, and he will remain at the company as executive chairman, focusing on the company’s involvement in social causes and on growing Starbucks Reserve, the company’s new superpremium brand and chain of high-end stores.”

From Marguerite Ward: the CEO of a $16 billion business explains why she banned corporate memos

“When Julie Sweet became the CEO of Accenture’s North American business in 2015, she made her mark on the $16 billion operation. Some of the changes Sweet ushered in were big, such as leading important acquisitions for the global professional services business. Other changes were smaller, but haven proven extremely effective. For example, one of the first things Sweet did was outlaw the corporate memo.”

From Jena McGregor: The avid reading habits of Trump’s secretary of defense, James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis

“Perhaps a man he has reportedly selected as his Secretary of Defense will rub off on him. Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, nicknamed ‘Mad Dog,’ is known for his gruff and blunt quotes. (‘Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’) He’s been hailed for his battlefield successes, his strategic mind and his bond with rank-and-file soldiers. He’s been called a ‘warrior monk’ and has a disdain for PowerPoint.”

From Katherine Peralta: Lessons in leadership from NASCAR’s winningest team owner

“Rick Hendrick was enrolled in a work-study program at N.C. State University in the late 1960s when he realized that selling cars was what he should be doing for the rest of his life.”