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 Christopher Nassetta, Christian Rudder, Patrick Niemann, and Maynard Webb. Plus productivity tips from ten top CEOs.

From Samantha Shankman: Interview: Hilton CEO on Being Everything to Every Guest Everywhere

“Christopher Nassetta joined Hilton as CEO in December 2007 after holding executive roles at Host Hotels and Resorts and several real estate and investment companies, after being courted by its owner Blackstone. He shepherded the brand up to and through its initial public offering in December 2013.”

From Christine Dobby: OkCupid co-founder works with the ‘human story’ behind Big Data

“Christian Rudder has never been on a date with someone he met on the Internet, but he knows how to make your online dating profile picture sing. He can tell you what type of camera to use, what time of day to take it and whether you should show some skin. It’s not personal, it’s just science.

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From Ronald D. White: Ernst & Young’s Patrick Niemann is not just a numbers guy

“Patrick Niemann, 46, is the managing partner of Ernst & Young’s Greater Los Angeles practice. EY is one of the so-called Big Four accounting firms. In Los Angeles, Niemann runs an operation with 1,500 workers.”

From Adam Bryant: Maynard Webb, Yahoo’s Chairman: Even the Best Teams Can Be Better

“A veteran tech executive says that in general, companies spend too much time on poor performers and not enough on making ‘A-plus’ employees better.”

From Jena McGregor: How 10 CEOs work smarter, manage better and get things done faster

“This time of year, we all resolve to find ways to be more efficient: to lead teams better, be smarter about how we manage our time, and find wiser ways to work. But what time-tested ideas actually stick for really busy people? To answer that question, we looked for ideas that CEOs have shared over the past year about time management, work-life balance and leadership.”