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 Mary Barra, Elon Musk, Janet Napolitano, Wendi Whitmore, and Manny Lopez.

From Christopher Ross: A Day in the Life of GM CEO Mary Barra

“After a difficult start on the job, the CEO of GM is now setting her sights on the future.”

From Susan Pulliam, Mike Ramsey and Brody Mullins: Elon Musk Supports His Business Empire With Unusual Financial Moves

“From personal loans to buying stock, billionaire leader of Tesla, SpaceX and SolarCity has provided help even though it could be risky.”

From Anna Johnston: Through the looking glass: Janet Napolitano on leadership

“Janet Napolitano, President of the University of California and former Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, shares more than two decades worth of leadership lessons.”

From Melissa Wylie: Battling cyber crime at IBM

“As global lead of IBM’s X-Force Security Services, Wendi Whitmore helps protect companies from people who want to ‘steal their secrets.’”

From Donna McGuire: Manny Lopez, a longtime Kansas City restaurateur, dies at age 77

“Later, he toiled 12 years as manager of the Westport One Restaurant, working his way down the ladder to learn every part of the operation, he recounted to The Star in 1989. ‘It was like going to college but getting paid for it,’ he said at the time. ‘I wanted to learn everything there is to know about being a restaurateur; I thrive on the word professional.’”