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 Terry Davis, Lindsey Ueberroth, Alex Lintner, Bruce Buchanan, and Dave Lewis

From Marina Strauss: Home Hardware CEO is a lifelong do-it-yourselfer

“Terry Davis got his start at Home Hardware Stores Ltd. 44 years ago as a warehouse stock picker – a 19-year-old, long-haired hippie fresh out of high school with a wife and newborn daughter to support. A few months later, he applied for and landed a job as a computer programmer, without knowing anything about computers. Over the ensuing years, through a divorce, second marriage and the birth of a second daughter, he kept moving up the corporate ladder and on May 1, at age 63, became CEO.”

From Adam Bryant: Lindsey Ueberroth of Preferred Hotels: When Running a Meeting, Speak Last

“A C.E.O. says that to avoid swaying the conversation in meetings, ‘I’ve learned to throw a topic out, ask a lot of questions and get a lot of engagement before I speak my mind.'”

From Lynn Russo Whylly: A First-Time CEO Talks About Lessons Learned in His First Year

“Formerly president of a high-tech firm, Alex Lintner talks about how he brushed up on the insurance industry and built relationships with customers.”

From Jill Phillips,: 5 Questions: Bruce Buchanan, president of Buchanan Group

“A wedding at a funeral home? It’s happening. And corporate meetings and birthday parties too. Flanner & Buchanan Mortuaries and other funeral homes are adding services for a variety of life events.”

From Jim Edwards: Tesco CEO Dave Lewis Suggests Employees Email Him Directly

“Dave Lewis, the new CEO of beleaguered British supermarket chain Tesco, started his first official day of work today by messaging every single Tesco employee, asking them how to improve their declining business.”