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 Chris Van Gorder, Ross WIlliams, Frank Walwyn, Mikel Elliott, and Jan Singer.

From Tamara Rosin: Scripps’ CEO Chris Van Gorder on the power of inbox-zero

“Communication is arguably the most essential leadership skill. As the head of an organization, a CEO makes decisions for and on behalf of the organization he or she leads. Effectively communicating these decisions to the rest of the organization is critical for ensuring buy-in and trust. On a more granular level, a leader must demonstrate this ability to communicate with others on a daily basis. When I emailed Chris Van Gorder to comment on this topic at 7:45 pm PST, he replied three minutes later.”

Thanks to Smartbrief on Leadership for pointing me to this story

From Adam Gale: Interview: Ross WIlliams, CEO of dating site provider Venntro

“With a net worth of £30 million, the founder and CEO of online dating provider Venntro met his wife on the internet and has a pilot’s licence.”

From Sean Fine: WeirFoulds partner Frank Walwyn goes beyond borders to find success

“The world lost a potentially great mechanic when Frank Walwyn let it slip – after his high school valedictory speech – that he had not applied to go to university. The school principal blasted his parents. The teenager somehow hadn’t got around to telling them. He was a happy mechanic.”

From Charles Fleming: CEO of Quixote Studios keeps Hollywood rolling along

“Mikel Elliott is co-founder and chief executive of Quixote Studios, the entertainment industry’s premier studio and equipment rental company, presiding over a fleet of Hollywood’s most elegant talent trailers and motor homes as well as more than 1 million square feet of movie, TV and music soundstages, production offices and parking lots.”

From Adam Bryant: Jan Singer of Spanx: Using Votes to Guide a Group

“I think you have to meet people where they are. I am who I am, but I can also assess pretty quickly where people are, and I can flex to them because I’m curious about them and appreciative of where they are. It’s not about you in that moment.”