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Your all-in-one guide to leading organizations effectively in an age of disruption.
Whether you’re steering a Fortune 500 company, running a small nonprofit, or building an innovative startup, investing in leadership development will produce significant business results. But where to start? The fully revised ATD’s Leadership Handbook delivers leadership strategies from more than 60 experts to help organizational leaders drive better employee engagement and retention, more effective performance, and higher revenue. The handbook includes downloadable prompts and conversation starters, checklists, system audits, assessments, templates, and action plans.
Through insights and real-world stories from trusted talent development veterans—from Seth Godin, Marshall Goldsmith, Ken Blanchard, Beverly Kaye, and Elliott Masie—as well as bold new voices in the field, you’ll learn to make smarter investments in developing your organization’s current and future leaders. Spanning 43 all-new chapters, the handbook covers both foundational topics and urgent, contemporary issues such as:
- Leading in times of change
- Creating a psychologically safe work culture
- Developing effective leaders through coaching, mentoring, 360-feedback, and experiential learning
- Navigating the intersection of AI and leadership
- Addressing workplace disconnection and disruption
- Supporting women in transforming traditional leadership models
Leaders have never faced more complex demands than they do today, and great leadership has never been more critical for your organization’s success. This new edition of ATD’s Leadership Handbook is the guide you need to embrace every opportunity to learn more, think differently, and level up your organization and your career.
Price: $89.99
Pages: 672
Publisher: Association for Talent Development
Imprint: Association for Talent Development
Publication Date:
01 September 2026
Trim Size: 9.19 X 7.00 in
ISBN: 9781963392357
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Leadership, Management: leadership & motivation, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Organizational Development, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Human Resources & Personnel Management, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Mentoring & Coaching, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Management, Personnel & human resources management, Organizational theory & behaviour
“A modern masterclass in a single volume, ATD’s Leadership Handbook is an indispensable resource for current leaders and those dedicated to shaping the visionaries of tomorrow.”
—Chris Ernst, Chief Learning Officer, Workday
“This book is absolutely stuffed to the gills with essential insights from hall of fame thinkers on leadership.”
—Michael Bungay Stanier, Bestselling Author, The Coaching Habit
“Elaine Biech knows who the leaders are and has convinced them to share their wisdom. Now, she’s put it all together in a book that tells the story of leadership from every angle. This handbook will show you what you need to know to be the leader the world needs right now!”
—Christie Ward, CSP, Owner and Leadership Facilitator, The Impact Institute
“Prepare your organization’s leaders for the future with ATD’s Leadership Handbook. Guided by the experienced editorial hand of Elaine Biech, this handbook offers content that is both practical and empowering. It is a functional blueprint for organizations committed to ensuring stellar leaders.”
—Bill Nelson, Vice President, Architectural Graphics
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is the best resource for all leaders—from CEOs to first-time leaders—that I have been privileged to read in 50 years of study. The six sections and dozens of brilliant authors cover everything you need to learn, reflect on, and then use to lift others on their journeys.”
—VADM Ret. John R. Ryan, Former CEO, Center for Creative Leadership
“ATD and Elaine Biech have done an exceptional job curating the voices and wisdom of 65 brilliant thought leaders to create a unique combination of comprehensive research and practical frameworks that practitioners and leaders can immediately apply.”
—Howard Farfel, CEO, TalentSmartEQ
“If you’ve ever wished you could get the world’s greatest leadership minds in one room for a weekend, here’s your chance! This handbook does more than just gather big names. It tackles the real, messy stuff we’re all dealing with right now—from leading through AI and constant disruption to the quiet, essential work of building trust and psychological safety.”
—Diane Elkins, Co-Founder, Artisan Learning
“This collection of leadership talent and their keen perspectives on what makes things tick, is a resource worth spending time with. My favorite sections are ‘Attributes of Effective Leaders’ and ‘Developing Effective Leaders,’ because leaders must mentor those who will emerge as the next generation of leadership.”
—RADM Ret. JB Godwin III, President and CEO, Mercy Medical Angels
“Elaine Biech has assembled an extraordinary group of leadership experts to share what truly works. The result is a practical, insightful handbook that both leaders, and those responsible for developing them, will return to again and again.”
—Jeff Hayes, Vistage Chair, Former CEO, The Myers-Briggs Company
“Leadership development professionals are constantly searching for resources that combine credible research with real-world application. With contributions from 65 experts across 43 chapters, ATD’s Leadership Handbook captures the depth, diversity, and evolution of modern leadership and offers proven frameworks, actionable tools, and fresh perspectives. This is a powerful resource for anyone committed to elevating leadership in their organization.”
—Kevin Oakes, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Institute for Corporate Productivity
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is a must-have for anyone wanting to become a better, more conscious leader. The 43 chapters address competencies, attributes, developing others, and creating a superior workforce to increase overall productivity.”
—Joe Trueblood, CEO, Amplify Growth
“Prepare your organization’s leaders for the future with ATD’s Leadership Handbook. The content of this handbook is practical and empowering. It offers a functional blueprint for organizations committed to ensuring the development of stellar leaders.”
—Kevin Cope, CEO, Acumen Learning; Bestselling Author, Seeing the Big Picture
“Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or decades in, this is the handbook you’ll return to repeatedly. Elaine gathered 45 respected voices in our field to contribute deep expertise, creating an indispensable resource for anyone navigating modern leadership realities. It’s a must-have for your bookshelf!”
—Cindy Huggett, CPTD, Author, The Virtual Training Guidebook
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook bridges the gap between leadership theory and real-world practice, offering practical insights from experienced practitioners and thought leaders. It’s a valuable, accessible resource for both leaders and the professionals responsible for developing them.”
—Karl M. Kapp, EdD, Professor of Instructional Design and Technology, Commonwealth University; Author, Action-First Learning
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is a comprehensive guide for leaders of today and the years ahead. Two sections will be extremely useful to the leaders I work with. ‘Exceptional Leaders Create Superior Workforces’ presents a reminder that leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. ‘Contemporary Leadership Challenges’ offers forward-thinking insights and guidance to all leaders.”
—Mona Gillis Edwards, Executive Coach, Lift Coaching; Member, Board of Governors, Center for Creative Leadership
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is an extraordinary resource. With Elaine Biech’s deep connections across the leadership development community, it’s no surprise that this handbook brings together such an extraordinary group of contributors.”
—William J. Rothwell, PhD, CPTD Fellow, President, Rothwell and Associates
“ATD and Elaine Biech have assembled an extraordinary lineup of thinkers who don't just talk about leadership—they've spent careers building it. The result is a handbook that's as useful for the leader in the chair as it is for the person designing their development.”
—Dean M. Becker, Managing Director, Adaptive
“This handbook is a modern compass for leaders navigating uncharted terrain—where intention, not instinct, sets the course. Drawing on the wisdom of today’s foremost voices, it stands as both a field guide and a north star for leading with purpose in a time that demands nothing less.”
—Mary McGlynn, Founder, Power Speaking
“Whatever you think you know about leadership, think again. ATD’s Leadership Handbook delivers comprehensive, inspiring, and pragmatic leadership guidance for today’s world, which brazenly challenges leadership—and yet needs it more than ever.”
—Michael W. Allen, PhD, Author, Rethinking eLearning
—Chris Ernst, Chief Learning Officer, Workday
“This book is absolutely stuffed to the gills with essential insights from hall of fame thinkers on leadership.”
—Michael Bungay Stanier, Bestselling Author, The Coaching Habit
“Elaine Biech knows who the leaders are and has convinced them to share their wisdom. Now, she’s put it all together in a book that tells the story of leadership from every angle. This handbook will show you what you need to know to be the leader the world needs right now!”
—Christie Ward, CSP, Owner and Leadership Facilitator, The Impact Institute
“Prepare your organization’s leaders for the future with ATD’s Leadership Handbook. Guided by the experienced editorial hand of Elaine Biech, this handbook offers content that is both practical and empowering. It is a functional blueprint for organizations committed to ensuring stellar leaders.”
—Bill Nelson, Vice President, Architectural Graphics
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is the best resource for all leaders—from CEOs to first-time leaders—that I have been privileged to read in 50 years of study. The six sections and dozens of brilliant authors cover everything you need to learn, reflect on, and then use to lift others on their journeys.”
—VADM Ret. John R. Ryan, Former CEO, Center for Creative Leadership
“ATD and Elaine Biech have done an exceptional job curating the voices and wisdom of 65 brilliant thought leaders to create a unique combination of comprehensive research and practical frameworks that practitioners and leaders can immediately apply.”
—Howard Farfel, CEO, TalentSmartEQ
“If you’ve ever wished you could get the world’s greatest leadership minds in one room for a weekend, here’s your chance! This handbook does more than just gather big names. It tackles the real, messy stuff we’re all dealing with right now—from leading through AI and constant disruption to the quiet, essential work of building trust and psychological safety.”
—Diane Elkins, Co-Founder, Artisan Learning
“This collection of leadership talent and their keen perspectives on what makes things tick, is a resource worth spending time with. My favorite sections are ‘Attributes of Effective Leaders’ and ‘Developing Effective Leaders,’ because leaders must mentor those who will emerge as the next generation of leadership.”
—RADM Ret. JB Godwin III, President and CEO, Mercy Medical Angels
“Elaine Biech has assembled an extraordinary group of leadership experts to share what truly works. The result is a practical, insightful handbook that both leaders, and those responsible for developing them, will return to again and again.”
—Jeff Hayes, Vistage Chair, Former CEO, The Myers-Briggs Company
“Leadership development professionals are constantly searching for resources that combine credible research with real-world application. With contributions from 65 experts across 43 chapters, ATD’s Leadership Handbook captures the depth, diversity, and evolution of modern leadership and offers proven frameworks, actionable tools, and fresh perspectives. This is a powerful resource for anyone committed to elevating leadership in their organization.”
—Kevin Oakes, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Institute for Corporate Productivity
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is a must-have for anyone wanting to become a better, more conscious leader. The 43 chapters address competencies, attributes, developing others, and creating a superior workforce to increase overall productivity.”
—Joe Trueblood, CEO, Amplify Growth
“Prepare your organization’s leaders for the future with ATD’s Leadership Handbook. The content of this handbook is practical and empowering. It offers a functional blueprint for organizations committed to ensuring the development of stellar leaders.”
—Kevin Cope, CEO, Acumen Learning; Bestselling Author, Seeing the Big Picture
“Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or decades in, this is the handbook you’ll return to repeatedly. Elaine gathered 45 respected voices in our field to contribute deep expertise, creating an indispensable resource for anyone navigating modern leadership realities. It’s a must-have for your bookshelf!”
—Cindy Huggett, CPTD, Author, The Virtual Training Guidebook
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook bridges the gap between leadership theory and real-world practice, offering practical insights from experienced practitioners and thought leaders. It’s a valuable, accessible resource for both leaders and the professionals responsible for developing them.”
—Karl M. Kapp, EdD, Professor of Instructional Design and Technology, Commonwealth University; Author, Action-First Learning
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is a comprehensive guide for leaders of today and the years ahead. Two sections will be extremely useful to the leaders I work with. ‘Exceptional Leaders Create Superior Workforces’ presents a reminder that leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. ‘Contemporary Leadership Challenges’ offers forward-thinking insights and guidance to all leaders.”
—Mona Gillis Edwards, Executive Coach, Lift Coaching; Member, Board of Governors, Center for Creative Leadership
“ATD’s Leadership Handbook is an extraordinary resource. With Elaine Biech’s deep connections across the leadership development community, it’s no surprise that this handbook brings together such an extraordinary group of contributors.”
—William J. Rothwell, PhD, CPTD Fellow, President, Rothwell and Associates
“ATD and Elaine Biech have assembled an extraordinary lineup of thinkers who don't just talk about leadership—they've spent careers building it. The result is a handbook that's as useful for the leader in the chair as it is for the person designing their development.”
—Dean M. Becker, Managing Director, Adaptive
“This handbook is a modern compass for leaders navigating uncharted terrain—where intention, not instinct, sets the course. Drawing on the wisdom of today’s foremost voices, it stands as both a field guide and a north star for leading with purpose in a time that demands nothing less.”
—Mary McGlynn, Founder, Power Speaking
“Whatever you think you know about leadership, think again. ATD’s Leadership Handbook delivers comprehensive, inspiring, and pragmatic leadership guidance for today’s world, which brazenly challenges leadership—and yet needs it more than ever.”
—Michael W. Allen, PhD, Author, Rethinking eLearning
Elaine Biech, CPTD fellow, believes that excellence isn’t optional. Her passion is helping others achieve their passion. She specializes in maximizing individual, team, and organizational effectiveness using her expertise in organization development, training, and consulting. Highlights of her career include designing and implementing the first process improvement programs for the Newport News Shipbuilding Company and McDonalds; designing and facilitating the first creativity program for Hershey Chocolate; and facilitating one of the world’s first virtual training sessions for NASA. Biech has authored or co-authored 90 books, including ATD’s TDBoK™ Guide and The Art & Science of Training, which was a Washington Post number 1 bestseller. She has been featured in dozens of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Fortune. She serves on the board of directors for the Association of Learning Providers and the board of governors for the Center for Creative Leadership. She lives in Algoma, Wisconsin.
Foreword by Tony Bingham
Introduction: Become an Intentional Leader by Elaine Biech
Chapter 1. Driving to Win: A CEO’s Perspective on Leadership by Ben Keating
Section I. Key Leadership Competencies
Chapter 2. Practices of Exemplary Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Chapter 3. Strategy for Leaders: Making Better Plans in a Complex World by Seth Godin
Chapter 4. The Catalyst Leader: Adaptability, Flexibility, and Agility for Lasting Impact by John Coné
Chapter 5. Navigate Change Without a Map: Use a Compass to Lead the Way by Katie Sheketoff
Chapter 6. Leadership Is Emotional: Why EQ Matters More Than Ever by Maggie Sass and Ross Blankenship
Chapter 7. Creating a Psychologically SAFE and Inclusive Culture by Sy Islam and Michael Chetta
Chapter 8. DEAL: Negotiation Skills for Leaders by Linda Byars Swindling
Section II. Attributes of Successful Leaders
Chapter 9. The Leadership Code: Timeless Principles and Timely Practices by Dave Ulrich, Erin Wilson Burns, and Leslie Kawai
Chapter 10. Systemize Trust, Don’t Personalize It: Building Trust Beyond Individual Leaders by Kamaria Scott
Chapter 11. Courage: The First Virtue of Leadership by Bill Treasurer
Chapter 12. Use Communication Skills to Become a Standout Leader in a Sea of Same by Dianna Booher
Chapter 13. Beyond Intelligence: Wisdom at the Heart of Great Leadership by Stephen B. Jeong, Abigail Dunne-Moses, and David G. Altman
Section III. Developing Effective Leaders
Chapter 14. Leadership Development: The Yeast That Makes Organizations Rise by John H. (Jack) Zenger and Joe Folkman
Chapter 15. Why Leadership Development Doesn’t Work (And How to Fix It) by Tacy M. Byham
Chapter 16. Leaders in Action: A Behavior-Based Model of Leader Development by Andrew C. Loignon, Diane M. Bergeron, Marcia A. Dawkins, Jeff J. Kosovich, and Daniel J. Smith
Chapter 17. From Insight to Action: Best Practices for Using 360-Degree Feedback by Kenneth M. Nowack and Sandra Mashihi
Chapter 18. Coaching and Leadership: It’s Not What You Know—It’s What You Do by Marshall Goldsmith
Chapter 19. Experiential Learning: Building Leadership Beyond the Classroom by Rita Bailey
Chapter 20. Unleashing Your Superpowers Through Relationships by Sanyin Siang
Chapter 21. The Vertical Path: Developing Leadership Maturity Through Mindfulness by Lori Brewer Collins and Emily Hoole
Chapter 22. Best Practices for Measuring and Evaluating Leadership Development Programs by Patricia Pulliam Phillips and Jack J. Phillips
Section IV. Exceptional Leaders Create Superior Workforces
Chapter 23. Hire Smart People, Train Them Properly, Then Get Out of Their Way by Ken Blanchard
Chapter 24. A Durable Framework for Talent Engagement by Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans
Chapter 25. The Leader’s Role in Employee Career Development by Bob Nelson
Chapter 26. Mentor Like You Mean It by Jenn Stevens
Chapter 27. Purposeful Productivity: The New Standard in Performance Management by Russ Reeder
Chapter 28. Unlocking the Leadership Potential of Employees by Jonathan Yeo
Chapter 29. A Culture of Leadership Development for All by Tim Tobin
Chapter 30. Leadership at All Levels: Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today by Kimberly Currier
Chapter 31. Caught in the Middle: Empowering Frontline Managers by JD Dillon
Section V. Contemporary Leadership Challenges
Chapter 32. A NICE Model for Innovative Leadership by Jonathan Halls
Chapter 33. You Belong With We: Reclaiming Connection at Work by David G. Altman and Joanne Dias
Chapter 34. The PACT Model: A Guide to Leadership, Resilience, and Satisfaction by Marjorie Blanchard
Chapter 35. Leadership Development in Disruptive Times by Elliott Masie
Chapter 36. Rewiring Leadership: Leading Teams in an Age of Disruption by Ann Herrmann-Nehdi
Chapter 37. The Feedback Gap: Ensure You Hear the Truth by Sharon E. Harrington
Section VI. Essential Discussions
Chapter 38. Leading With Purpose Through Ikigai by Kimo Kippen
Chapter 39. A Tale of Two Leaders and the Science of Peak Performance by Dana Alan Koch, Lauren Hodges, and Jessica Billiet
Chapter 40. What It Means to Be a Flexible Leader by Kevin Eikenberry
Chapter 41. AI Can Transform the Way You Lead by Marissa Afton, Jacqueline Carter, and Paula Kelley
Chapter 42. Women Transforming Leadership: An Androgynous Model by Suma Menon
Chapter 43. Transformational Leadership in Higher Education by Kimberly Cline
Acknowledgments
Appendix: List of Tools
References
Index
About the Editor
About ATD
Introduction: Become an Intentional Leader by Elaine Biech
Chapter 1. Driving to Win: A CEO’s Perspective on Leadership by Ben Keating
Section I. Key Leadership Competencies
Chapter 2. Practices of Exemplary Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Chapter 3. Strategy for Leaders: Making Better Plans in a Complex World by Seth Godin
Chapter 4. The Catalyst Leader: Adaptability, Flexibility, and Agility for Lasting Impact by John Coné
Chapter 5. Navigate Change Without a Map: Use a Compass to Lead the Way by Katie Sheketoff
Chapter 6. Leadership Is Emotional: Why EQ Matters More Than Ever by Maggie Sass and Ross Blankenship
Chapter 7. Creating a Psychologically SAFE and Inclusive Culture by Sy Islam and Michael Chetta
Chapter 8. DEAL: Negotiation Skills for Leaders by Linda Byars Swindling
Section II. Attributes of Successful Leaders
Chapter 9. The Leadership Code: Timeless Principles and Timely Practices by Dave Ulrich, Erin Wilson Burns, and Leslie Kawai
Chapter 10. Systemize Trust, Don’t Personalize It: Building Trust Beyond Individual Leaders by Kamaria Scott
Chapter 11. Courage: The First Virtue of Leadership by Bill Treasurer
Chapter 12. Use Communication Skills to Become a Standout Leader in a Sea of Same by Dianna Booher
Chapter 13. Beyond Intelligence: Wisdom at the Heart of Great Leadership by Stephen B. Jeong, Abigail Dunne-Moses, and David G. Altman
Section III. Developing Effective Leaders
Chapter 14. Leadership Development: The Yeast That Makes Organizations Rise by John H. (Jack) Zenger and Joe Folkman
Chapter 15. Why Leadership Development Doesn’t Work (And How to Fix It) by Tacy M. Byham
Chapter 16. Leaders in Action: A Behavior-Based Model of Leader Development by Andrew C. Loignon, Diane M. Bergeron, Marcia A. Dawkins, Jeff J. Kosovich, and Daniel J. Smith
Chapter 17. From Insight to Action: Best Practices for Using 360-Degree Feedback by Kenneth M. Nowack and Sandra Mashihi
Chapter 18. Coaching and Leadership: It’s Not What You Know—It’s What You Do by Marshall Goldsmith
Chapter 19. Experiential Learning: Building Leadership Beyond the Classroom by Rita Bailey
Chapter 20. Unleashing Your Superpowers Through Relationships by Sanyin Siang
Chapter 21. The Vertical Path: Developing Leadership Maturity Through Mindfulness by Lori Brewer Collins and Emily Hoole
Chapter 22. Best Practices for Measuring and Evaluating Leadership Development Programs by Patricia Pulliam Phillips and Jack J. Phillips
Section IV. Exceptional Leaders Create Superior Workforces
Chapter 23. Hire Smart People, Train Them Properly, Then Get Out of Their Way by Ken Blanchard
Chapter 24. A Durable Framework for Talent Engagement by Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans
Chapter 25. The Leader’s Role in Employee Career Development by Bob Nelson
Chapter 26. Mentor Like You Mean It by Jenn Stevens
Chapter 27. Purposeful Productivity: The New Standard in Performance Management by Russ Reeder
Chapter 28. Unlocking the Leadership Potential of Employees by Jonathan Yeo
Chapter 29. A Culture of Leadership Development for All by Tim Tobin
Chapter 30. Leadership at All Levels: Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today by Kimberly Currier
Chapter 31. Caught in the Middle: Empowering Frontline Managers by JD Dillon
Section V. Contemporary Leadership Challenges
Chapter 32. A NICE Model for Innovative Leadership by Jonathan Halls
Chapter 33. You Belong With We: Reclaiming Connection at Work by David G. Altman and Joanne Dias
Chapter 34. The PACT Model: A Guide to Leadership, Resilience, and Satisfaction by Marjorie Blanchard
Chapter 35. Leadership Development in Disruptive Times by Elliott Masie
Chapter 36. Rewiring Leadership: Leading Teams in an Age of Disruption by Ann Herrmann-Nehdi
Chapter 37. The Feedback Gap: Ensure You Hear the Truth by Sharon E. Harrington
Section VI. Essential Discussions
Chapter 38. Leading With Purpose Through Ikigai by Kimo Kippen
Chapter 39. A Tale of Two Leaders and the Science of Peak Performance by Dana Alan Koch, Lauren Hodges, and Jessica Billiet
Chapter 40. What It Means to Be a Flexible Leader by Kevin Eikenberry
Chapter 41. AI Can Transform the Way You Lead by Marissa Afton, Jacqueline Carter, and Paula Kelley
Chapter 42. Women Transforming Leadership: An Androgynous Model by Suma Menon
Chapter 43. Transformational Leadership in Higher Education by Kimberly Cline
Acknowledgments
Appendix: List of Tools
References
Index
About the Editor
About ATD