Joseph Badaracco argues that literature helps leaders develop personal answers to specific questions. Serious
fiction provides fresh, powerful perspectives on the fundamental dilemmas facing today's managers and executives.
While reading compelling stories in which memorable protagonists grapple with questions of character, leaders can
watch them worry, hope, commit, exult, regret, and reflect, while being tested, strengthened, or weakened. These
experiences deepen leaders' self-knowledge, enabling them to be more effective. Badaracco examines eight universal
leadership challenges through the lenses of celebrated stories.