Book excerpt: Intended for courses on leadership, practicing managers, consultants, and practitioners, this approachable guide teaches readers about how to become a leader. By blending the real-world insights of business executive Al Bolea with tested research findings provided by leadership scholar Leanne Atwater, it effectively bridges theory and practice to outline powerful leadership behaviors. Based on Bolea’s original "J-Curve" model of leadership, the authors identify and describe nine essential elements for leadership mastery, including skills such as setting direction, creating key proceses, and nurturing behaviors. Each chapter pairs concrete narratives with succinct research synopses to show how to expand the potential of people and organizations. A unique, experiential text, Applied Leadership Development engages students with self-reflection and self-assessment exercises, and encourages them in their own development as future leaders.