Book excerpt: This handbook is part four of ICMI's comprehensive, four-part series on call center management, which includes people management, operations management, customer relationship management, and leadership and business management. The Call Center Leadership and Business Management Handbook and Study Guide applies proven leadership and business practices to the call center environment. The study guide opens with guidance on developing an effective vision, mission, strategy and valuation model. Next, it explores leadership and communication best practices and highlights those skills and aptitudes that are most important in the call center. The unique environment of the call center is discussed next, with a focus on navigating future trends and requirements. The fourth section of the guide provides professionals with solid principles on developing business plans, improving operations and managing contracts. The study guide comes to a close with an overview of financial principles that call center professionals should understand.