Book excerpt: This book doesn't offer overrated success stories which in most cases cannot be imitated. It contains no check lists or recipes for success and it presents no theoretically-based models. The meta-competencies discussed in this refreshing book are timeless virtues of which effective leaders seem to possess, but which are rarely if ever included in lists of competencies in the vast business leadership literature. They include: Existential intelligence - distinct from the much discussed emotional intelligence, is about the ability to pose questions and reflect on fundamental issues in ways that develop a mature ability to interpret the world and better understand other people. Phronesis - is the ability to exercise sound judgement based on skilful application of moral and political rationality. Solitude - is a voluntary state achieved when an individual has the ability to momentarily withdraw and be free of external pressures and demands in order to concentrate on desired mental-cognitive activities. Trust building - is more often discussed in leadership literature. As a leadership competence it is about the ability to be credible, show trust in and respect for other people and inspire trust. For the curious business practitioner, business student, or business educator wishing to consider aspects of leadership competence that have to some extent been hidden or forgotten, this book introduces the notion of meta-competences and deals in detail with them.