The Harvard Business Review Leader's Handbook by Ron Ashkenas & Brook Manville Summary

The Harvard Business Review Leader's Handbook by Ron Ashkenas and Brook Manville distills six proven leadership practices: building a unifying vision, developing strategy, attracting talent, focusing on results, driving innovation, and leading oneself. It combines frameworks from HBR research, case studies (e.g., World Bank, PBS), and actionable steps to help leaders navigate complexity and inspire teams.

Aspiring and current mid-to-senior leaders (director-level and above) in for-profit and nonprofit organizations will benefit most. It’s ideal for those seeking structured guidance on strategy, team-building, and fostering innovation. New leaders gain foundational skills, while experienced executives use it to refine their approach.

Yes—readers praise its practical, research-backed advice and real-world examples. Critics note its academic tone, but its focus on timeless practices (e.g., vision-setting, accountability) makes it valuable for leaders prioritizing long-term impact over trendy frameworks.

1. Building a unifying vision
2. Developing a strategy
3. Getting great people on board
4. Focusing on results
5. Innovating for the future
6. Leading oneself

These practices create a circular leadership path, starting with vision and ending with self-mastery.

Leaders learn to analyze competitive landscapes, assess organizational capabilities, and align growth paths with their vision. The book emphasizes balancing short-term wins with long-term sustainability, using examples like Jim Smith’s turnaround at Thomson Reuters.

It integrates classics like Michael Porter’s competitive strategy and Clayton Christensen’s innovation theories. Case studies, such as Darren Walker’s work at the Ford Foundation, show how to apply these frameworks to real-world challenges.

Leaders are urged to cultivate agility, creativity, and adaptability by encouraging experimentation. Examples include PBS’s digital transformation under Paula Kerger and Merck’s R&D strategies.

Some find its academic style dry compared to narrative-driven leadership books. However, its structured, step-by-step approach is praised for clarity, particularly in complex organizational settings.

Unlike anecdotal leadership memoirs, this handbook offers a systematic toolkit rooted in HBR research. It’s less philosophical than Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits but more actionable for executives facing operational challenges.

Its focus on agile decision-making, hybrid team management, and sustained innovation aligns with today’s fast-paced, socially conscious business environment. The practices adapt well to remote work and AI-driven markets.

It stresses self-awareness, skill development, and integrity. Leaders learn to align personal values with organizational goals, using reflection exercises and candid feedback loops.

Case studies feature Jim Wolfensohn’s World Bank reforms, Thomson Reuters’ strategic pivots, and the Ford Foundation’s philanthropic leadership. These illustrate applying the six practices across industries.