Best in brief: The ascent of the (chair)man

Warren G. Bennis

From Harvard Business Review (Jan 2004): Bennis, `The ascent of (chair)man' describes seven stages of development in the life of a successful executive, on the lines of Shakespeare's seven ages of man (As You Like It).

Best in brief

The ascent of (chair)man

Warren G. Bennis

A leader's life unfolds in seven stages, and each stage of leadership brings new crises and challenges. From Shakespeare's perspective in As You Like It, they would be: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, general, statesman and sage. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help a leader survive and, with luck, come through stronger and more confident.

The first stage is the 'infant' executive. Here it is importantto learn the tools of the trade, and the best...

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