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  • Published: 7 October 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241994504
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.00

The Habit of Excellence

Why British Army Leadership Works

  • Lt Col Langley Sharp



The official British Army book on how to become a better leader - whatever your field

The Habit of Excellence is a unique insight into British Army leadership, explaining what makes it unique, what makes it so effective and what civilians can take from it to become better leaders themselves.

Drawing on the latest research in military history, business, sociology, psychology and behavioural science, and with compelling illustration from British Army operations across the centuries, Lt Col Langley Sharp MBE goes beyond the latest leadership fads to distil into one peerlessly authoritative work the essence of leading and leadership from one of the world's most revered institutions.

We see that leadership is not about the heroic exception, but the habitual practice of doing what is right, difficult and necessary every single day to build a team, look after the people in it and work towards the next objective. The Habit of Excellence is for any leader committed to maximising the effectiveness of their teams and unlocking the potential of their people - and themselves.

  • Published: 7 October 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241994504
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.00

Praise for The Habit of Excellence

An extraordinary read for any leader. Truly brilliant

General Stanley McChrystal, author of Team of Teams

Offers proven tools and strategies ... This excellent book challenges popular assumptions about British Army leadership, revealing what makes it the "gold standard"

Matthew Syed, author of Rebel Ideas

Valuable in any walk of life

General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff

This very readable book uncovers the skills and qualities that have made Sandhurst a byword for effective leadership. I could not recommend this exceptional book more

General The Lord David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff

A terrific book - one that is full of insights and lessons that will be of enormous value to leaders in all fields!

General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA

Great leadership is fundamentally a question of character . . . This is a handbook for those aspiring to be great leaders everywhere

Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor

This book is so impactful. If you want to become a better leader, read this book

Eddie Jones, Head Coach, England national rugby union team

Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp's elaboration of the British Army's approach to leadership is comprehensive and clearly written, and provides valuable lessons for soldiers and civilians alike. As organisations grapple with the enormous changes underway - whether due to rapid technological advances or the changes in working practices brought about by the pandemic - understanding the basics of leadership will be essential if leaders and their organisations are to survive and thrive in our fast-paced environment

Karin von Hippel, Director-General, RUSI

Excellent. It's hard to see how any leader, whatever their field, wouldn't benefit from reading and rereading it

Ed Smith, New Statesman

Offers lessons for all managers

Financial Times

There are lessons in the approach to leadership taken by the military that apply to business and other walks of life . . . the principles set out here are worthy of attention

Roger Trapp, Forbes