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Why does leadership matter? Because effective leadership is as uncommon as it is needed. Because effective leadership is the only way to drive change and sustain excellence. At its root, leadership is about influence...nothing more, nothing less. Contrary to what most people believe about leadership, my first responsibility as a leader is to lead "me." If I am ineffective in leading myself, how can I effectively lead others? Without effective personal leadership, making meaningful, transformational change at the organizational level is impossible. This is a book about leadership and leadership development. It proposes a new model that seeks to connect the idea of leadership as it relates to succession planning and underscores the importance of defining the types of leaders needed, developing those leaders in important ways and then deploying them to make a difference and add value. Like all new ideas and constructs, the ideas are dynamic and must be developed, internalized and communicated through word and deed. The ideas are important, powerful and effective only after they become a personal call for action. In the end, leadership is personal. Let the journey begin!

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Dr. Thurgood is uniquely qualified to discuss leadership development. As a practitioner he has held executive leadership positions with Frito-Lay, PepsiCo and Sam´s Club a and as CEO of The Exchange. He also has over 28 years of Army service, both active and reserve. He is a retired Major General. He received his Ph.D. from Capella University.

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