About leadership

Tony Blair

Tony Blair learned the principles of government the hard way: by leading the country for more than ten years. In that time, he realized there were certain key characteristics of successful government that he wished he'd known when he started.

He has now written the political leadership guide he wanted when he first took office in 1997, sharing insights he has gained from his personal experience and from observing other world leaders firsthand, both while he was Prime Minister and since then, through his institute's work with political leaders and governments worldwide.

Written in short, concise chapters and filled with examples drawn from all forms of political systems around the world, the book answers key questions: How should leaders organize the center of government and its office? How should they set priorities, develop the right plan, hire the right staff, deal with unexpected events and crises, and balance short-term gains with long-term structural change? What is the best way to deal with a cumbersome or inactive bureaucracy, attract investment, reform healthcare or education, and ensure citizen security? And how should governments exploit the tremendous opportunities presented by the technological revolution of the 21st century? This is an advanced course in leadership in general, and political leadership in particular, delivered by an accomplished statesman.