Contending that leadership is key to improving school performance, Kirtman, a leadership development consultant specializing in conflict management, coaching, executive searches, and strategic planning who has consulted with many school districts and other organizations, identifies seven competences leaders need to succeed in education: challenging the status quo, building trust through clear communication and expectations, creating a commonly-owned plan for success, focusing on the team over oneself, having a high sense of urgency for changes and sustainable results in improving student achievement, committing to continuous improvement of oneself, and building external networks and partnerships. Chapters address these competencies and assessing one's leadership profiles using the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator, the DISC Inventory, and the Workplace Motivators or Values Inventory (with case studies applying them in each chapter); improving leadership; hiring the right leaders; and building a leadership development plan. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)