Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings

Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings: (When) Do Leaders Make a Difference? by Jared Diamond, bestselling author of Guns, Germs and Steel, examines how much influence leaders really have across politics, business, sport and religion.

Drawing on historical figures, business leaders, sporting coaches and religious leaders, Diamond explores the circumstances that determine whether leadership can genuinely shape outcomes and bring about meaningful change.

About This Book

History is often told through the lives of influential leaders, but how much do individuals actually shape the events around them? In Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings, Jared Diamond challenges the traditional idea of the all-powerful leader and examines the conditions under which leadership makes a measurable difference.

Across four different spheres—history, business, sport and religion—Diamond considers questions about executive rewards, political succession and the impact of changing sporting coaches. He explores how leadership effectiveness is shaped by interconnected factors including resources, geography, culture and technology.

Using examples ranging from Botswana president Seretse Khama to legendary UCLA football coach John Wooden, Diamond offers a thought-provoking analysis of leadership, its possibilities and its limitations.

What You'll Discover

• How leaders influence organisations, societies and institutions
• The conditions under which leadership can make a difference
• The role of resources, geography, culture and technology
• Leadership across politics, business, sport and religion
• Questions surrounding CEO performance and rewards
• The effects of political succession and leadership change
• How changes in sporting coaches can affect team fortunes
• A critical examination of the idea of the “great leader”

Who Is This Book For?

• Readers interested in leadership and its impact on society
• Fans of Jared Diamond and his work on history and civilisation
• Readers interested in politics, business, sport and religion
• Students and professionals exploring leadership and organisations
• Readers who enjoy thought-provoking historical analysis
• Anyone interested in how individuals shape major outcomes

Why You'll Love This Book

Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings takes a fresh and analytical look at one of the most enduring questions about leadership: when does an individual truly make a difference?

Combining historical examples with insights from business, sport, politics and religion, Jared Diamond offers a nuanced exploration of leadership effectiveness, challenging readers to reconsider what makes a leader successful.