British Army to share leadership know-how in book for Penguin Business

Penguin Business has acquired an official book on British Army leadership, revealing to civilians key take-aways to become better leaders themselves.

World rights in The Habit of Excellence: Why British Army Leadership Works by Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp MBE, head of the Centre for Army Leadership, part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, were acquired direct.

Due to publish in hardback in summer 2021, The Habit of Excellence is billed as "essential reading for leaders and followers no matter what organisation they work for", imparting "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". The author draws on the latest research in military history, sociology, psychology and behavioural science and from British Army operations across the centuries.

Sharp is responsible for championing leadership excellence across the British Army as head of the Centre for Army Leadership, which is part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He himself graduated from Sandhurst two decades ago and his career in the Parachute Regiment has seen him deployed to Northern Ireland, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Among varied roles, he led a counter-insurgency Task Force operation, commanded a Parachute Regiment Battalion, and delivered the Ministry of Defence’s training programme for the London 2012 Olympics, for which he was awarded an MBE. This is his first book.

Sharp said: "I passionately believe that the health, success and sustainability of any organisation, indeed our society, can only be achieved through great leadership. It certainly underpins the worldwide reputation the British Army enjoys today. I am humbled by this opportunity to share our insights and experience."

Connor Brown, editor at Penguin Business, said: "As head of the Centre for Army Leadership, part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Lt Col Sharp MBE is responsible for championing leadership excellence across the 80,000 soldiers of the British Army. There isn’t a more authoritative voice, nor a more prestigious institution, to be partnering with on this important take on leadership today. We’re thrilled to be working with Langley and the British Army on this vital book."