Leadership books don't have to be your primary source of professional development. Fiction plays a critical role: it gives you concrete examples about people, behaviors, strategies and leaders, all wrapped in exciting stories. This is also true of science fiction, especially Frank Herbert’s Dune.

 

In effect, Dune is the story of a young duke, Paul "Muad'did", who is forced into exile on the desert planet, Arrakis (which is also the most important planet in the universe for its natural resource, spice), and unwittingly becomes the leader of its indigenous people, the Fremen, all of whom are inching towards a global jihad against exploitative empires.

 

Dune’s background and characters are impressive, and the story weaves together philosophy, relationships, behaviors, strategy, politics and leadership. Here are some great nuggets that I think really stand out:

• Why you exist as a leader.
• When to be a Leader.
• Your Return on Investment (ROI) as a leader.
• Effective leadership requires effective thinking.
• You must learn to think for yourself.
• Learn to see what things truly are and not what they only appear to be.
• Keep it simple.
• Identify your competitive advantage.
• Life – and success – demands constant progress, energy and action.
• Understand the impact of behavior, culture and values