Courses are taught in MBA and executive development programs that provide a lot of information about the job. Direct reports and teams also observe leaders in action. But it's not until you assume a leadership job that the reality of the position hits home.

The reality is that leaders operate in a crucible, one in which emotions run high and interpersonal relationships are at risk. Being in the spotlight, not having nearly enough hours in the day to address key issues, confronting right-versus-right decisions - all of this ratchets up the degree of difficulty.

We welcome back the author of Hidden Truths: What Leaders Need to Hear but Are Rarely Told, David Fubini

Find David here: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=102821