Leadership in public health

Abstract Written for aspiring young professionals, this chapter challenges readers to pursue their own path to leadership to become the principled leaders in global health today. Citing the research literature, it distinguishes between leadership and management and describes the core competencies, personal qualities, and behaviours of leaders whatever the cultural context. Fundamental principles derived from the World Health Organization’s Constitution guide action in a complex world: commitment to total human development, empowerment of the vulnerable, equity, and public accountability. Examples show how these principles were applied in real life where multifaceted approaches-transactional, transformational, servant leadership-were necessary to create change and influence politics. The co-authors, a former minister of health of a developing country and a management expert, give specific advice for the quest to leadership.