Korn/Ferry Reveals "The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership" - Enduring Truths for Today's Leaders

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

"All in, all the time."  For Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), the world's largest executive recruiting firm and a premier global provider of talent management solutions, these five words perfectly capture the essence of fully engaged and completely committed leadership, as described in the newly released book, The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership (http://www.the12absolutesofleadership.com).

Written by Burnison, a New York Times bestselling author, The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership (McGraw-Hill, 2012) offers insight from his lifetime in leadership, interacting with some of the world's top leaders in the C-suite and boardrooms, as well as heads of state.     

"Leadership is the eighth wonder of the world - easy to intellectualize, but elusive to actualize," said Burnison.  "Leading is less about analytics and strategy and much more about making a difference in the lives of others."

In The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership, Burnison shakes up the often overly analyzed and unnecessarily complicated leadership theories and distills leadership to its core essence - empowering and inspiring others around a shared purpose.

The book is applicable to executives, small business owners or anyone in a leadership position.  Advance copies sent to leading figures have secured enthusiastic endorsements that reinforce the timeless principles brought to life throughout the book:

"In The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership, Gary Burnison captures the timeless principles that leaders must possess, beyond intelligence, courage and heart.  These essential elements speak to the integrity and authenticity that underscore all effective leadership," said Carlos Slim, entrepreneur, investor and the world's richest man.

"Only a few good leaders have paused to reflect seriously on being leaders. Xenophon and Ulysses S. Grant did, and now Gary Burnison can be added to the list.  This is not a business book.  This is a book about the business of life," said P.J. O'Rourke political satirist, journalist, and author.

"Gary Burnison's wisdom and insight cut straight to the heart of the matter-to the essential elements of any leadership framework.  His stories, observations, and conversations with leaders artfully illustrate these principles, applicable to everyone," said Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico.

About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry (NYSE: KFY), with a presence throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to attract, engage, develop, and retain their talent. Visit http://www.kornferry.com for more information on the Korn/Ferry International family of companies, and http://www.kornferryinstitute.com for thought leadership, intellectual property and research.