Centuries pass and the world changes, but many of the qualities that make a

charismatic and effective leader do not. The life of Akbar, the great Mughal,

stands out for its capacity to guide today's aspiring leaders.

Akbar inherited a turbulent territory, but after 49 years of rule, left behind

one of history's strongest and largest empires. Not only did he successfully

subdue rebellions and expand his rule, he won the loyalty of many, and the

admiration of many more, things which mere brute force cannot accomplish.

Akbar knew that some situations require a lightning response while others

benefit from deliberation. He understood the value of being unpredictable,

but also the need to be merciful and dependable. He knew the importance of

networking, of seeking counsel, but also of putting one's foot down. Loyalty

was treasured, but he wasn't blinded by it; clarity was valued, but he realized

that gestures and symbols were important, too, in order to convey what could

not be stated explicitly. Akbar was larger than life, always one step ahead

of friend and foe alike, but he understood that no power is absolute, that

no office can be taken for granted, and that force has to be tempered with

toleration, and confidence with caution.

Through defining episodes in Akbar's life, Shazi Zaman paints a nuanced

and insightful picture of one of the mightiest and most inclusive rulers in

history, conveying enduring lessons in leadership to the captains of modern

institutions.