Leadership argues that finding satisfaction and sanity at work requires the development of both ambition and acceptance. While these traits seem to be at odds with one another, Marques shows that each one has positive and negative elements and the trick is balancing the useful aspects of each to maximize success.

The book defines this balance and its relationship to success, featuring real-world examples, useful diagrams, and cases to encourage students to reflect on how to apply these principles to their own lives. Laying the foundation for understanding the need to develop both ambition and acceptance, and providing the context for what performance means in modern times, Marques presents a framework for growing in one's own career. Students learn how to evaluate competing impulses, and how to make critical decisions to define career success.

Students of career development, leadership and organizational behavior classes will appreciate its grounded, engaging writing style.