H.M. Jahirul Haque is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the higher education sector of Bangladesh. From his early days at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) to his rise as Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jahir’s contributions have shaped not only the institution but also the broader landscape of private higher education in the country. His vision, dedication, and integrity have inspired generations of students, academics, and administrators, establishing him as a benchmark for leadership and professionalism.
With the publication of his latest book, Practical Leadership, Dr. Jahir has demonstrated that his expertise extends far beyond academic administration. The book offers a comprehensive guide to leadership, grounded in decades of practical experience, and presents principles that are universally applicable to both academic and professional environments.
Practical Leadership is organized around eleven core principles, each highlighting a critical dimension of effective leadership. The book opens with the Ownership Principle, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for organizational success and failures. Leaders who embrace ownership inspire trust, accountability, and loyalty, creating a culture where dedication and commitment thrive.
The Work Principle combines hard work, teamwork, and innovation, demonstrating that leadership is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative and dynamic process. Dr. Jahir illustrates how these elements interact to produce motivated, efficient, and innovative teams. Following this, the Caring Principle and the Trust and Follow-Up Principle stress the human side of leadership. Empathy, guidance, and consistent support emerge as essential qualities that differentiate effective leaders from managers who merely command.
Several principles stand out for their originality. The Not-Leading Principle highlights the value of empowering others rather than micromanaging, while the Following-and-Learning Principle reinforces the importance of learning from predecessors, role models, and peers. The Networking Principle underscores the strategic value of cultivating meaningful professional relationships, locally and internationally, to achieve organizational goals.
The Decision-Making Principle addresses one of leadership’s most critical responsibilities: making timely, informed, and collaborative decisions. Meanwhile, the Talent Management Principle focuses on identifying, nurturing, and retaining exceptional individuals, even those with unconventional skills or approaches, emphasizing that organizational success depends on people as much as strategy. Finally, the Monk-Focus Principle encourages leaders to cultivate deep, undistracted focus, which is essential for achieving meaningful results amid the distractions of modern life.
What makes Practical Leadership especially compelling is its grounding in real-life experience. Dr. Jahir interweaves practical examples, historical anecdotes, and lessons from renowned figures to make each principle actionable. The writing is both clear and engaging, reflecting his ability to communicate complex ideas with precision and depth.
This book reveals that Dr. H.M. Jahirul Haque is not only a remarkable academic leader but also a highly skilled author. His insights are practical, timeless, and immediately relevant to aspiring leaders, seasoned professionals, and anyone seeking to cultivate accountability, empathy, focus, and strategic thinking.
In essence, Practical Leadership is more than a book—it is a masterclass in leadership from one of Bangladesh’s most respected educators. By sharing his wisdom, Dr. Jahir has created a resource that empowers readers to lead with vision, purpose, and impact, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Practical Leadership is a must-read for aspiring leaders across industries. Its lessons are timeless, universally applicable, and grounded in lived experience, offering a roadmap for cultivating accountability, empathy, strategic thinking, and resilience. In short, this book is not just about becoming a leader—it is about becoming a leader who lasts.
