In high-powered organizations, one lesson shines above all: rule number one—protect the boss’s ego. Disagree you may, but disagree gently. Words must be weighed like gold, and always leave space for the boss’s decision to stand as final. We like to believe that careers are built on talent and hard work. Yet often, they are shaped by the temperament of the person we report to. Employees do not leave organizations; they leave their bosses. And bosses can wound in many ways—the

Leadership has been described in countless ways—vision, influence, execution, character. Each has its merit, and in practice, all have...