There are countless textbooks on business management dedicated to a simple question: What makes for leadership success?

That's a timely topic as SN unveils its 2010 Power 50 rankings, a list of the industry's most influential leaders. This industry's captains have been tested like never before during the downturn.

Consider three on the Power 50 list who are admired for their vision and decisiveness: Mike Duke, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores; David Dillon, chairman and CEO, Kroger Co.; and Craig Herkert, president and CEO, Supervalu.

Each faces a different set of hurdles but has achieved some measure of success so far. Are there lessons in their leadership approaches and philosophies? SN's Power 50 profiles provide clues.

Wal-Mart's Duke has been in his job for about a year and a half, precisely the period of the downturn. He is a veteran of the retail world, including Wal-Mart, admired for his recent moves to reposition the giant retailer for a slower-growth environment. Duke has recognized his top priority is to turn Wal-Mart into a truly global company, which includes enhancing the supply chain and spreading best practices.

His style of leadership is highly involved and passionate, as he explained at the recent shareholder's meeting.

“I love the details of retail,” he said, describing himself as a leader who likes to “manage by walking around.”

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Strategic Investments: 2010 Power 50 The industry’s most influential players are strategically reinvesting in their organizations to accomplish growth in a highly unpredictable economy.... Mike Duke Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, is ranked No. 1 in SN's 2010 Power 50. Read his profile here.... David Dillon David Dillon, chairman and CEO of Kroger Co., is ranked No. 3 in SN's 2010 Power 50. Read his profile here.... Craig Herkert Craig Herkert, CEO of Supervalu, is ranked No. 4 in SN's 2010 Power 50. Read his profile here....

Supervalu's Herkert is another retail veteran relatively new to his current job, which he assumed a year ago. His task is formidable because Supervalu faces challenges on many levels. He has responded in a big way with tough decisions that have changed the executive ranks, organizational structure and overall strategies.

His moves were fostered by a high-energy personal style that values listening. “Leadership is about listening, knowing your customer, understanding your business and being accountable in the decision process,” he said.

Kroger's Dillon wins praise for taking courageous stands that turned out to be on target. Last year, while some in the industry saw encouraging economic signs, Dillon and Kroger determined consumers still lacked confidence. As a result, Kroger put more resources into developing sharper pricing, which hit the retailer's bottom line hard but boosted market share. That move put Kroger in a better position for an eventual economic rebound.

Dillon relayed to SN a humble view of his roots and of leadership in general: “I believe there is value in every job, and learning the value of a hard day's work is a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career,” he said. “At Kroger, we encourage leaders to create an environment where feedback is welcome and where everyone's input is valued.”

Are there common denominators in the leadership outlooks of these executives? They don't fear tough decisions, and they stay closely connected to customers, associates and the overall mission. Their hardest task may be translating this into something that works every day across the organization. But so far these folks have figured it out. That's why watching them in action is more instructive than reading any management textbook.