University of Jones launched a two-year development and training project on academic management and leadership in the beginning of 2002. Open seminars were arranged for heads for departments, deans and administrative managers. In addition, personnel administration started pilot projects with two departments in co-operation with the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The idea was to develop both (a) leadership and management and (b) division of work, workability and workplace health. The author's book Academic Leadership (Nova Science Publishers, New York) provides a background for this practical development project. The article deals with academic leadership, leadership philosophy and the system of personnel management at the University of Jones, the development projects, and lessons learned from them so far.