This article concludes that common competencies, the fundamental knowledge and skills developed in traditional educational environments, are necessary but insufficient in the preparation of global leaders. Rather, human resource professionals, in partnership with management educators, are best positioned to identify and facilitate global leadership excellence by focusing on the identification and development of key personal characteristics or distinctive competencies. In particular, global leaders must be men and women of sound character. We further propose that "distinctive competencies" are best assessed through experience in the field. Recommendations are offered as to how competency-based leadership development can be designed to address both common and distinctive competencies, with special attention to the individual's character.