If you had to recommend one book, article, etc. on leadership to a young leader, what would it be?

2020-05-16T01:50:52-04:00

This came up in another thread and I thought it would make a good standalone topic. My recommendation was "Bouncing Betty and the 3-Meter Zone" from the Summer 1996 issue of NCO Journal. It can be found here: https://static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_28293.pdf

pdf_28293.pdf

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 2:20 AM

2020-05-16T02:20:14-04:00

Extreme ownership by LCdr retired Jocko Willink. Former navy seal mustang. Or about face( I’m haven’t finished that one yet)

Response by Maj John Bell made May 16 at 2020 3:47 AM

2020-05-16T03:47:52-04:00

Small Unit Leadership by Col Dandridge Malone

Response by PFC Nicholas Efstathiou made May 16 at 2020 4:32 AM

2020-05-16T04:32:54-04:00

Hm, excellent question. I would recommend Mattis' new book, Call Sign Chaos.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made May 16 at 2020 7:03 AM

2020-05-16T07:03:47-04:00

The Holy Bible

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 8:01 AM

2020-05-16T08:01:20-04:00

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 8:37 AM

2020-05-16T08:37:28-04:00

Boo! There = no single book. Am *bound by none.*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJMwBwFj5nQ

Bruce Lee Be As Water My Friend

Bruce Lee Be As Water Philosophy video. http://www.aqualogixfitness.com

Response by SFC Bryan Stetzer made May 16 at 2020 9:42 AM

2020-05-16T09:42:35-04:00

As has been pointed out, no one book will provide everything a leader needs, and it was not my intent to imply that. I just wanted to 1) get a feel for what people thought were the BEST books on leadership, and 2) get some book recommendations. That being said, here is a VERY abbreviated list of some of what I would consider essential reading for any young military member or aspiring leader. Bear in mind this is not at all an exhaustive list, just some that I personally have read, have on my bookshelf, and would recommend (in no particular order).
The Art of War - Sun Tzu
On War - Carl von Clausewitz
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace - LTC (Ret.) Dave Grossman
Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun - Wes Roberts
The Attack and Defense of Little Round Top - COL Joshua Chamberlain
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest - Stephen E. Ambrose
The Greatest Generation - Tom Brokaw
Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice - ADM (Ret.) William H. McRaven
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World - also by Admiral McRaven
An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942–1943 - Rick Atkinson (I would also recommend his other books The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943–1944 and The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944–1945)
The Killer Angels - Michael Shaara
The Virtues of War - Steven Pressfield

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 9:44 AM

2020-05-16T09:44:39-04:00

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 9:59 AM

2020-05-16T09:59:01-04:00

This was recommended to me from a Leader who I highly respect, I have not got around to reading it yet but thought I would still share!

Response by LCDR S R made May 16 at 2020 10:11 AM

2020-05-16T10:11:59-04:00

War is a racket by MG Smedley Butler, for a different perspective. But there is no “one” book.

Response by SFC Don Vance made May 16 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-05-16T11:59:26-04:00

In addition to the books you listed I'd recommend "The Passing of the Night" by COL Robinson Risner.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 1:17 PM

2020-05-16T13:17:29-04:00

Battle Leadership by Von Schell as it is a classic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-05-16T13:42:59-04:00

The Bible.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-05-16T14:35:58-04:00

This poster probably puts common sense leadership in a nutshell in my opinion from the Marine Corps

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made May 17 at 2020 4:07 AM

2020-05-17T04:07:08-04:00

The Complete Constitution of the U.S. ... so many raise their hands and swear to protect and obey it... but how many know what it says beyond the first three words... "We the People"?
The next four are " of the United States". That paragraph (1st Clause of the Preamble) ends, "for the United States of America"
The second clause is the Bill of Rights and Amendments.
It took ten years to define that Law. Every word picked at until it was as perfect as they could make it, while being simple enough for uneducated people to understand without needing a legal dictionary.
So long as that Law stands as the Law of this Nation... we shall remain free.
KNOW what you are fighting for... and lead by example.
archives.gov ... founding documents.
Every document that defines this Nation can be found in the national archives.... including the Ukraine Treaty that "encourages" the POTUS to withhold aid and initiate investigations (as all U.S. Treaties demand), if the Treaty is being corrupted by anyone... even if it's the previous Vice President ;)

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Jul 26 at 2020 7:58 PM

2020-07-26T19:58:24-04:00

Easy question. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. In fact I seem to have heard that this sci-fi tale is on the Commendants reading list.

Response by CW2 Corrie Welsh made Aug 5 at 2020 11:51 PM

2020-08-05T23:51:33-04:00

"A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard was the first book I was given to produce a written report for my first Staff Duty Officer post at my First Squadron as a Warrant Officer. It is a short book that can be read during a tour of duty. If no one has read it I highly recommend. I know you can wiki it and get the idea of the book but please consider reading for the full effect.