What is your favorite book for leadership philosophy development?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 04:24:32 -0400

I am trying to find more good books to read the focus on general leadership philosophies and development. So far I have read Sun Tzu's Art of War, and a few others, and really enjoyed some of the philosophies and strategies/ seeing how they correlate with modern society. It amazes me how even through so many centuries, there are philosophies of leadership that are still prevalent and relevant today

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Sep 29 at 2015 4:36 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 04:36:41 -0400

Its Your Ship Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Capt D Michael Abrashoff

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 6:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 06:00:05 -0400

CDT, let me throw my 2 cents in here. I applaud your wanting to read as much as you can about Leadership. Good. But please bear in mind that those books were written by people that had a certain style and philosophy that worked for them. That style may not work for you. In the end, you have to develop one that works for you, and experience will do that for you. I see that you were once enlisted so you have been on the block for a spell. Here is my recommendation on leadership style and philosophy. Take all of your previous and current leaders. Take all of their good and bad aspects (their style and philosophy) of leadership and mesh that into your own style. Think back to what they did that did or did not make sense to you or made you tilt your head to the side and think "seriously?" or what they did that made you glad they were your leader. Again, this is just my 2 cents worth.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 29 at 2015 9:08 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:08:52 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I highly recommend reading On Infantry by Michael English and Attacks by Erwin Rommel. I read them while I was a USMA cadet in the 1970's and they are still relevant today.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 9:09 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:09:42 -0400

I was a fan of "Beyond Band of Brothers" which was written by MAJ Dick Winters and told the Easy Company story from his view as the commander. At the end he includes 10 traits for leaders.

1) Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.
2) Lead from the front. Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.
3) Stay in top physical shape - physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.
4) Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.
5) Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their job. You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination and creativity.
6) Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don’t wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.
7) Remain humble. Don’t worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.
8) Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.
9) True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. They key to a successful leader is to earn respect - not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.
10) Hang Tough! - Never, ever, give up.

Inspiration: The 10 Leadership principles from Dick Winters

10 Leadership Principles from BEYOND BAND OF BROTHERS: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters (commander and leader of WWII 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 9:36 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:36:03 -0400

The butter battle book

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 9:47 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:47:42 -0400

The Meditations. Marcus Aurelius. One of the best books on the philosophy of leadership and life in general.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Sep 29 at 2015 9:53 AM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:53:13 -0400

"The Peter Principle", the eponymous law Laurence Peter coined, explains that "in a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence."

Response by SPC George Long made Sep 29 at 2015 2:31 PM

SPC George Long — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:31:46 -0400

Read "The Forgotten Solider". WWII German Landser autobiography.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Sep 29 at 2015 4:00 PM

SFC David Davenport — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 16:00:23 -0400

Sun Tzu - The Art of War.. followed extremely closely by the NCO Creed. The creed is not a book but infinitely applicable.

Response by SFC James Barnes made Sep 29 at 2015 8:54 PM

SFC James Barnes — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 20:54:08 -0400

Usually I recommend CSM J.D. Pendry's the 3 meter zone and to review the art of war to my soldiers

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 8:04 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:04:30 -0400

While I was at USAFWC we had a great guest speaker who has written two books on leadership. They are called "Leaders Eat Last", and "The Why". I bought them both right after his lecture. I definitely recommend them.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 30 at 2015 8:12 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:12:57 -0400

Read the leadership books written by Richard Marchinko. Also the Ten Minute Manager. Who Moved My Cheese. There are tons of great leadership books. Look on Amazon or other sites.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 8:13 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:13:53 -0400

My favorite book on leadership philosophy is "The Learning of Love" by William B. Turner. It is an autobiography with an angle toward Servant Leadership.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Learning-Love-Journey-Leadership/dp/ [login to see]

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 11:29 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 11:29:22 -0500

I realize that my response may be a bit outdated based on the original date of your request/question. So, I may be a bit late to "chime in" on an important subject.
After reading through the thread, I believe everyone's perspective is valid with great recommendations (not certain of the Dr. Suess book, but I haven not read it as of yet). And all of these suggested readings will provide insight into the conceptual thoughts of great leaders before us.
However, what I have learned over time is that our "Leadership Philosophy" is primarily based on our attributes, who we are, which begins to formulate at a very young age. Our attributes, while rooted in our childhood, will change and manifest overtime as our thoughts and perspectives mature. Part of this adaptation is born from our experiences, observations, conversations, and READINGS.
Thus, whether it be right or wrong, I have done away with the "Leadership Philosophy" and have adopted a "Life Philosophy". It is much more representative of who I am from a holistic perspective - as a Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Professional Soldier/Leader. I've found that recognizing this allows me to be in line with my actions; I, "walk what I talk", so to speak. And I find I am more at peace, for lack of a better term, when who I am is in line with how I act.
Again, I'm sure this is well outdated, but you have brought up a very relevant topic within our military today. Thanks for the opportunity to read though this valuable thread.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Oct 26 at 2017 2:23 PM

SFC William Stephens — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 14:23:41 -0400

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Oct 26 at 2017 2:38 PM

LTC Barry Hull — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 14:38:54 -0400

Gates of Fire, Steven Pressfield.