Posted on Feb 15, 2018
What are some of the books that you have read to develop your leadership skills and get insight?
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And how have these books helped? Looking to just get a discussion going of the best leadership books that you have read throughout your time in service! They can be technicial, historical, or modern. Any branch, any rank. This may even help out someone else looking to read something new. You know the saying: LEADERS ARE READERS.
Here are several that I've read that I felt were really good.
McChrystal, Stanley A. My Share of the Task: A Memoir. New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2014.
Myrer, Anton, and Carlo DEste. Once an Eagle: A Novel. New York: Harper Perennial, 2013.
Caravella, Frank J. Guidebook for the Young Officer: Updated for Leaders of the 21st Century. Madison, AL: Mentor Enterprises, Inc., 2011.
Allen, Nate, and Tony Burgess. Taking the Guidon: Exceptional Leadership at the Company Level. Delaware: The Center for Co.-Level Leadership, 2001.
Here are several that I've read that I felt were really good.
McChrystal, Stanley A. My Share of the Task: A Memoir. New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2014.
Myrer, Anton, and Carlo DEste. Once an Eagle: A Novel. New York: Harper Perennial, 2013.
Caravella, Frank J. Guidebook for the Young Officer: Updated for Leaders of the 21st Century. Madison, AL: Mentor Enterprises, Inc., 2011.
Allen, Nate, and Tony Burgess. Taking the Guidon: Exceptional Leadership at the Company Level. Delaware: The Center for Co.-Level Leadership, 2001.
Reading
Leadership
Leadership Development
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 17
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I also love "Once an Eagle" and "Starship Troopers". For a more strategic look, try "Lincoln on Leadership".
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Lt. I am not sure where to start. I do not remember the authors to most of the books.
Leadership and Self-deception.
Starship Troopers - Robert Heinlein
Small Unit Tactics for Platoon Leaders
Learning to Eat Soup with a knife - Jon Nagl
The Accidental Guerrilla (and others; including the 29 points) - David Killcullen
The Three Volume Box Set of Calvin and Hobbes
Leadership and Self-deception.
Starship Troopers - Robert Heinlein
Small Unit Tactics for Platoon Leaders
Learning to Eat Soup with a knife - Jon Nagl
The Accidental Guerrilla (and others; including the 29 points) - David Killcullen
The Three Volume Box Set of Calvin and Hobbes
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CPT (Join to see)
Military installations sometimes post a "Commanding General's reading list." I found that after I immersed myself in different books, the references told me what to look for and sometimes where to look for them. You'd be surprised what you find at Barnes and Noble and many other second hand book sellers on your down time.
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My life revolves around my civilian atmosphere these days. But, it was recommended many years ago that I read 'Made in America by Sam Walton'. It was well worth it. Small town poor boy starts as a janitor in a retail store, buys the establishment, makes a legacy for his children, and call it Walmart. CPT (Join to see) I read by your post several times before I responded. Then I decided this book did have a place among the core values of good leadership.
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CPT (Join to see)
PO3 Phyllis Maynard Well then I'm glad you commented and didn't just scroll on by! I'll definitely have to check it out!
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I would suggest that you look at movies as well. Typically books provide more detail, but I believe that many older military movies (some of which may be based on novels or documentaries) provide multiple examples of good and bad leadership and you can learn those lessons over a couple of hours. For example, I just watched "Hell is for Heroes" from 1967. It's a B&W WWII movie with a lot of examples of decisions being made, some good, some not. Of course, what you seek is a lifelong process, as no good leader stops learning and hopefully makes fewer bad decisions as they grow.
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Allan-You can't beat the classics (new and old). The Iliad certainly has some lessons to teach about how NOT to lead from Agamemnon and Achilles...and some excellent examples of how TO from Hector and Odysseus. Gods and Generals and the Killer Angels provide some great perspective on the human side of the commanders in our Civil War. I would also highly recommend The Book of the Courtier (Castiglione 1528), the Dokkodo by the sword master Mushasi...among others.
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The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Since being out and in the business world one of the best books I have read is: Extreme Ownership How US Navy Seals Lead and Win
Since being out and in the business world one of the best books I have read is: Extreme Ownership How US Navy Seals Lead and Win
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Suspended Profile
The 360 Leader has been very useful for me concerning my role on the middle of most organizations. Offers a 360° perspective on how your leadership affects everyone.
The second is Good to Great. Also quite useful in getting a strong base for yourself and your team.
After that, any book you can read will benefit you so snatch up every and any book. A challenge that I've accepted many years ago is a minimum of 1 non-fiction per month and as many fiction as possible.
The increased level of consciousness in your surroundings is well worth the effort. Don't neglect industry specific books either!
The second is Good to Great. Also quite useful in getting a strong base for yourself and your team.
After that, any book you can read will benefit you so snatch up every and any book. A challenge that I've accepted many years ago is a minimum of 1 non-fiction per month and as many fiction as possible.
The increased level of consciousness in your surroundings is well worth the effort. Don't neglect industry specific books either!
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General Patton's Principles for Life and Leadership; Beyond Band of Brothers. The first one I read while at Academic Instructor's School and the other I have at home. Both have great examples of how to be a leader of men. Sometimes they are not liked by their men, but that is not the point.
And as I think about it, anything about Easy Company. They had great leaders all over the place from all different ranks, when it was needed.
And as I think about it, anything about Easy Company. They had great leaders all over the place from all different ranks, when it was needed.
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