4 ms·
I gave “Leaders eat last” a try, but found it unreadable. It starts with SEALs in Afghanistan, because of course it does, and then the author loosely strings t
by gherkinnn 7y ago
I gave “Leaders eat last” a try, but found it unreadable.
It starts with SEALs in Afghanistan, because of course it does, and then the author loosely strings together a bunch of unconvincing anecdotes to support his core idea.
The worst part is his constant reference to various hormones and fight or flight responses in a superficial way that would make even TEDx feel ashamed.
Edit: there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the military can produce outstanding leaders. Humans have been battling for too long as not to have developed specialised training systems.
My gripe is with the book alone.
- gonzo41 7y agoIf your looking at the military for examples I would suggest you have a read of a conventional leadership manual like what the MOD put out for Sandhurst. http://www.ceptm.iue.edu.ar/pdf/ADR002383-developingLeaders.pdf http://www.ceptm.iue.edu.ar/pdf/ADR002383-developingLeaders.... Obviously office work isn't the Army and you really shouldn't frame your work like a battle but generally. Everyone has a job, they are the one doing it so they are best to do it. Be professional, respectful and share a vision and you'll see people you lead follow you and mirror those traits. Your culture will start to reflect the environment you create.
- gherkinnn 7y agoThanks! Will do.
- arethuza 7y agoI don't think I'd ever read a book purely on 'leadership' but I read a fair bit of military history and there is no doubt that there are some examples of outstanding leadership to be found there.
- gav 7y agoI really like "The Art of Action" by Stephen Bungay, who's a military historian/management consultant. It's interesting to compare the Taylor vs. Drucker view on management against the Bülow vs. Clausewitz view on war.
- ErrantX 7y agoThank goodness! I had the same response to this book - it seemed so shallow but I'd heard people rave about it... Ultimately I just couldn't finish the book because of the constant unrelated anecdotes.