West Point Way of Leadership

Rating:
Summary: What about Chainsaw Al
Review: As a third-year Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, I read many books on leadership and I have to say that this is one of the best I have encountered. This book has taught me a great deal about my own institution and helped me to see exactly how my experiences have related to leadership. I would definitely say that I am a more effective leader after reading this book. I recommend it to anyone who aspires to leadership and wholeheartedly to anyone interested in our nation's 5 federal service academies.

Rating:
Summary: So So
Review: I found the book to be disappointing enough to write this because I am cheesed off enough for having somewhat wasted my money. It was quite boring and I didn't like the ego of the author setting himself up as the paradigm.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Refresher
Review: I thought this was a very good book. It is a quick read, but it gets to the point. It is a good book for someone getting started in management or for someone wanting to freshen up the key points of management. I am giving it as a gift to old friends.

Rating:
Summary: For those who served, or always wanted to...
Review: I'll admit, as an Eagle Scout from the midwest the idea of going to an academy and receiving a well disciplined education in being a man of character always appealed to me. However, I passed on the opportunity and have frequently contemplated the decision. It is for this reason that I, as a young MBA with high aspirations, read Donnithorne's book. I like his idea that leadership is not about a correct style of loud or soft-spoken, hands off or hands on, but more about being a leader of character. To go along with this are several anecdotes that are interesting for those interested in the academies and the military in general. However, one does get the sense that given Donnithorne's viewpoint, that of a military lifer, he's trying to sell you a bill of goods about how majestic the experience and lessons learned are.

Learning the steps the cadets go through to become leaders is interesting but a lot of the stories seem forced which wasn't surprising upon reading that the book was suggested by the publisher and stories were drawn out after insufficient stories appeared in initial drafts. Like most things in business it will only be a winning product if the customer demands it. Trying to force a product rather than responding to the desire of the author and vast amounts of personal insights is a recipe for disappointment.

Overall, enjoyable read at times with many useful lessons but a lot of the stories aren't that great. Lessons learned and description of leaders of character is good stuff though. As the title suggests, it's a good primer for those who served or always wanted to.

Quick read. 4-5 hours at most.

If you have the money to spend and are curious like I was about why West Point folks succeed, then the book's worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Awful
Review: In his book, the West Point Way of Leadership, Larry Donnithorne has reached across a variety of constituencies explain a way of leadership that can be successful not only in the military, but in the boardroom, the classroom, and in the higher education arena. With thought provoking insight, Mr. Donnithorne makes West Point and the leadership style taught there a common ground for anyone seeking to improve their leadership abilities. A great read, clear concise language, wonderful organization.

Rating:
Summary: Gives leadership principles through a cadet's viewpoint...
Review: The book is divided into different levels of leadership starting with self and moving on from squad leader, platoon, all the way to executive positions where the main goal is sucess and direction of the organization and less on individuals of the organization (Visionary). The book is more for military than for civilians in that it pushes WP philosophy heavily. In fact, it seems, in some sense, written strictly for WP cadets. It shows through stories and discussions how a leader's decision can make or break a mission. Since the book is only 160 pages; it's worth a look.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Awful
Review: The structure of this book was absolutely awful. The content even worse. This book has no clear storyline and jumps around uninspiringly. The army-business connection wouldn't convince a 1st grader. In summary, this book offers nothing of value.

Rating:
Summary: Applicable outside of the military...
Review: This book helps non-military types understand the way the military "grows" their leaders. Though the military way may seem old-fashioned to some, I found it refreshing to see the focus on character as a foundation for leadership.