Review by Mutango -- Leadership by Craig B. Whelden

Mutango · Post by **Mutango** » 15 Apr 2020, 13:27

[Following is a volunteer review of "Leadership" by Craig B. Whelden.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Leadership

Major General Craig B Whelden

It is about a man whom I would consider Father of leadership theories as he encourages people both in military and corporate world to try his skills. He seems to have worked under different subordinates, companies and battalions looking at the many testimonials.

What I liked about the book is that there are several ways to solve issues and that a good leader delegates duties to his juniors and should have goals which are supposed to be followed or be informed of what their boss expects from them. Another thing, I have liked and learnt is being punctual to every meeting, conference or presentation an hour or so before time. Major General Whelden, was proud of his job and never satisfied with his achievements it is why he had to climb the rung and did his duties or responsibilities successfully.

A good leader takes blame for failure of programmes/projects, does not give excuses but honour to those mistakes. When his first marriage failed, his immediate boss noticed a change in his behaviour of isolating himself by working extra hours only to be rescued from this by the visiting Bridgadier Commander. I would say his immediate supervisor Colonel knew all those who were in his care and wanted to help and informed his superior to visit Craig as stated on page 105 last line paragraph 3 "there is light at the end of this tunnel, you cant just see it yet".A boss is supposed to know and care for his juniors like Craig did when he invited his juniors to his home those who had nowhere to go during Christmas.

What I have liked less about the book is, almost each chapter starts with previous ones which I feel the story should be cohesive than talking about what happened, you can tend to loose the continuation. The other dislike is Chapter 16 for 9/11 overstepping boundaries, page 93 paragraph 2 explains it, as much as it was a reflex decision, the place was under another officer's command which made the one in-charge to resist his presence. Another dislike would be not having learnt life threatening lessons as a teenager on a vacation with his parents, putting other youths/recruits in danger and celebration for winning an inspection be and the tankers forgot to follow uniform rules of the army almost costed him his position. The use of language "worked my butt out", on page 112 is somehow not business like but strong military.

In summary, Craig was a brave service man who would not hesitate to take on any challenge that came his way especially protecting his country, like setting up the protection of Hawaii State from terrorism attack. Mr Whelden loved his job but his family came first over anything, he is a good, loving and kind leader who has achieved so many accomplishment. Rating his marvellous work would be very satisfying as it has opened a positive understanding within me and I see leading people differently despite a few dislikes overall, his book is a must read by anyone especially those that struggle with leading people without being dictatorial, for this I give it 4/4 (four out if four).

******
Leadership
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon