Review by Jayashree Raveendran -- Leadership
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Jayashree Raveendran
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- Latest Review: Leadership by Craig B. Whelden
Review by Jayashree Raveendran -- Leadership
[Following is a volunteer review of "Leadership" by Craig B. Whelden.]
The first testimonial in the book Leadership, The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best by Major General Craig B. Whelden, U.S. Army (Retired) reads as follows:
"Before reading a book on leadership, examine the life, character, and career of the author. Then ask yourself, 'Did he walk the walk' …", Pete Geren, former Secretary of the Army. He then goes on to say "for Craig Wheldon, the answer is yes, yes, and yes." Coming from a distinguished Army Leader, this is enough to usher confidence in the reader. But it is a common knowledge that Military leadership works only by rules and decorum.
The book deals with climbing one's mountains and be the best. Major General Craig Whelden uses his experiences and leadership powers to explain each skill in detail. With amazing clarity, he elaborates on mentorship, passion, and qualities required to sift the leader from the chaff. His own examples and benchmarks form the narrative. It helps us to believe in the arguments. Certain principles like 'Memento Mori' and meanings in proverbs and stories are to keep the balance during a crisis. That good can come from bad, but also that bad can follow good and there is often light at the end of the tunnel. We need to have the patience.
Many achievements and shortcomings are enumerated for learning from the wisdom of others. Each person, project, and process is a new chapter on expertise to digest and assimilate. The book seems easy to learn but one can realize that these are achievements accrued by constant practice of a lifetime. "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." is a quote by Sir Isaac Newton that sums up the importance of the book for us.
I enjoyed every bit of the book and learned a lot. I gained new insights into topics of nature vs nurture and the four types of mentors. But what I will imbue into my life is to celebrate milestones and prioritize family. I appreciate the courage of the leader in the section 'Whelden on Whelden'
For those of us in self-doubt about our own leadership styles, the warnings and strong statements about 'What not to be/do as a leader' forms the crux. A reference to the #MeToo movement that 'true leaders do not take advantage...' highlights the negative role of aggression. Yes, this is a book about successful leadership in a military environment. But can this ring true in the corporate world, the not-for-profit world, or even the arena of the family? The answer, my friend, is in the book.
There is hardly any aspect of this book that lacks the finesse or drifts away from the purpose. I also believe that this book will be the toast of every reader of any age and expertise. Even a follower will enjoy the wisdom of the book. It is a work that makes one believe that 'I too can'. The book is well edited and is free from errors. For such inspirational work, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
.
******
Leadership
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The first testimonial in the book Leadership, The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best by Major General Craig B. Whelden, U.S. Army (Retired) reads as follows:
"Before reading a book on leadership, examine the life, character, and career of the author. Then ask yourself, 'Did he walk the walk' …", Pete Geren, former Secretary of the Army. He then goes on to say "for Craig Wheldon, the answer is yes, yes, and yes." Coming from a distinguished Army Leader, this is enough to usher confidence in the reader. But it is a common knowledge that Military leadership works only by rules and decorum.
The book deals with climbing one's mountains and be the best. Major General Craig Whelden uses his experiences and leadership powers to explain each skill in detail. With amazing clarity, he elaborates on mentorship, passion, and qualities required to sift the leader from the chaff. His own examples and benchmarks form the narrative. It helps us to believe in the arguments. Certain principles like 'Memento Mori' and meanings in proverbs and stories are to keep the balance during a crisis. That good can come from bad, but also that bad can follow good and there is often light at the end of the tunnel. We need to have the patience.
Many achievements and shortcomings are enumerated for learning from the wisdom of others. Each person, project, and process is a new chapter on expertise to digest and assimilate. The book seems easy to learn but one can realize that these are achievements accrued by constant practice of a lifetime. "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." is a quote by Sir Isaac Newton that sums up the importance of the book for us.
I enjoyed every bit of the book and learned a lot. I gained new insights into topics of nature vs nurture and the four types of mentors. But what I will imbue into my life is to celebrate milestones and prioritize family. I appreciate the courage of the leader in the section 'Whelden on Whelden'
For those of us in self-doubt about our own leadership styles, the warnings and strong statements about 'What not to be/do as a leader' forms the crux. A reference to the #MeToo movement that 'true leaders do not take advantage...' highlights the negative role of aggression. Yes, this is a book about successful leadership in a military environment. But can this ring true in the corporate world, the not-for-profit world, or even the arena of the family? The answer, my friend, is in the book.
There is hardly any aspect of this book that lacks the finesse or drifts away from the purpose. I also believe that this book will be the toast of every reader of any age and expertise. Even a follower will enjoy the wisdom of the book. It is a work that makes one believe that 'I too can'. The book is well edited and is free from errors. For such inspirational work, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
.
******
Leadership
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Leadership by Craig B. Whelden
