Customer Reviews

Battling for Competitive Advantage

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Given the large number of business books it's surprising that so few have drawn out the similarities between business and war. Col. Allard's Business As War does an especially good job of making the comparison, and of noting the differences. It will be important for business readers especially because it focuses on the essential constants of war and business.

Paul Bracken
Professor of Management
Yale School of Management

I was a student of Col. Allard at Gerogetown University. In his class, Technology and National Security, one of his most important lessons was the continuing way in which the offense is guaranteed to adapt to whatever defense you can mount. And vice versa... In his new book, Col. Allard takes such lessons, accumulated by milennia of warfare, and applies them to the modern business world. I recommend this book for anyone truly interested in implementing effective leadership and strategy in their organization.

This book should be required reading for all executives! If you are a business executive who is tired of being surprised by your competition, or you want to maximize your competitive advantage, read this book!!! Also, if you want some customized help from experts in the field, consider hiring Ken's new firm, Business BattleLab, LLC. You can contact them through auditexec@gmail.com. You really can improve your competitive advantage and keep from being surprised!

It is so very refreshing to read a book that takes a critical look not only at business practices, but at business schools and business literature as well. Allard's basic thesis is that
character and systems matter. He rightly criticizes business schools for failing to instill values and ethics into its graduates. He also criticizes business books for easy, flashy solutions to what are really complex problems. Integrated systems, strategy, intelligence and ethical and moral leadership are what matters in Allard's universe. It is also a very well written (and entertaining) book. Read it if you are in business. Read it if you just want to understand how business should operate.

I ordered this book to read about business war games.
There is nothing about business. Only comments about his military life. I learned nothing. A wast of time and money.

A refreshing and provocative look at how the military gets things done and how this can be applied to business. Very useful

This is different. And very good. Col. Allard does not get caught up in biz speak and theory. He lays it on the line.
And does not compromise. Funny and outspoken, but a very useful primer for how the military organizes things. Business can learn a lot. It is very well written and well thought out. A good read and a good business book.

Business people are too "fad" based. This is a good solid exposition of how the military systems can teach business how to do things effectively.

What a fantastic, funny and practical book. Full of funny stories and outrageous comments. Colonel Allard has written a business book with a difference. His style of writing is punchy and easy to read. His points of view are clear: much of business literature is taken up with quick and easy fixes and the latest trend. Instead of that, he offers a precise model of how the military does its business -- from management, to leadership development, to training. Chapters on corporate security and intelligence are very good indeed.