Customer Reviews

Building Leaders the West Point Way: Ten Principles from the Nation's Most Powerful Leadership Lab

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This should be required reading for all leaders or people aspiring to become leaders. The principles taught and explained in detail are true. In many ways this book is a slap in the face to wannabe leaders. While you read the book, it will become clear who the true leaders are and why. If you want to be a true and inspirational leader, you must read this book and actively apply it's principles.

This is an excellent, no nonsense primer on leadership. General Franklin doesn't pontificate or preach; he presents practical, easy to read essays on ten key principals of leadership, principals that apply in every walk of life, not just the military. One would expect nothing less from a former Commandant of Cadets at West Point, the individual charged with turning America's finest young men and women into commissioned Leaders of Character who will lead our nation's Army and indeed, the nation itself, through the 21st century. Evryone has something to gain from this book; much of what he says is timeless.

"The ten principles are duty, honor, faith, courage, perseverance, confidence, approachability, adaptability, compassion and vision. After reading this book it makes you wonder how much better the United States would be if everyone did two years of military service out of high school.

There is a shortage of all of the above principles within corporate America today. I highly recommend this book both as motivational reading as well as an ethics refresher and the audience for this text is not limited just to those in leadership positions. Anyone in charge of themselves will find something of value in here. We all should choose the harder right rather then the easier wrong."

[...]

Great book, stimulating, practical, and clearly written. The author balances inspirational stories with theoretical foundations so the reader is able to incorporate new ideas into the everyday world of management and teaching.

Joe Franklin's book is first and foremost an excellent tretis on what comprises leadership. It has two strengths not usually found in leadership discussions. First, General Franklin does not talk in absolutes, freely admitting and giving examples of where divergence from an accepted principal is not only acceptable but the right thing to do. Second, the book discusses leadership both in the military and in corporate America in a manner that freely admits the necessary difference in how the principles are applied in each environment. Both military and civilian leaders will profit from reading this book.

What a great book for future and current leaders. Easy to read and full of practical examples as well as thoughtfull insights

I was reading Leadership: Past, Present & Future by Carlos M. Rivera and he talks about West Point, so I wanted to know more about West Point and Leadership and this is a great book.
Every Leader should get both books.
5 Star book.
A keeper.

In a very straightforward manner, the General builds a solid case for adhering to these principles. It's no wonder he was so successful in all his many undertakings.

Author Joe Franklin makes a compelling case that leadership is as much "caught as taught." That it, you probably can't learn it just by reading books. A former West Pointer, he sees the US Military Academy as an ultimate laboratory for grooming leaders and it is hard to argue with that.

Each chapter focuses on one aspect of leadership. Critics may chide that it sounds like a list of Boy Scout virtues. Real world examples - sometimes a bit too self-congratulatory - illustrate the points that Franklin develops.

Mostly we know what it takes to be a good leader. The kicker is doing it! No book can do that for you but Franklin's book is a motivational and instructive blast for those who are looking to hone their leadership skills in any arena - government, military, business, private life, whatever. A worthwhile book!