Customer Reviews

The Conflicted Leader and Vantage Leadership

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

 

 

This short work, 150 pages, is the combined effort of General Gray (former Marine Commandant) and Dr. Otte (President of Franklin University of Ohio). The thematic focus is upon their concept of Vantage leadership. That concept is defined as leading in an environment of conflicting ideas and values of the several waves of change.

The crux of the argument is that many of the concepts of maneuver warfare, as outlined in Warfighting have application in the current business environment and may help today's leaders realize success. They use an informal, almost conversational approach in their narrative, liberally including summaries and charts.

The Vantage leadership theory is fully explored, with chapter length discussions of the four waves of change as well as the "higher levels of leadership themes" defined as seeing the possible over the probable, staying focused despite uncertainty, remaining conceptual, and having commitment and a sense of presence. It is a pretty large order to fulfill in under 150 pages of text, but they do an admirable job. The use of three prologues, one at the traditional point - the beginning; another at halfway, as the bridge between the discussion of the Conflicted Leader and Vantage Leadership and a third in place of the epilogue, is a bit unnerving but is more stylistic than substantive criticism.

Change is common feature in all societal institutions; to effectively cope with that change is a challenge for all. This book provides you with alternative approach to coping with such change rooted in the concepts of maneuver warfare. It was a unique perspective on this fundamental challenge and may provide readers with some new approaches, concepts and principles necessary for success in the current environment of uncertainty.

It is an interesting book and a unique approach, applying maneuver warfare principles to modern leadership practice outside of a military construct. You may find some interesting guidance for common leadership problems.

Excellent book! I am very impressed with the up-to-date thinking about leadership. This is an important book for all business leaders to read.
Jim Mullaney
President/CEO
Edoc Marketing Inc.

This book present ideas for the next generation of leaders. a must read if your serious about leadership