Five-Star Leadership: The Art and Strategy of Creating Leaders at Every Level [Paperback]

Patrick L. Townsend (Author), Joan E. Gebhardt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 1999

"All veterans know that leadership, at its best, is never autocratic, abusive, or arbitrary. Rather, it relies on commitment, communication, and character. To anyone interested in what the pros have to say about leadership, I highly recommend this readable and well-researched book."--Robert A. Lutz former President and COO, Chrysler Corporation.

"This book is unlike any other on leadership that I have read. Citing helpful examples, including those from the rich literature of the military, this book sounds a clear call for us to get on with the important work of building broadly based leadership that will enrich both business and individual lives."--Dr. Curt W. Reimann, former Director, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

"A handbook for leaders that transcends all barriers. Everyone from a CEO of a corporation to middle managers to administrative assistants can glean valuable insights on leadership issues from this comprehensive work."--General C. C. Krulak, USMC Commandant, United States Marine Corps.

"Both men and women will find this book inspirational and practical. Its message is that the best way to be a better leader is to encourage leadership in others--and it tells you how to go about it."--Gay Culverhouse, Ph.D. Chair, Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities Teachers College, Columbia University.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I highly recommend this readable and well-researched book."--Robert A. Lutz, Former President and COO, Chrysler Corporation

"A handbook for leaders that transcends all barriers. Everyone from a CEO of a corporation to middle managers to administrative assistants can glean valuable insights on leadership issues from this comprehensive work."--C.C. Krulack, Commandant of the Marine Corps

"Provides a great service to the private sector by highlighting those aspects of military leadership that are central to our success. . . . A major contribution to the study of leadership and management."--John Shalikashivili, Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

From the Publisher

This one-of-a-kind guide trains business leaders in the manner of military leaders. Working from the idea that leadership is a behavior, not a position and that leaders are made, not born, it provides the basic training necessary for creating leaders at every level. The leadership philosophy and practical tools presented teach employees to analyze situations, and avoid confusion and powerlessness, encouraging positive, effective decision-making. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (March 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047132728X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471327288
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #909,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Book on Leadership, April 2, 2000

By 

William Rushing (NAS Lemoore, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five-Star Leadership: The Art and Strategy of Creating Leaders at Every Level (Hardcover)

Patrick Townsend and Joan Gebhardt draw on all the available sources (big industry and the military) to create a book full of leadership skills that is in an easy-to-read format and very practical to use. If you are a leader or a follower, this book is a must read. I am a student of leadership (Navy Officer with 17 years experience) and I have never read a finer book. Get it, read it, and then read it again!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars for 5 Stars, May 22, 2002

By 

"waymakerjim" (Mars Hill, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five-Star Leadership: The Art and Strategy of Creating Leaders at Every Level (Paperback)

Tis is an excellent book for explaining leadership principles, based on the ultimate test of leadership-combat.
The book compiles lists of leadership traits and practices from some of the leading military manuals and strategists to create a terrific reference source. It makes suggestions on how to create a self-evaluation list for measuring one's leadership skills, knowledge and abilities and how to improve them.
As a former Marine NCO, I still use the techniques and understanding from the Corps. THis book is an outstanding refresher course or it stands alone for everyone.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can you train leaders? With this book you can!, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Five-Star Leadership: The Art and Strategy of Creating Leaders at Every Level (Hardcover)

Too many people think that leaders can only be born, not trained and/or nurtured. It's a good thing that the US Marine Corps does not believe this. If they had not trained leaders, I would have grown up in New Tokyo, instead of Los Angeles.

Forget the stereotypes and take advantage of 2,000+ plus years experience of studying leadership and training leaders.