Customer Reviews

Follow Me I: The Human Element in Leadership (v. 1)

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

 

 

Based on a long-running series of essays in ARMY Magazine, this work is based on the learning and wisdom of a highly decorated officer of wide experience in both command and staff. General Newman is not only an effective warrior but also a fine teacher able to bring the lessons to life with real examples taken from both peacetime and combat incidents.
While the text is specifically intended for military leaders, the lessons are so universally applicable that it might be said that with their diligent use, one could hardly fail, in any profession.
Volume I is one of three. While there is some repetition over the three volumes, (due to their origin as periodical essays), this hardly detracts from their usefulness. Get all three and spend some profitable time in the company of a fine gentleman and a great leader.
(The numerical rating above is a default setting within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings).

Instead of expounding boring theories spiced up with a few ancedotes, Maj Gen Newman has instead adopted a story telling format. He then comments on his experience. As explained at the beginning of the book, it is through experiences that we learn and he is sharing with us his experience. This book, although placed in a military context is useful ANYWHERE!

Enjoyable. This book provides good insight into what life in the pre-WWII Army was like. You should enjoy this book if you have any interest in the military.

While my comments do not stem from the "Follow Me" series, they are pertinent to topics covered in Maj. General Aubrey S. "Red" Newman's "Follow Me" chapters included in previous edition[s] of his compiled articles in "What are Generals Made Of?" and "Army" magazine. I had the privilege of knowing Red personally as we lived near each other in Sarasota, FL. I do not think this tarnishes my evaluation of his works. When he gave me his "Generals" book in 1992, I was twelve years old. I did not immediately attain or recognise the truth and practical human wisdom contained therein. Only now, as a new member of the Air Force, do I realise and cherish the trove of a lifetime of experience that General Newman set to paper. As a member of the Air Force, I can attest to the fact that his book is replete with Army stories, anecdotes, and such, yet I also emphasise that his books are applicable to ANYONE, or as a previous reviewer attested, to any profession. The palpable character of Red in his works is a testament to his daily life and manner. General Newman readily admits that his path to success[or anyone else's] is impossible to formulate into a set procedure; rather the characteristics of good leadership combined with "INFLUENCES THAT SHAPE PEOPLE'S LIVES," determine the success of our leaders. One theme in "Generals" is that all officers require the element of human understanding. While it is not a book which purports to promise overnight success, it helps guide one's daily actions. I wish you the best of luck.