Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership [Paperback]

Andrew Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2004

Choosing Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill, two totally opposite leaders—both in what they stood for and in the way they appeared to lead—award-winning historian Andrew Roberts examines the subtleties of political and military leadership. Drawing intriguing parallels with leaders from other eras, and incisively examining those aspects of leadership that Hitler and Churchill had in common, Roberts arrives at a series of fascinating conclusions. Andrew Roberts is the author of Eminent Churchillians and Salisbury: Victorian Titan, winner of the Wolfson History Prize.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Roberts’ book is timely and a triumph.” -- Evening Standard

From the Publisher

What is leadership? What are the secrets of the phenomenon by which one person can lead millions—sometimes to salvation, sometimes to destruction? By choosing Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill, two totally opposite leaders—both in what they stood for and in the way they appeared to lead—award–winning historian Andrew Roberts examines the subtleties of political and military leadership. Drawing intriguing parallels with leaders from other eras, and incisively examining those aspects of leadership that Hitler and Churchill had in common, Roberts arrives at a series of fascinating conclusions that are as relevant today as they were during and after the Second World War. Andrew Roberts is the author of Eminent Churchillians and Salisbury: Victorian Titan, winner of the Wolfson History Prize.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753817780
• ISBN-13: 978-0753817780
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,003 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Essay Contrasting Leadership Styles November 23, 2007

By David C. Casler

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found the book fascinating and read most of it in one sitting. The author's intent is to provide a comparison of two massively competent leaders pitted against one another, with the implied idea that Churchill's was better because he was on the right side. In fact, the author stumbles over himself sometimes to remind us several times that Hitler was evil (which, of course, he was). But after reading, I came away with the two both being geniuses and both being spellbinding leaders who brought out the best in their subordinates. Both had severe limitations as well. And the two leadership styles were complete contrasts. So what are the lessons here? Both leaders did many things right. Both did many things wrong. I think the case can be made that Hitler's style finally proved his undoing--he held the reigns too tightly and surrounded himself with sycophants. But remember that WWII was a very near thing. The author makes the point that after the Americans entered the war in a serious way, Churchill's supreme leadership was gradually eclipsed by Roosevelt and Eisenhower. But Churchill ultimately comes out a hero, which I like because I greatly admire him. Fascinating book? Yes. Worth reading? Absolutely.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Truely the secrets of leadership September 3, 2005

By Duran Tolley

Format:Paperback

For people out there who enjoy a reading an excellent novel, or know someone who enjoys reading this is a must have, or a wonderful gift. In this novel they compare the differences and at the same time their similarities of leadership between the two men, how they were both very committed to lead their country to victory, and would do anything in their power to do so. "Secrets of Leadership" has points or facts that you would have never known about both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler, how Hitler wasn't mean and tough all the time, and at time's actually showed affection ( that's all I have to say on the subject), also they have three very interesting sections of illustrations, and explains how they used the media or the press to inspire and motivate their followers and soldiers. All in all this is a great book for anyone who is interested and even for those who are not into the whole war thing.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Similarities and differences April 6, 2011

By Martina A. Nicolls

Format:Paperback

Roberts presents a detailed comparison of two political men of power, Adolf Hitler in Germany and Winston Churchill in England, in two parts: the period prior to World War II and wartime.

He provides commentary on their strengths and weaknesses, the people who made them great leaders, and their own leadership characteristics throughout their rise to Fuhrer and Prime Minister respectively. At first glance, the two men appear to be total opposites, but with a skilful expose of their backgrounds, aspirations, decision-making, leadership styles, attitudes, and beliefs, Roberts reveals their similarities.

Their differences were legendary. While Hitler was charismatic, Churchill was not. Many attest to the "weirdly compelling effect" that Hitler's eyes had upon people, and that he was adored by his staff. Churchill, on the other hand, was a tough, rude, and sarcastic boss. Hitler delegated and Churchill micro-managed. Yet, while Hitler was an anti-smoking, teetotal vegetarian, devoid of humour, Churchill was a witty, magnificent hedonist. And while Hitler was devoid of emotions, "pretty much anything could induce tears in Churchill."

Their similarities were outstanding. Both had a tenacity of purpose, despite early failures and setbacks; both were self-educated; both were intensely nationalistic; both were egocentric; and both were overwhelming orators and natural actors. Yet more interesting was that both had a driving sense of destiny: that each was destined to lead their country, and that they both "knew" this at an early age. Churchill had faith in his own star, a `guiding hand' towards his destiny. If anything, Hitler had a more unshakeable faith in his own star, that `Divine Providence' had protected him in the trenches, that he was infallible: "When I look back upon the five years that lie behind, I can say, this was not the work of human hands alone."

In a time when Britain made war decisions by committee, and Germany was a dictatorship, England's cumbersome governmental structure delayed wartime operations. Hitler's dictatorial powers made it easier to keep secrets and spearhead timely attacks, such as the Blitzkrieg victory. Yet the method behind Hitler's initial successes as a war leader was, in time, to become his greatest weakness, and Churchill capitalized on it. What were Hitler's fatal flaws of leadership? How did Churchill defeat Hitler's superior power of will? It is said that one key rule of management is that a good leader selects the right people for the right job. What is just as important is that leaders sack the right people at the right time for the right reason. Roberts takes a critical look at the staffing decisions of both Hitler and Churchill before and during crucial times of the war, and the ramifications these decisions had in the ultimate downfall of Hitler and the rise of Churchill.

This is a well-structured book that does more than ask searching questions about leadership styles and decisions. It also compels readers to re-examine the way they look at those who make decisions for them, and their nation.

Martina Nicolls, Author of "The Sudan Curse" and "Kashmir on a Knife-Edge"