The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief [Hardcover]

Carolyn B. Thompson (Author), Jim Ware (Author), James W. Ware (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 2002

Praise for The LEADERSHIP GENIUS of GEORGE W. BUSH

"Finally, a fun-to-read book about George W. Bush that details the secrets to his success!"
-Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One Minute Manager

"Political journalists love graduate student intelligence, the ability to make clever allusions in seminars, and in 1999--2000, they hassled George W. Bush for not having it. They didn't realize what this book succinctly displays: that the President has something far more important-CEO intelligence, the ability to ask tough questions, garner essential information, and make discerning decisions. Such intelligence can be fostered and honed, and this book shows how."
-Dr. Marvin Olasky, Professor of Journalism, The University of Texas at Austin, and Editor in Chief, World magazine

"Put aside politics and read this book right away for its true wisdom and concrete advice about leadership. The authors have done a brilliant job explaining the leadership style that makes this President so effective. Any leader can learn from the philosophy, strategy, and tactics in this book."
-Bruce Tulgan, founder of RainmakerThinking, Inc., and author, Winning the Talent Wars

"Thompson and Ware make a compelling case that this President who 'loves to be underestimated' has a highly effective approach to leadership that is humane, direct, and at times, truly transformational. Many in business today could benefit from reading this book."
-David M. Abshire, President, Center for the Study of the Presidency

Editorial Reviews

Review

Don't laugh when you see the title of a new book that challenges the elite's view that President Bush is no brainiac: The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush. Really. "We did it," says coauthor Carolyn Thompson, a leadership expert, "because he's so widely underestimated and because everybody thinks he's not what he really is." That would be Master Leader, she and James Ware conclude in their scholarly study. More in-depth than others like The Rumsfeld Way, it charts Bush's 10 common-sense leadership lessons, like: Hire smart, build trust, talk straight, and leave aides alone. "General Patton," they write, "followed the same strategy." Yet unlike the field commander, Bush gets no respect, ? la Rodney Dangerfield. But that, too, says Thompson, is part of Bush's genius. "He likes to be underestimated." She's even copied her two favorite Bush traits. While unpresidential at times, he tells it like he sees it. And he's religious about sticking to his schedule, which includes two hours of exercise and home by 7 p.m. "I do the same now and it works," she says. "He's made a believer out of me." (U.S. News & World Report, January 20, 2003)

From the Inside Flap

If, according to Abigail Adams, "great necessities call forth great leaders," then George W. Bush has displayed a natural ability to lead. Through his skillful use of timeless management principles and his powerful people skills, Bush has proven to be a genius at leadership.

The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush reveals the unwavering leadership principles of the first President with an MBA and illustrates how he uses them to operate within the arenas of politics, business, and life. Leadership and management consultants Carolyn Thompson and James Ware identify ten timeless qualities that have made Bush a great leader, breaking down each one so that you too can use these techniques in your own leadership quest–whether you are running a Fortune 500 company, the local school board, or your condo association.

Each thought-provoking chapter highlights a unique leadership lesson gleaned from Bush’s political, professional, and personal endeavors. From owner of the Texas Rangers to President of the United States, these principles have propelled George W. Bush to the top and can do the same for you:

• Identifying core values
• Building alliances
• Having a vision
• Communication
• Building trust
• Discipline
• Bringing in the right people
• Intuition
• Allowing those hired to do their jobs
• Getting results

The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush explores everything from overcoming setbacks (as Bush did during his nomination bid) and managing in crisis (September 11th) to setting the vision and hiring the best and brightest to execute it.

Engaging and entertaining, The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush is a lively blend of professional accomplishments and personal beliefs. Clearly outlining the techniques that have made George W. Bush such an effective leader, this practical guide will help you develop the leadership skills necessary for success in today’s fast-paced world.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 27, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471420069
• ISBN-13: 978-0471420064
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,281,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 138 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Commonsense Approach to Leadership, January 22, 2003

By 

Diane Rummel (Foster City, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief (Hardcover)

I am an avid reader of biographies and this book provided a biographical sketch of President Bush's lifestyle and then used that foundation to show how his management skills transformed his life. I grabbed a pencil and highlighter half-way into the first chapter and began writing in the margins. I liked this book because I could open to any page and find a nugget of information with a down to earth example. Some of the examples were just real funny and actually made me laugh out loud.

Then after reading the first few chapters, I realized that this book was not about President Bush's politics (although there was some strategies revealed) or about his faith (although his personal convictions are the heart of his core values) or even about his IQ level (his emotional intelligence is recognized as highly intuitive). This was a book was about how an average person can become the leader they want to be.

I finished the book quickly from a purely biographical point of view and now am going back over each chapter to concentrate on the leadership competencies and how I can learn from the examples. The authors know what they are talking about but they also made it real easy for the reader to put into practice the lessons that need to be learned.

After reading this book, I also came to appreciate and admire President Bush and how his personal discipline is one of the timeless principles of his leadership. I am glad that I read this book at this time in history.

57 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource !, January 16, 2003

By 

Donald W. Page (New Lenox, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief (Hardcover)

In an enjoyable and insightful manner, authors Thompson and Ware present a compelling analysis of George W. Bush's leadership skills and techniques. In ten (10) concise chapters the reader is presented with an equal number of practical lessons that are applicable to leaders (or potential leaders) within most any type of organization. Starting with an examination of the fundamental core values that drive President Bush, the authors develop a useful guide that is loaded with practical "real world" examples and references. I personally found the chapter on Intuitive Wisdom to be very useful and thought provoking.

This book also serves as a powerful and timely corrective to much of the partisan nonsense that has been published in recent years regarding President Bush's capabilities. For all those truly interested in improving their management skills and those seeking diversity in thought and opinion, this one is a must read!

20 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read! You get more than you expect, January 12, 2003

By 

Mike (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief (Hardcover)

This book did more for me than just provide insight into President Bush. I am really impressed with his character and values. I am more impressed with his leadership qualities. Much can be learned from this man and this book on great leadership. This book does an excellent job of laying out the lessons and traits of great leadership. I will definitely benefit from adopting these lessons in my own business and personal life. Everyone should have a copy of this book - it will surely improve your relationships and efficiencies in whatever you do!