Robert E. Lee on Leadership : Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision (Paperback)

by H. W. Crocker III (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
General Lee eluded the Union army for three years and cunningly thwarted his foe by applying successful leadership and military acumen, winning many battles but losing the war. However, his reputation and legacy remain intact, suggesting leadership principles that could successfully be applied today. In very readable prose, Crocker, an executive editor at Regency Publishing and author of articles in the National Review, American Spectator, and Human Events, reviews Lee's career not only in the military but as a farmer and college president (the school now known as Washington and Lee University). At the end of each chapter, he provides a section called "Lee's Lessons"Aleadership principles based on Lee's Christian lifestyle, his education (at West Point), and his character. Thought-provoking ideas for today's present and future leaders; for business collections and larger public libraries.ASteven J. Mayover, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"A masterpiece?the best work of its kind I have ever read. Crocker's Lee is a Lee for all leaders to study; and to work, quite deliberately, to emulate."
? Major General Josiah Bunting III, superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute
"A splendid and inspiring book, Robert E. Lee on Leadership offers enormously valuable lessons for all of us today, and should be required reading in the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon, at least."
? Caspar Weinberger, former Secretary of Defense, chairman of Forbes magazine
"As Harry Crocker reminds us, the principles that guided Robert e. Lee were grounded in the finest traditions of American values. Robert E. Lee on Leadership is a timely and valuable reflection on character, and on the personal and spiritual convictions that make for great leaders."
? S. Patrick Presley, director of Federal Government Affairs, British Petroleum
"A moving and illuminating look at Lee the man, so that thoughtful people can learn from him how to succeed in the business of life."
? Dinesh D'Souza, author of Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader
"Harry Crocker has provided a great service by reminding us through this moving and tightly written biography that winning isn't the only thing: faithfulness and honor live in our memories after the guns are silent."
? Marvin Olasky, author of the bestselling Renewing American Compassion and The American Leadership Tradition -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 3 edition (August 24, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761525548
• ISBN-13: 978-0761525547
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,036 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Case Study in Character, January 5, 2003

By	Richard A. Libby (Alice, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is not a biography of Robert E. Lee, nor is it a history of the Civil War, although the reader will learn plenty about both. This book is a case study of the character of Robert E. Lee. In exploring his character, it becomes clear why he was such a great and beloved leader.

Lee was, first and foremost, a Christian. He understood human imperfections and made allowances for them, and he was genuinely concerned for the well-being of everyone - even the enemies against whom he fought. Lee also believed in rewarding and promoting those who did their work well. Knowing all of this is key to understanding his leadership.

Crocker also illuminates two mysteries about Lee, that, perhaps, have become clouded with the passage of years. The first is the fact that he fought against U.S.A. Crocker explains that Lee opposed secession, but opposed even more the idea of forcing the Southern states to remain in the Union at gunpoint. He considered himself a Virginian first and foremost, and when push came to shove, he could not take up arms against the Old Dominion state, where so many of his relatives and friends lived. At no time was Lee enthusiastic about the war; even in fighting, he sought to bring the war quickly to an end. Lee refused to permit his men to steal from or to harm any civilians, even in Union territory, and even though some Union soldiers had no such qualms about Confederate civilians.

The second mystery is his relationship with slavery. Lee opposed slavery and saw it as a moral evil. Even so, he wanted to abolish slavery gradually, because he was concerned that the former slaves should have the means to provide for themselves before they were set free. In this, he opposed the abolition movement, but he was no defender of slavery.

The description of Lee's surrender to U.S. Grant is particularly touching. This is due in part to Lee's concern for the well-being of the people of the South (and this was his ultimate reason for surrendering) and in part to the picture it paints of two honorable generals agreeing to terms of surrender like gentlemen. Even Grant was impressed with Lee's personal dignity, although not with the cause for which he fought.

Crocker highlights the virtuous aspects of Lee's character and shows them at work. The virtues, then, become something to be lived out, not something abstract. He ends each chapter with a summary of character norms that made Lee the great man that he was.

It was most helpful of Crocker to include a bibliography at the end, because the reader of this book is very likely to want to read more about General Lee.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Read, But Full of Information, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision (Hardcover)

Crocker's easy writing style made this book a breeze to read, yet it was full of the information necessary to get his point across completely. Lee was a model leader, and a model gentleman, and the two are related. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the secret to getting ahead while staying true to your principles.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must read for anyone in a position of authority., August 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision (Hardcover)

The strength of this book are the leadership lessons that transcend their historical context. Lee's personal and professional challenges are succinctly illustrated through Crocker's insight and intellect. Today's leaders will benefit from this work as well as be challenged by the ethics and morality of Lee's life. Regardless of your views on the Civil War or comprehensive knowledge of it, you will enjoy and be educated by the thought provoking decisions Lee made and how he made them.