George Washington On Leadership - Softcover

Brookhiser, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0465003036 ISBN 13: 9780465003037

Publisher: Basic Books, 2009

Synopsis

In 1799, at the end of George Washington's long life and illustrious career, the politician Henry Lee eulogized him as: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Esteemed historian Richard Brookhiser now adds to this list, First in leadership,” examining the lessons to be learned from our first president, first commander-in-chief, and founding CEO.

With wit and skill, Brookhiser expertly anatomizes true leadership with lessons from Washington's three spectacularly successful careers as an executive: general, president, and tycoon. In every area of endeavor, Washington maximized his strengths and overcame his flaws. Brookhiser shows how one man's struggles and successes two centuries ago can serve as a model and an inspiration for leaders today.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard Brookhiser is the author of What Would the Founders Do?: Our Questions, Their Answers, Founding Father—Rediscovering George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton, America. He is a senior editor of National Review, and a contributor to Time. He wrote and hosted Rediscovering George Washington, a film by Michael Pack, which aired on PBS and appears frequently on the History Channel. Brookhiser lives in New York City.

www.richardbrookhiser.com

From Booklist:

In the guise of a management consultant, historian Brookhiser informs readers that George Washington used the hub-and-spoke system; was a shrewd talent scout; handled smart people well; was on top of essential details; and mastered his temper. Author of several superpopular titles about the Founders, Brookhiser, with casual diction and his customary wit, distills leadership lessons from Washington’s three occupations—business operator, military officer, and politician. Noting the universal problem of leadership, choosing from competing advice for dealing with problems, Brookhiser elaborates on how Washington did so by ranging across Washington’s life, collecting disparate incidents from youth or maturity to make a common point. Washington made his share of mistakes, admits Brookhiser, but learned from them and appreciated the value of effective PR. He famously melted the hearts of mutineers in 1783 by apologizing for going blind in the service of his country—and putting on spectacles they’d never seen. Could a CEO squelch a boardroom rebellion with the same stunt? While leaders glean Brookhiser for practical advice, history buffs will be intrigued by his biographical insights. --Gilbert Taylor

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0465003036
• ISBN 13: 9780465003037
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288