Grey Eminence: Fox Conner and the Art of Mentorship - Softcover

Cox, Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1581072031 ISBN 13: 9781581072037

Publisher: New Forums Press, 2010

Synopsis

To those who have heard of him, Fox Conner’s name is synonymous with mentorship. He is the “grey eminence” within the Army whose influence helped to shape the careers of George Patton, George Marshall, and, most notably, President Eisenhower. What little is known about Conner comes primarily through stories about his relationship with Eisenhower, but little is known about Fox Conner himself. After a career that spanned four decades, this master strategist ordered all of his papers and journals burned. Because of this, most of what is known about Conner is oblique, as a passing reference in the memoirs of other great men. This book combines existing scholarship with long-forgotten references and unpublished original sources to achieve a more comprehensive picture of this dedicated public servant. The portrait that emerges provides a four-step model for developing strategic leaders that still holds true today. First and foremost, Conner was a master of his craft. Secondly, he recognized and recruited talented subordinates. Then he encouraged and challenged these protégés to develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Finally he wasn’t afraid to break the rules of the organization to do it. Here, for the first time ever, is the story of Major General Fox Conner.

About this title

About the Author:

Ed Cox has 13 years of experience in the Army, serving in command and staff positions in Germany, Kosovo, Texas, and Iraq.  From 2008 to 2011 he taught in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy.  He holds a bachelor's degree in American politics from the U.S. Military Academy and master's degrees in public administration and international relations from Syracuse University.   He currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Review:

Edward Cox has written a fascinating portrait of one of our nation's great soldiers who is little known and under-appreciated.  --Brian D. Shaw, President, The George C. Marshall Foundation

Leaders at every level will learn much from this book about the exemplary life of Major General Fox Conner. --Lieutenant General David H. Huntoon, Jr.

Ed Cox's book serves as a premier case study on what leaders at all levels, in and out of the Army, need to do to build and sustain a learning organization. --Don Vandergriff

Ed Cox captures the essence and true spirit of mentoring at the top. --Steve Dumont, Managing Partner, The Mentorship Partnership

Mr. Cox did a wonderful job of putting together this book . . . I now know about this great soldier and leader and how he impacted the U.S. Army, WWII, and beyond.
 
--Jim Greenwald, Military Writers Society of America

About this edition

• Publisher: New Forums Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1581072031
• ISBN 13: 9781581072037
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 142