Review (PDF) American Generalship
America's top military leaders are scrutinized as Puryear ponders what prepared our generals for the terrible responsibilities they bore during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and on to today.
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Presidio Press (January 15, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0891416587
ISBN-13: 978-0891416586
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #558,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #175 in Books > History > Military > Life & Institutions #572 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Leadership #4028 in Books > Business & Money > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Entrepreneurship
American Generalship is a quick, easy read. Mr Puryear presents us with the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force (and one Navy Admiral) of the last half of the century and details those core beliefs and traits that made them sucessful. Although the target audience are officers in the Armed Forces, the principles apply equally to the business world. The only complaint that I have is that little was mentioned about the Viet Nam era Service Chiefs. The 1950's and the 1970's - 80's were covered in depth, but the Viet Nam era was sparse. I heartily recommend this book.
You will not learn anything about what makes a great general. You will get over run with quotes and tid bits of historical Flag Officers, but if you think your actually going to learn anything.....you’re not. Don’t buy this book. The author puts together a one stop shop for any branch but does not go further than anything on top of the surface. I hope that the future leaders will never have to be made to read such a waste of time. The author does not real explain or go into the core of character itself, the cradle to grave examination of any of the great generals. Besides, he places too much emphasis on character and barely mentions judgment. A man can have great character but that does not make him a great leader. A man with character but without judgment makes for a great employee. But a man with both makes a great leader. Also, the author never served a day in the military. General Colin Powell or General Harold Moore made are better options for books on leadership. Check them out. So if you are forced to read this book…..Sucks to be you.
Puryear has done a superb job summarizing years of intensive research on the subject of leadership. The finished product is applicable not just to military leaders, but to anyone who takes on the awesome responsibility of managing other people. He systematically breaks down the essential components of character and cites examples that drive the point home. Time after time I found myself thinking that this book should be required reading for civilian leaders of all kinds. His writing style is articulate and easy to read. I've read several books on this subject and this one is a winner.
American Generalship does an incredible job of outlining the necessary components to character, and while it is aimed at American military leaders, its scope seems unnecessarily constrained. I have been told that I cannot criticize the author for not writing a book he didn't write; however, it seems that the subject was deserving of a broader scope than merely American military leaders. The book includes eleven chapters, each covering some component of this elusive leadership character: (1) Selflessness; (2) Decision: The Essence of Leadership; (3) "Feel" or "Sixth Sense" in Decision Making; (4) Aversion to "Yes Men": Having the Character to Challenge; (5) Books: The Importance of Reading; (6) Mentorship: Guidance, Counseling, Advice, Teaching, and Door Opening; (7)Consideration; (8) Delegation; (9) Fix the Problem, Not the Blame; (10) Reflective Descriptions of Character; and, (11) The Pattern. Unfortunately, because of missing and misused quotation marks within the text, it is difficult to understand whether Puryear is himself speaking, or whether he is quoting a military leader. There are some remarkable stories contained in the book however, most especially in the fifth chapter concerning reading. I had purchased the hard- back version of the text (I am unsure of whether there is any other in print), which was published by Presidio Press, and the binding has already cracked. Thus, the reason I have given it three stars is because I believe the structure Puryear used in defining the nature of leadership character is excellent, and the text is generally reflective of a well-considered approach. Yet, the book's durability, and more importantly, its readability remain wanting.
This book provided insight into the minds of the senior leaders of the military. It provided me w/a framework to continually develop and improve my own leadership abilities. I highly recommend this book, not only to new and current officers,(I have given my copy to my Platoon Leader) but to ALL enlisted men and women serving as NCOs, in the U.S. military. The information provided in this text can be utilized by ANYONE desiring to improve their leadership abilities. This book by Puryear has me wanting more, and now I must read his previous book "19 Stars".
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