Patton on Leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Why should we remember General George S. Patton today? What can we learn from him? Unlike George Washington or Abraham Lincoln who seem to occupy a realm beyond that of mere mortals, Patton had great strengths and accomplished remarkable results while at the same time, he had to work to overcome his human imperfections, making him much more approachable as an exemplar. His mantra, "Speed, simplicity and boldness," worked not only in the harsh environment of World War II but it is also an appropriate motto for the Internet Age. In both situations the risks are high, the workplace conditions difficult and the unknown is great. Anyone who directs a company or supervises others could benefit by being able to "think like Patton." So says author Alan Axelrod.

When he arrived to take command of the Third Army, Patton found utterly defeated troops. He transformed this demoralized force into an army capable of crushing the Nazis' dreaded "Desert Fox," General Erwin Rommel. He drove the Third Army--437,860 men at its pinnacle--across France and into Germany at a breakneck pace. Under Patton's command, the Third Army destroyed more of the enemy and liberated more towns than any other unit in the entire history of U.S. warfare, with the least cost in lives and resources. At every step in his triumphant career, Patton set an inspiring example, instilled confidence and acted decisively. He excelled under relentless pressure and against daunting odds- and throughout it all he had to work hard to overcome a personal enemy, dyslexia.

Based on the General's own writings, remarks, and career record, author Alan Axelrod, who specializes in both military history and management topics, presents 185 succinct lessons in leadership, Patton-style.

This fascinating guide to business victory and personal excellence features a Foreword by William A. Cohen, Ph.D., Major General, USAFR, Retired; and a Preface by George Steinbrenner, principal owner of the New York Yankees. It will be available nationwide on Veteran's Day--which happens to be Patton's birthday. A percentage of the net proceeds from this book and from the audiobook will be donated to build the National World War II Memorial.

"In the Third Army, we knew what General Patton expected us to do, and we believed that if we did it, we would win. That's what generalship is about." From General Omar N. Bradley, A Soldier's Story

SYNOPSIS

Winning leadership principles inspired by the military career of this complex, and effective World War II general.

Although often deemed abrasive and arrogant, General George S. Patton was a remarkable leader who trained and motivated his men to achieve astounding results. With an emphasis on mission, he transformed an utterly demoralized American force in North Africa into an army capable of defeating the Nazis' brilliant General Rommel. Storming across France into Germany at a breakneck pace, his unit conquered more enemy troops and liberated more civilians than any other in World War II.

Now Alan Axelrod, an accomplished writer in the areas of both military history and business management, applies Patton's proven leadership principles and competitive tactics to the corporate battlefield.

Executives and managers will learn straightforward, practical lessons in dynamic, results-oriented management. Illuminated by Patton's own words, chapters cover how to develop a leadership attitude and image, communicate effectively, establish clear priorities, inspire others, instill loyalty, build a team, coach and mentor, resolve conflict, and sustain optimum performance. And, as a man who regularly was required to overcome his failings or turn them to his advantage, Patton offers an example of excellence within reach of all of us.

Featuring an insert of World War II photographs, Patton on Leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare will inspire today's workplace leaders as it urges them on toward victory in their own companies.

FROM THE CRITICS

William A. Cohen - Wall Street Journal

Successful leaders do what unsuccessful leaders simply won't do. And in so doing, they frequently achieve the impossible.

George Steinbrenner - Wall Street Journal

I consider General George S. Patton, with all his controvesey, idiosyncrasies, and unpredictability, to be perhaps the greatest of them all.---"the ultimate warrior".

Orange County Register

Patton's first rule of commanding is to act as if you are in charge, because you are. As the anecdotes and documented stories in the book reveal, Patton timed his words and actions to make it clear he was in charge. A four star-read.

Library Journal

Axelrod (What Every American Should Know About American History) takes the leadership wisdom of one of America's greatest and most colorful combat generals and applies it to contemporary civilian corporate organizations. Organized around George S. Patton's quotations and writings, this is an attempt to apply the general's wartime leadership style to peacetime corporate America, covering principles such as how to develop and project a leadership image, communicate effectively across an organization, establish clear priorities, build a winning team, sustain maximum performance against all odds, and instill loyalty and inspire achievement. Beginning with a high-level history of Patton's life, the author then strives to relate Patton's leadership style to typical business situations, but the effort is many times far-fetched and filled with jargon and clich s. The selections designed to sound like Patton actually sound like narrator Bruce Winant's attempt to sound like actor George C. Scott trying to sound like Patton and will likely send listeners to the hard copy. While the advice is helpful, there is little new here compared with the already saturated leadership genre, and it cannot stand the time-tested solidity of classics from Stephen Covey or Peter Drucker. Consider only on demand in smaller public libraries.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

AudioFile

This short, direct work includes a compilation of quotes from the famous American general, as well as stories of illustrative incidents from his life. All of these are used to demonstrate several commonsensical concepts of leadership. Bruce Winant performs the narrative while Robert Foxworth portrays Patton. Winant's voice is pleasant and easy to understand. Foxworth's Patton seems to intentionally imitate the late George C. Scott's famous movie performance. This combination works well and makes for a nice listening experience. M.T.F. ￯﾿ﾽ AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

From Charles M. Province, President/Founder The George S. Patton, Jr. Historical Society

Mr. Axelrod has written an excellent book about Patton's leadership skills, his approach to winning, his personal attitude, and his methods for results. These are lessons that can be learned and applied in the business community with great ease. If your library does not contain Patton On Leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare, by Alan Axelrod, then your library is not complete. Buy this book, study it, and follow its teachings. You will be a better manager for it.  — Charles M. Province

From William A. Burke, major General, (Ret.) U.S.A.

I have no doubt but that the leadership skills and personal attitude practiced by general Patton can be used effectively in both corporate and government managerial positions. Current and future leaders would do well to master those skills and to practice the vital requisites of honesty and integrity for which General Patton was noted and without which, leadership is highly suspect.  — William K. Burke

From Karl Malden, Actor, Renowned for his portrayal of General Omar Bradley in the movie Patton

Never thought you could compare General Patton with corporate management. But this book does and does it well.  — Karl Malden

From Al Kaltman, Author, Cigars, Whiskey & Winning: Leadership Lessons from General Ulysses S. Grant

Patton is the personification of leadership projected through the force of personality. Patton on Leadership provides valuable insights into the precepts of this celebrated twentieth century warrior. — Al Kaltman

From C.R. "Jack" Koop, Chairman & CEO (Ret.), Leo Burnett Co, Inc.

The most powerful truth I learned from combat in WWII and Korea is that you simply cannot be a successful leader - and thus will not prevail - without 'integrity, integrity, and integrity.' Leaders in business, as well as in the military, will find Patton on Leadership exceptionally helpful.  — C. R. Koop

From Melvin R. Goodes, Chairman and CEO, Warner-Lambert Company

In the three years from 1942 to 1945, Patton won a war on the mantra of 'Speed, Simplicity and Boldness.' In the three years from 1995 to 1998, using that same mantra, Warner-Lambert went from a company described as 'amongst the walking dead of the pharmaceutical industry' to an enterprise ranked with the world's top 50 firms in market value. Patton on Leadership provides leaders at every level with deep insights into what shaped Patton's unique leadership style and how he inspired people to victory in the most dire of circumstances. — Melvin R. Goodes

From Rutherford B. Johnson, Commander, Georgia Chapter, George S. Patton, Jr. Historical Society

What can a civilian corporate leader learn from the combat tactics of General George S. Patton, Jr.? Find out by reading Alan Axelrod's Patton on Leadership. He takes the leadership wisdom of one of America's greatest and most colorful combat Generals and applies it to contemporary civilian corporate organizations. Organized around Patton's quotations and writings, each being related to specific corporate situations, Axelrod presents an in-depth understanding into the General's leadership style and demonstrates that Patton's 'genius was being able to capitalize on his own intuitive notion of leadership.' This book provides a perceptive insight of a leadership methodology that may be a valuable asset to many corporate executives.  — Rutherford B. Johnson

From 1st Lt. Henry L. Sobel, U.S. Army (Ret.) 01010072