Front cover image for George Washington and the art of business : leadership principles of America's first commander-in-chief

George Washington and the art of business : leadership principles of America's first commander-in-chief

George Washington ranks as one of the great military leaders in history. The character traits he exemplified, and the leadership skills he employed, enabled him to defeat what was then the world's most powerful nation." "Mark McNeilly shows how managers can learn from Washington's career - both his triumphs and setbacks - to succeed as leaders in their chosen field. McNeilly paints vivid portraits of some of the crucial moments in Washington's military, from the early debacle on Long Island Heights to the masterstroke at Trenton. There Washington, aided by his use of intelligence and disinformation, and by his fortitude in the face of daunting conditions, routed the Hessians. McNeilly uses these military encounters to underscore Washington's managerial genius: to persuade and inspire, to open up the decision-making process, to seize opportunities when they arise, to persevere when setbacks occur, and to learn from mistakes. Indeed, the true value of the book lies in McNeilly's ability to link military and business strategy, revealing that successful corporate leaders must possess many of the same traits that Washington did. Using examples from the NFL, Cadillac, Coke, Samsung, Embraer, IBM, and others, McNeilly shows how business leaders can apply Washington's principles for success
Print Book, English, 2008
Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2008
viii, 209 pages : maps ; 22 cm
9780195189780, 0195189787
191758142
Introduction : why George Washington?
Character : the foundation of Washington's leadership principles
A rough beginning : organizing a revolution
Struggling to survive : seizing opportunities and utilizing intelligence
Keeping the flame alive: persevering and promoting the cause
Breathing space : developing a winning strategy
Fundamentals of success : building a winning team
Securing liberty : victory through a strong alliance
Statesman : leading through wisdom and integrity
Foundations of freedom : a vision for the future
Washington's principles of leadership