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| History Lessons: What Business and Management can Learn from the Great Leaders of History by Jonathan Gifford sets down eight competences exemplified, often in an extreme form, by great leaders
Each competence is put into the context of business management so that the particular abilities of the great leaders of history can be easily related to present day management situations.
The competences fall into three groups. The precursors of action – changing the mood, boldness of vision and planning; driving action – leading from the front, bringing people along and making things happen; and finally, building – taking the offensive and creating opportunities.
Three great leaders from world history have been selected to exemplify each competence, resulting in a fascinating range of men and women, drawn from different backgrounds, nationalities and historical eras. For example, the leaders chosen to illustrate making things happen include Oliver Cromwell, George S Patton and Zhou Enlai – far from the usual list of individuals cited in books on leadership.
In a few pages, each individual is placed into the historical, social and political context of their time. The cultural setting of their leadership prowess is scrutinised and a compelling picture is painted for each one. It is no mean feat to draw together so complete a picture of a person exemplifying a particular competence in half a dozen pages packed with interesting detail and insight.
The book will enthuse any reader who enjoys biographies, has a general interest in history, or is keen to improve their leadership skills. It may appear a stretch to imagine that Genghis Khan has lessons to teach modern managers but setting aside an imperfection or two, he can be seen as the creator of an opportunity that led to kick-starting the renaissance.
Review by Andrew May FCMI Published by Marshall Cavendish Business
£14.99
ISBN 978-0-462-09936-1 |
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