CadetStuff.org:

the independent cadet program resource


Copyright © 2001-2008 CadetStuff.org.
May be copied as-is for Cadet training purposes with specific prior permission and appropriate citation. All other rights reserved.

Book Review: "Patton on Leadership"

Major Matt Heusser, CAP

Patton on Leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare


By Alan Axelrod

In his book, Axelrod focuses on the leadership style of General George Patton and how it relates to leadership and business management. The introduction covers some facts about Gen Patton and his history as a military leader. The book is well organized, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of Gen Patton's leadership philosophy. Each chapter has quotes from or about General Patton, and follows with the author's commentary on how to use the General's advice when managing your business.

Below are some of the main points of Gen Patton's leadership philosophy that can be applied to the cadet program:

  • Always set the example. If you are a leader, you are setting the tone and attitude of your unit.
  • "...[Y]our platoon is like a piece of spaghetti. You can't push it. You've got to get out in front and pull it." Always lead from the front: Basically, never order anyone to do anything you haven't already done, or wouldn't be willing to do right beside your subordinates.
  • To have an effective team, they must be spirited. To have a spirited team, create a sense of pride in your unit.
  • Be loyal and respectful of the people you lead and never abuse them or take them for granted.
  • Admit and learn from your mistakes. Don't try to cover them up or dwell on them.
  • Encourage people by having confidence in your abilities and also in them. If you allow people to take the initiative you are helping them become a leader as well.
  • "A commander will command." If you aren't giving orders or making decisions, you aren't commanding.

This book is targeted at business leaders, but any cadet or senior member looking to improve their leadership skills will find this book very useful. Patton's style answers questions on motivation, discipline, respect, and relationships with subordinates. I found this especially helpful for beginning to develop my own leadership philosophy and realizing what aspects about leadership are important to me and what aspects I can improve upon.

Patton On Leadership is definitely a "must read" for Cadet Officers and Leaders. It teaches that success and efficiency is directly related to the amount of respect and between the leader and the lead. It also provides guidance for decision-making, something a lot of leaders struggle with. Will this book make you a better leader? Perhaps, but only if you put these ideas into practice. So, pick up a copy of this book, start reading, and take some action to improve yourself and your unit!

About the Reviewer

C/2Lt Jessica Bryant is the Cadet Commander of the Washington County Composite Squadron in Oregon, and has been in Civil Air Patrol since that fateful day she saw a group of "kids in uniform" at an air show. Cadet Bryant is mostly involved with her local squadron and the Cadet Program, but is also interested in ES, particularly radio communications. She enjoys reading (about leadership of course!), hiking, camping, sports, and leading people (her new found passion, thanks to CAP). Cadet Bryant is currently a junior in high school and hopes to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force after college. If this review has in any way affected your life you can express your gratitude by sending a donation to the United Shrunken Heads of America foundation. "Small heads unite to get ahead---Where our heads are small, your generosity is not."

Editor's Note: This is one in an ongoing series of reviews of books that are of interest to our readers. If you've every finished a book and thought: "Wow! I wish someone had told me about this book sooner! Somebody like CadetStuff.org!", then tell us about it so we can tell others!

Send your book review to Editor@CadetStuff.org.

Readers who choose to hardcopy this document are entitled to specific rights, namely: you may print this off and read it repeatedly until you have memorized it and then rattle it off as if you had thought it up yourself; but if anyone asks you - or if you have to actually pull this printed copy out of your pocket to read from - then you are required under Law (Jude Law, that is. Y'know, the English guy in "Gattica"?) to say, "This was on CadetStuff.org and I stole it like it ain't no thang!" and then do the River Dance.