Ronald Reagan was elected to lead a dispirited country that had lost its way. Overseas, governments tottered in the face of an expansive Soviet empire, and U.S. citizens fell prey to cold-blooded terrorists. At home, a listless economy produced more unemployment than jobs, and a demoralized military hunkered down in timidity. America had become a land of limits rather than of opportunity. "If you measure leadership of the American presidency in terms of changing the mindset of multiple constituencies, as I do, then Ronald Reagan will be regarded as one of the greatest presidents of this century. Finally, we have a terrific book on Reagan and his uncanny and important ability to lead." — Warren Bennis, coauthor of Leaders and author of Organizing Genius How Reagan turned the country around is an inspiration for leaders everywhere. This remarkable book gives you the keys to his leadership skills and shows how they can be transferred seamlessly to today's business world. Based on new interviews with some of Reagan's closest advisers, Reagan on Leadership presents an inside look into the day-to-day executive style of one of our century's most successful statesmen. You learn his secrets of management success, such as how to hire the right people, negotiate from strength, move an audience, overcome failure, and, perhaps most important, communicate an inspiring vision. With wit and insight, author James Strock captures the essence of a man who changed the course of history. The Reagan you meet here was a leader of uncanny strength, whose steely determination never flagged, not even when he suffered political setbacks, not even when he took a bullet in the chest. Ronald Reagan triumphed over challenges people in business face every day. With this book as your guide, so can you.
James Strock a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, lawyer and reformer in business, government and politics. He is based in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He can be reached at servetolead.com.
I had ordered this book in haste quite a few years ago, but then didn't make time to read it. When I did, it was a surprise. Although there was quite a lot about the former President, that was only a starting point for some very perceptive observations about what makes a good leader. In sum, I enjoyed this much more than I had thought I would. I think people who have a negative impression of Pres. Reagan might also enjoy this book if they can read without the baggage of heavy-duty ideology.
James M. Strock provides lots of anecdotes about Reagan's leadership style, as well as ways that the reader can apply them to their life. It is easy to read, while also having an aura of academia to it. There are things in here for the high schooler running for SGA or for the multi-term congressman running for re-election. Strock writes a book that everyone, no matter the political beliefs, can read and learn from.
One of the great aspects of this book is that a liberal could read it and learn how to better articulate their views. The author doesn't try to present Reagan's beliefs as better or suprerior, but rather shows how he was effective in his style.
Strock splits the book into four parts: Leadership, Management, Communication, and Self-Management. While the Leadership section is the longest and makes up close to half of the book, none of the sections feel too long or short. Strock spends just enough time to convey the information without lingering or overdoing it.
Overall, this is a great book. I think that anyone can read it and everyone should read it. Its not only a great book on leadership, but I learned a lot about Reagan himself(as if he wasn't great enough). 9.5 out of 10!