Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump

by Kelly Perdew

The winner of "The Apprentice 2" and former US Army Intelligence Officer and Airborne Ranger identifies the principles he learned in the military that led to his success in business and on the hit NBC show. He also interviews business luminaries who talk about their military experiences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership

211 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[James Pritchert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly good read using the military as the backdrop. The author pulls heavily from his Army background and this is the draw for me that made the book appealing. As for his success on The Apprentice, I was unaware of that connection since I don't watch the show. After this book, I will try to find his episodes on Netflix or Amazon and watch a couple of them. From the author's description of his life to date (as of the publication of the book) he appears poised for great success regardless of his endeavors but he has certainly succeeded in his chosen career fields. One aspect of the book is the author's recounting of his failures of which there are few but they have a telling affect on his actions and his successes. It certainly helps me relate to him on a more human level when he talks about his missteps and how they become stepping stones on his career path and not absolute obstacles. The book is a bit dated in its popular references since his mentor is now the President of the United States with an entirely new array of issues and concerns as opposed to a controversial businessman. On the other hand, perhaps there is a lesson to be learned for the author's next book. This book is still a good read and I would encourage anyone who is a leader or who wants to be a leader to read or listen to it. There are some useful principles in this book and if an aspiring leader were to follow them, they would enjoy an entirely successful career. Indeed, I could see where in some cases I had ignored the principles and suffered the career consequences.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with most of the Author's views on this book. It's an ok read.

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic.

[Daniel Landsman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book--not great. I agreed with about 95% of it, just thought there wasn't anything poignant or overwhelmingly memorable. Perdew is a straightforward writer, and that can be appreciated. The book makes a quality case for why veterans are outstanding candidates for business, and why and how the military helps prepare people for life.

I love his emphasis on Selfless Service and Integrity, my two favorite Army Values. He also does a great job jumping around his career from West Point on, without confusing the reader and without being redundant.

The one thing that was a bit annoying was too many plugs for Donald Trump and the Trump organization, but I suppose it is understandable!

[Christopher Brehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book, very inspiring. I watched season two of The Apprentice and remember Kelly Perdew winning. Reading this book was a great way to see how the military can be a great path to success. It was also inspiring to read how Kelly and others have incorporated the ten principles he talks about into their work and career and how it has made them successful.

I highly recommend this book.

[Major Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this book: interesting listen - he paid his dues; however, he seemed to take the easy way out via Trump; did like his tales of Staubach & Perot.