No Substitute for Victory: Lessons in Strategy and Leadership from General Douglas MacArthur

Much of modern business management theory and leadership philosophy was born out of battlefield necessity during actual military campaigns of the 20th Century. Even common business language such as strategy, tactics, mission, operations and resources were co-opted from the armed forces, which show relevant parallels between the needs of business and actual battle. In the book titled - "There's No Substitute for Victory" - author Donna Kinni explores the life and leadership practices of Gen. Douglas MacArthur - arguably one of the greatest leaders the U.S. has ever had. His more than 60 years of service went far beyond his military career into education, public administration, consultancy and business. According to Kinni, MacArthur was one of only five, five-star generals in the history of the U.S. Army and his principled-based leadership style was revolutionary. Soundview recommends this book because some of MacArthur's driving principles were the value of the individual within the context of a team; the need to respond quickly; lean organization; esprit de corps; and a relentless focus on results. Regardless of how you feel about war and conflict, these ideals all sought to resolve disputes quickly with minimal losses and maximum outcomes. These lessons are battle-tested (literally) and can be used by virtually anyone and any organization. Don't engage your enemy without it!

The stereotypical military general wields authority like a blunt instrument: Issue an order and it's followed. The reality of military leadership is more complex, as this intriguing study of General Douglas MacArthur shows. MacArthur took a deliberate, nuanced approach to inspiring his troops. His arsenal included motivation, knowledge, intimidation, praise and self-deprecation. Authors Theodore and Donna Kinni combine a short biography, compelling anecdotes and a keen understanding of MacArthur's career and personality to build this episodic analysis of his approach to strategy, motivation and management. They include relevant study questions after each chapter. We recommend this to managers who need to take their leadership skills to boot camp and to those who enjoy good military tales.

I am a bit of a World War Two history buff so of course I have read a number of books about the involvement in any number of campaigns that MacArthur was involved in. That is why I was excited to read this book. I had always heard that MacArthur was considered a great leader and here is the book that tells you exactly why he was considered as such. MacArthur was one of our nation's preeminent military leaders with a career that has rarely been equaled. Not only was he in the military for want was almost his full life, but his military accomplishments stand out as one of the most accomplished in the U.S. military history. This book covers the basic principals that made MacArthur not only a great military leader, but as a leader overall. The authors tell us that there were three founding components of successful long term leadership. They are values, vision and proficiency. They argue that great leadership is first and foremost moral leadership. Values guide us in our actions and the authors tells us that many of the scandals he hear about on the news are when leaders put aside the morals of the situation. Overall the book describes many of the skills and talents required of leaders. The authors detail why each of the skills are important and how MacArthur developed and used them. The book is interesting and at times exciting. Given I also have an interested in his military career the book was doubly interesting. You will not be disappointed.

General Douglas MacArthur was in many ways a man ahead of his times. His life of leadership spanned more than six decades. Theodore Kinni and Donna Kinni introduce a new generation of students to 50 leadership lessons that guided his life. They can be adopted no matter what the goal or challenge. The lessons fall into five categories: 1. Define victory . . . and purse it relentlessly. 2. Use all your weapons - especially speed and surprise. 3. Start on the right foot: take command, establish trust. 4. Personal resolve and language have power. 5. Enduring values and constant learning transform institutions. MacArthur lived a life of extraordinary achievements. The 50 lessons give a rare insight into what MacArthur knew about goal setting and building lean, responsive organizations, leadership, performance and focusing on winning results. If you are results oriented, this book deserves space on your desktop.