The Marine Corps Way: Using Maneuver Warfare to Lead a Winning Organization

This book is an interesting and well written analysis of how to apply maneuver warfare to a commercial business. The authors prove their analysis by illustrating the similarities between military and competitive business environments. First, this book is an easy read. It is approximately 181 pages long and broken into easily digested parts. Seven of the thirteen chapters focus exclusively on each of the principles of maneuver warfare. Generally speaking, all the chapters follow a similar format. The authors will make a point and follow it up with an example from military history. They then provide an example from the commercial world. Each of these examples is followed by a brief analysis of the principle in discussion. The reader is then given a general analysis that cuts across both the military and business examples. Finally, each chapter ends with a discussion of how the Marine Corps applies and/or views this principle. The advantage of this format is that the reader knows what to expect. The book finishes with a discussion on leadership, the glue that holds the maneuver warfare principles together. There is nothing new in this book. All of these principles can be found in other management and leadership teaching aids. This book's true value is the clear, concise, and easy format in which it is written. The true standard for good writing is the ability to clearly convey a point to the reader. This book meets that standard. It has valuable lessons for managers in all organizations, be they military, civilian-government, commercial, or non-profit. Anyone in a leadership position would find their time well spent in reading this book.

This is a marvelous book. 46 case studies are woven into the book to illustrate the seven principles of the Maneuver Warfare. Creatively and convincingly, the authors show how these seven principles are also keys to the success of business. I find a rare combination of theoretical elegance and managerial relevance.The book is extremely readable. I do not know much about warfare, but thanks to the authors' great work, the seven principles are clearly defined and explained, and I can appreciate their applications in business immediately through the cases that follow up. I would recommend the book to anyone who has interest in business strategy and management.

I did not serve in the military, but I was at Wharton getting my MBA when Vince Martino and Jason Santamaria started introducing these lessons to the student body. They first helped bring in distinguished speakers from the Marine Corps and then organized a creative hands-on leadership event at a real Marine Corps base that was wildly popular with students, many of whom said it was the best leadership instruction they received at the school. The program is a critical part of the Wharton experience and complements Wharton's lecture based coursework with hands on, practical leadership lessons. So it was with great interest and high expectations that I read this book. The authors delivered: the lessons they pass on are commonsense, easy to understand and insightful. I really feel for once that I have a set of tangible lessons learned that I can apply in my organization. I work in an acquisitions group for an Fortune 500 services company and the skills and case studies that are highlighted in the book have impacted the way I evaluate both our competition and potential acquisition targets. I have recommended the book to my peers and direct reports, and I highly recommend it to all.

I run an up-and-coming wireless company in, what the authors refer to as "a rapidly evolving market" and, as promised, this book has armed me with a framework to deal with change and uncertainty. It has also served as a great vehicle to channel the ideas and insights of my employees.I highly recommend it to small business owners and employees who will find it both educational and inspiring. It is practical, to the point, and comprehensive. I found numerous great ideas on strategy, the implementation of strategy, and how to lead people to get the most from them. I only wish that I had found this book sooner.

The authors do a tremendous job breaking down Marine Corps warfighting philosophy into a practical, understandable framework. Very interesting mix of military and business examples and research into modern Marine leadership practices. A must read for any business manager who wants to outpace the competition.The book closes with one of the best chapters on leadership I have ever read. Explains the Marines' recruit-train-mentor model, and distills Marine leadership into three pillars. Also features an interesting interview with Fred Smith.Highly recommended!!