The Power of Four: Leadership Lessons of Crazy Horse

I read all that Joseph Marshall III produces as he is one of the true Elder Statesman for our people. He is keeping the past alive, bringing awareness to this generation and leaving a legacy for future ones. For those who want to learn of a heritage that was almost wiped out, read Mr. Marshall and read all of his works. I use and recommend this book as a primer for Leadership Development. Bear Kaeck [...] [email protected]

I love this small book of four powerful leadership teachings. While "Leadership Lessons of Crazy Horse" may seem, initially, as less than appropriate, read on. Yes, Crazy Horse was one of the Indian military leaders that helped defeat Custer at Little Bighorn in 1876. But he was also an "inspirational and effective leader." What is surprising is that his lessons are just as useful today. The author does a masterful job of using Crazy Horse's examples and stories from Native Americans to illustrate his points. Lesson One: Know Yourself Knowing his strengths and weaknesses helped Crazy Horse be an effective leader. One of his strongest assets was being steady under pressure, and this steadiness developed after years of assuming responsibility for his tribe. What is amazing is that he only lived into his mid-thirties and he was a tribal leader for more than 15 of those years. Lesson Two: Know Your Friends No leader can lead alone. That requires a trust in the ability of others. Being clear about others' abilities, however, is the key. In his early years, Crazy Horse was a scout for his tribe. He trusted the ability of his fellow scouts, and "those whose character he knew he trusted implicitly." "When people know they can depend on one another, they are powerful." Lesson Three: Know Your Enemies Crazy Horse taught the importance of knowing, understanding and respecting his enemy. The history of the Lakotas clash with the newly-arrived white men in America may lead to a renewed acceptance of our role in decimating the Native American culture. But his comments provide insight into the enemies we face in the world today. The author also comments that enemies such as "poverty, homelessness, loneliness, racism" and others can "defeat us from within and cause the downfall of any society, much like an enemy that may lay siege from the outside." He claims that the "spirit and soul of any society, of any nation, should be more important than economic and military strength." Lesson Four: Lead the Way Lead by example is the way of a true leader. "Actions are more substantive than words." Now, this is not a surprise to most of us, but it is a lesson too often forgotten. The author's other reminder is that "...It is only from the heart that one can lead by example" as he warns us not to let the complexity of today's society undermine the basic values we know are important.

This book I have added to my reseach on religion around the world. It has very good indepth information and explained in an excellent mannor. Thank you.

This book is a great lesson in leadership. Our society, especially the US Army, has perverted the word leadership and confused it with authority. We forget that authority does not necessarily denote leadership. This book straightens this out. I believe the author did a very good job in his descriptions of our present day society and the lessons we can learn from Crazy House and the Lakota culture in becoming real leaders in every walk of life.