Book Review: The West Point Way of Leadership

“West Point takes leadership very seriously. They must: military leaders literally hold lives in their hands. Living up to such critical responsibilities takes courage, determination, integrity, self-discipline – and the highest performance in each of these areas. This book takes the reader inside one of the most demanding and unusual leadership programs anywhere. Raw recruits at West Point are stripped of everything experience has taught them about success and motivation and teamwork. They spend every waking moment learning the toughest lesson of all: character. They are taught how to live by their word and they discover why that is a leader’s most powerful single action. A leader who lives by his word can be counted upon to choose ‘the harder right’ – that is, put the needs of the organization ahead of personal considerations – in every instance.” (Col. Larry R. Donnithorne (Ret.), "The West Point Way of Leadership")

Why makes this book worth reading?
The core of West Point's program is more than a strategy or vision. It's a philosophy and practice of a set of values. It examines in practical detail the roots of sound leadership (be it for civilian or military purposes): moral principles (such as justice and beneficence), high-minded values (loyalty, integrity, consideration for others), and selfless service.

What are some of the lessons learned from studying this book?
You will learn the four passes of leadership – followership (0), teamwork (1), face-to-face leadership (2), indirect leadership (3), and executive leadership (4). You will learn that every leader is a follower. No one commands an organization without restraints. For every leader, no matter how “supreme,” there is always a higher authority who must be answered. You will learn that the beginning of followership is getting to zero: realizing that you don’t know, and then opening yourself to the possibility of being remade into something more. You will learn that leaders of successful organizations make sure their followers are proud to be part of the company. For this to happen, the followers as individuals, and the organization as a whole, must have values in common. You will learn that the shared values of the organization are a more important bond than loyalty to one’s peers. You will learn that a leader can foster double loyalty – to a team and to an organization – by inspiring in subordinates the sense that they are the organization. That the company is not “it” but “us.” You will learn that weak leaders think of their team members as merely extensions of their own hands and feet. You will learn the difference between functional (its end is a goal whose achievement is important not just to each individual in the group, but to the group collectively) and dysfunctional (competition by creating goals in which members of the team are forced to compete against each other for bonuses or promotion) competition. You will learn the difference between managers and leaders. You will learn that the primary leadership responsibility of executive leaders inside their organizations is to continually inspire their members to move toward the larger goals of the institution.

Transformational Servant Leadership Score (0 to 5): 2