Orange Anchor
New Member
As noted in another thread, I just finished Eisenhower on Leadership by Axelrod (no kin). It is worth reading.
In the book, the author demonstrates how Eisenhower was able to LEAD the coalition forces although he was constantly challenged. He made some difficult decisions that did not sit well with his superiors, subordinates and some political figures. Still, he was willing to put it on the line and accept responsibility if the decisions and actions resulted in failure. It is interesting in that he often uses "I" when expressing doubts or asking questions but "We" when he talks about achievement and accomplishments. No "I" or glory hunting.
Eisenhower had to deal with very different individuals including two famous ones, Montgomery and Patton. Still Eisenhower knew they were both capable of producing results. He also made it quite plain without bluster or insult that he would and COULD replace them if necessary. Defeating Germany was a larger task than assuaging their egos.
It is also interesting in that Eisenhower and others were able to repulse efforts to focus on Japan early on although it was Japan that brought the US into the war. Eisenhower and others argued that the Pacific could wait but if Europe was lost, with it England and Russia would be lost and that could not happen without losing the entire war.
A good read
In the book, the author demonstrates how Eisenhower was able to LEAD the coalition forces although he was constantly challenged. He made some difficult decisions that did not sit well with his superiors, subordinates and some political figures. Still, he was willing to put it on the line and accept responsibility if the decisions and actions resulted in failure. It is interesting in that he often uses "I" when expressing doubts or asking questions but "We" when he talks about achievement and accomplishments. No "I" or glory hunting.
Eisenhower had to deal with very different individuals including two famous ones, Montgomery and Patton. Still Eisenhower knew they were both capable of producing results. He also made it quite plain without bluster or insult that he would and COULD replace them if necessary. Defeating Germany was a larger task than assuaging their egos.
It is also interesting in that Eisenhower and others were able to repulse efforts to focus on Japan early on although it was Japan that brought the US into the war. Eisenhower and others argued that the Pacific could wait but if Europe was lost, with it England and Russia would be lost and that could not happen without losing the entire war.
A good read
