Robert E. Lee on Leadership : Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision Paperback – August 24, 2000

This book is a fascinating treatise on a man who is appropriately considered by many to be the greatest American of the nineteenth century. Esteemed by Europeans, loved by his fellow Southerners, and revered by many Northerners, Robert E. Lee was truly an extraordinary man whose life and maxims remain as ever-available tutors for modern readers. H.W.Crocker's easy writing style makes this an enjoyable and entertaining read, and I am pleased to relate that I finished this book in one sitting. Irrespective of ones personal views on the American Civil War, anyone can be educated and enlightened by many of his Lee's thought-provoking leadership decisions, many of which were made under the extreme duress of war. His accomplishments on the battlefield are legendary and his deeds as a civilian praiseworthy, yet he will always be remembered as the wily General who consistently stymied (and often defeated) numerically and materially superior Union armies. The fact that Lee managed this for nearly four years with an underfed, under-armed, rag-tag collection of Virginia farm boys makes his accomplishment all the more extraordinary. The title of this book is somewhat misleading as I was expecting it to be primarily a motivational book for American business leaders. Instead, it turned out to be a pleasant, chronological review of the Civil War for those who might enjoy some relatable moral lessons at the end of every chapter as, "Lee's Lessons." In 21st century America, success is more often than not attained by the exultant use of power; individuals and businesses utilizing any means available to gain an advantage over any and all competitors. The ultimate goal in our capitalist society will probably always be self-fulfillment at any cost. In H.W. Crocker's disquisition, we learn this to be the antithesis of Robert E. Lee's personal philosophy, which was understandably founded on the highest Christian principles of his time. Lee believed that a true leader never utilizes force or coercion; instead he leads by the power of his own example. He also believed that leaders must make every effort to do whatever they can for those less well placed than themselves. Lee's ideal was freedom, his prescription was self-discipline, and his method was kindness. As a matter of fact, Lee is the only historical personage I am aware of whose strength of character was capable of turning the Machiavellian principle of, "It is better to be feared than loved," upside down. There is no mention of Lee ever losing his temper or berating his subordinates, even when the flagrant insubordination of General Longstreet or the frequent 'excesses' of J.E.B Stuart demanded his attention. Lee dedicated his life to the Christian principles of self-denial and self-control, and it is to his credit that he always practiced what he preached. Thus, Lee's serious nature won him respect, and his quiet concern for others won him both the affection and devotion of his soldiers(and later his students). Robert E. Lee recognized the value of people as individuals, and this is probably the most important take away lesson from the business aspect of this book: people count, and individuals matter.Vincit qui se Vincit. Loosely translated from the Latin, "he conquers who(first) conquers himself." Lee's remarkable capacity for self-control was legendary and a direct reflection of his personal and spiritual convictions. What impressed me the most about Lee was his ability to motivate those around him to accomplish and achieve more than they ever thought possible. I believe Lee to be unique among military leaders in the sense that, aside from his genius as a tactician, his remarkable battlefield successes were many times attributable to loyalty, devotion, and respect on the part of his soldiers with regard to his person. Lee was a motivator and an inspirational leader par excellence. Surprisingly, one of Lee's greatest achievements in life came after the war. As the newly elected president of Washington college, he helped transform a small backwater Virginia institution into one of the most prestigious private Universities in the nation (Washington & Lee University). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe there are yet a great many lessons yet to be learned from the 'Wily Grey Fox.' I highly recommend this motivational study to any student of American history or any person curious about one of our nations greatest leaders and noblest souls.

This is a book that everyone should read. The man was an american gentleman. He did not own slaves, they were inherited from his father-in -law. He freed them as fast as possible after seeing that they had a means to earn a living. I'm from the North and this was a man to be admired for his life lessons.

Not at all a Marble Man, Robert E. Lee was a true leader. This book does him justice and puts his leadership skills and abilities into a modern context useful for anyone in a leadership role. It's much more a character study than a business book. The author clearly is a great fan of the great man.Business lessons are nicely extrapolated from both true historical events and how Lee handled adversaries in blue, adversaries on his staff, and adverse events in the field. Lee's brilliance at taking risks and making the most out of less is strongly shown-- especially in The Seven Days Battles and during Chancellorsville-- his finest hour.The author is particularly harsh on General Longstreet at Gettysburg, suggesting most strongly that Longstreet was insubordinate, disobedient to orders, and undermined Lee's strategies during that cataclysmic struggle. This is a very readable and approachable introduction to Lee for the modern reader and a pleasant review for students of the Civil War who don't mind Lee's lessons put into a more modern frame.While Lee is the great spirit of the "Lost Cause", his greatness or lack of it is not due to his victories or defeats, but rather on the very elegant and superb quality of his character. War often brings lesser men to the forefront of history and thrusts gargantuan tasks and responsibilities upon them. But it also gives superb men their moments-- often at great cost to themselves and others. Without Lee, one could make the argument that the Confederate cause would have failed long before it actually did.The idea that "the man and the hour have met", popular during the inauguration of Jefferson Davis, is far more appropriate for Lee and his elevation to command of the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee is certainly one of the great Americans with a character and demeanor from which we can still learn valuable lessons today. Ever the gentleman and man of kindness and forgiveness, Lee would turn a silent gaze on the failure of Stuart at Gettysburg and even forgive Longstreet. One might say that these were mistakes on Lee's part, but he had to work with what he had available to him and there were few commanders in Lee's opinion who could replace either man. Even those few independent thinkers such as Stonewall Jackson-- who could be trusted with independent action and great responsibility while fulfilling the wishes of the commander-- could fail as did Stonewall during the Seven Days fighting around Richmond. But Lee would give them other chances and they would do their utmost to regain the trust and respect of their Marse Robert. This is an excellent book and quite a treat, too!

Robert E. Lee was not the man I thought he was having been misled by the current opinion of anything and anyone associated to the CSA. However, I am now glad to say I was wrong.This book illustrates Lee's leadership style and skills with an account of his life. Both are well worth the study.I was very lucky to find this book by chance and am very glad I read it. I will certainly recommend it and heed General Lee's great example.

HW Crocker distills the leadership lessons of the battlefield succinctly and with great insight demonstrates their value and relevance in todays very different commercial world. An enjoyable read and a must for aspiring business leaders.