My top twenty books in 2021.
In the second and third grouping of my top twenty books, I have grouped them in two categories: domestic leadership and leadership abroad. I chose to separate them as to highlight the different career accomplishments, it does not mean that one man lacked in either quality of leadership. I hope each description allows you to peek into the book and the man. Each of these men had epic leadership qualities that shined both here and abroad. They taught so much including how to be a better man and I hope my descriptions will inspire you to learn more about them. Each of these men deserves remembrance, not just to know the names, but the stories behind the names.
Domestic Leadership
Washington By Ron Chernow.
This incredibly detailed biography of Washington helped me understand the sacrifice of our past generations. They believed in something bigger than themselves, and they fought and died for it. Chernow pulls back the iconic mask of Washington to reveal a man who was forgiving, stoic and disciplined. Although he didn’t have any children of his own, he possessed a father’s leadership both stern and patient. Washington was our Cincinnatus and his selflessness helped guide our partisan, fledgling nation through the revolution and into a strong union. Washington taught me the value of honesty, debate and patient decision making.
Team of Rivals by Doris Kerns Goodwin
This book is a leadership training manual. Lincoln was a master politician and communicator. He understood the value of compromise, cooperation and trust. Lincoln was always planning for tomorrow while others of his time could only see today. A master of communication, Lincoln was able to lead men of various different beliefs to the same conclusion. That conclusion was that slavery was evil and to save our union we must rid ourselves of such an evil. Lincoln taught me the leadership value of building relationships and communication.
Grant by Ron Chernow
Where Washington was honest and stoic, Grant was honest and vulnerable. A flawed man who was wondering the streets drunk and without hope before getting his life back together. His enduring love for his wife, strong will, and strong friendships helped him overcome his faults to become the man who saved the union and an exceptional president. His best leadership quality was also his biggest leadership weakness, his trust in others. Grant believed in people and sometimes those people took advantage of him. But it is that belief in others that helped him rally our nation and bind it back together. Grant taught me that it is ok to believe in others, they will more often rise to the occasion, but to also ask the right questions to see a man’s heart before giving that trust.
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kerns Goodwin
The Bully Pulpit is like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale of leadership. Taft was diligent and reserved while Teddy was bombastic and aggressive. Teddy understood the power of the press and the people, and he wielded their power in immeasurable ways to bust the trusts and restore balance to our nation. Taft was more than just a sounding board for Teddy, he was a thoughtful, empathetic leader who understood that sometimes, change takes time and how to work behind the scenes to make it happen. Together they taught me the art personal and professional collaboration.
Leadership Abroad
John Adams by David McCullough
John Adams is a sometimes petty man who is principled, and family oriented. He is insecure and confident all in one, insecure in his abilities but confident in his principles. He helped establish the rule of law, and the right to a fair trial when he defended the soldiers of the Boston massacre. He led our colonies in declaring our independence and after spending years abroad he returned, to serve as our first Vice President and Second President. His strong adhesion to his principles left him isolated as President in the new partisan county. He may have waivered in his relationships, showing pettiness and anger, but he never waivered in leading our nation through the X,Y,Z affair and away from war with France. John often doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he was an exceptional leader. John Adams taught me that sacrifice comes in many forms, and he taught me it’s ok to believe in something big. John taught me that good and bad are choices that requires more thought than most would think. He taught me “To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.”
James Monroe by Tim McGrath
James Monroe wasn’t the idea man like Jefferson or Hamilton, he didn’t reason like Madison, he didn’t rise to the military glory of Washington, but he was patient and pragmatic. He took his time and made sure each choice was the right one for the nation. Some choices he struggled with and could be debated, but in the moment, those choices would have been hard for anyone. And when his nation called for him, he didn’t answer once but twice, leading in the Revolution and the War of 1812. But Monroe’s greatest achievement would be the one the bares his name, the Monroe Doctrine, which was the first significant foreign policy for our nation. Monroe taught me that in leadership its important to be persistent yet patience, think, then act. Know one’s weakness and find others for support.
John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit by James Traub
John Quincy is a most fascinating man because he is so easy to get to know. The son of our second president, he followed his father across the world learning firsthand how to be a statesman. Because he kept a journal all his life, we can read about how a president was raised and shaped. His detailed journal gives us a peak behind the decision making for one of our greatest men. He fought the slavocracy and nearly died on the congressional floor; he was a public servant in the truest since of the word. He wasn’t devoid of controversy, but he was honest in his intent however sometimes wrong his actions may be. His greatest achievement may be the strength he built abroad during his career, serving in various positions in Europe and then helping craft the Monroe Doctrine. Monroe defined America’s foreign policy more than any other man during the first quarter century. Adams taught me the value of political relationships, and the ability to step back and reassess a situation.