Lead Like Ike
I have just finished Lead Like Ike, Ten business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day, by Geoff Loftus. I was initially intrigued by the author’s title; the concept of this book was brilliant; the execution, however, was innocuous with writing that is very casual and unfortunately a bit redundant, particularly when it comes to the business notions that the author is putting forth.
Loftus has used the preparation for D-Day, the landing in Europe, by the allies, during World War II, as an outline to build a book about business strategies; with General Eisenhower serving as the chief executive officer, of a new division, which had been given all but impossible goals.
The primary narrative of the book is World War II from Eisenhower’s perspective. The story line is chronological and easy to follow, regardless of your previous knowledge of the War. Periodically, mostly boxed sections, address the business strategy of this book, with titles like “Determine Your Mission” “Plan to Implement” or “Avoid Project Creep”. For example: under “Plan to Implement,” “Adjust, adjust, adjust. No Matter how much planning you do, you will have to improvise as you go. Accept that as part of your planning, and give yourself contingency plans. This is another way of saying you must manage risk.” (pg. 47) I only need one adjust; and I do not find these words terribly inspiring or enlightening.
The author ties Eisenhower’s actions and circumstances to initiatives and suggestions for contemporary business people, as well as offering examples regarding current companies. Case in point, he writes about the Allies disinformation campaign and phantom force, on the eve of D-Day, warning current business people that they should not easily dismiss disinformation campaigns in today’s environment where social networks and blogs make it so easy to get out the wrong information.
Lead Like Ike would be the perfect book to read on a long plane ride if you are interested in history or business, and looking for something light to keep you company over the Pacific. However, it does not offer profound insight on either the War or business. If you have read Stephen Ambrose, who is so often quoted by Loftus, you will likely find little new information regarding World War II, and if you have gone to business school you may also feel that his professional observations are pedestrian; however, the reading is entertaining and uncomplicated if you are not looking for great depth; or if you are not an expert, on either topic, then I think you will enjoy the book and the author’s observations.
ThatIsAllForNow.Com received a complimentary copy of this book, from the publisher.
My comment seems to have vanished. I guess I didn’t hit Submit. This was entertaining to read. Sounds like someone failed at trying to be original. I liked the title, too.
After I left my first comment, or thought I did, I went to the front page and saw Jill had written this, not Allison. It made me laugh, because as I read this I was thinking her style has sure changed!