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The 4 F's of Leadership: Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom
The 4 F’s of Leadership is an examination of aspects of leadership that are rarely discussed or Fatigue, Fear, Failure and Feelings. In this book, Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude, US Marine Corps, Retired, reflects on his over thirty years in the Marine Corps, to include three tours in Vietnam and service in Desert Storm. His lessons also include his twenty-five years of experience in leadership in the business and non-profit worlds.
Draude believes that successful leadership in both the military and civilian sectors requires an understanding of these four under-appreciated topics, which we should recognize as part of our human nature.
Readers will recognize how to deal with these elements that affect every leader, whether leading people on a battlefield or teams in an organization.
“The crucible of close combat strips the veneer off all who fight, yet the same character that enables leaders to thrive in that cruel test brings a deeper understanding of life’s broader journey. The Four F’s is a practical distillation of invaluable insights for any aspiring leader facing their own crucible.”
- General Jim Mattis, U.S. Marines (ret.) and 26th Secretary of Defense
“Do not be put off by the simple title. Contained within the book are gems of wisdom that will serve every leader or aspiring leader well. I would urge you to read it and then reread it. I promise it will be to your benefit.”
–W. E. Boomer, General, U.S.Marine Corps (ret), Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“This is a book that you cannot put down. Drawing on both combat and business, from Kuwait and Vietnam to insurance and philanthropy, General Draude reminds us that fatigue, fear, failure, and feelings are inescapable but also instructive – if we can surmount and learn from each. His lived moments make for compelling prescriptions for leading through all.”
-- Michael Useem, Faculty Director of the McNulty Leadership Program, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and author of The How 10 CEOs Learned to Lead
“A book on leadership that is worth reading! “The 4F’s of Leadership” is a book that I read without putting it down. It provides some leadership tools that are useful for any leader to use, whether in combat or in the corporate world. It is SUPERB!”
–Michael Myatt, Major General, U.S. Marine Corps (ret), Commander of the First Marine Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Draude believes that successful leadership in both the military and civilian sectors requires an understanding of these four under-appreciated topics, which we should recognize as part of our human nature.
Readers will recognize how to deal with these elements that affect every leader, whether leading people on a battlefield or teams in an organization.
“The crucible of close combat strips the veneer off all who fight, yet the same character that enables leaders to thrive in that cruel test brings a deeper understanding of life’s broader journey. The Four F’s is a practical distillation of invaluable insights for any aspiring leader facing their own crucible.”
- General Jim Mattis, U.S. Marines (ret.) and 26th Secretary of Defense
“Do not be put off by the simple title. Contained within the book are gems of wisdom that will serve every leader or aspiring leader well. I would urge you to read it and then reread it. I promise it will be to your benefit.”
–W. E. Boomer, General, U.S.Marine Corps (ret), Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“This is a book that you cannot put down. Drawing on both combat and business, from Kuwait and Vietnam to insurance and philanthropy, General Draude reminds us that fatigue, fear, failure, and feelings are inescapable but also instructive – if we can surmount and learn from each. His lived moments make for compelling prescriptions for leading through all.”
-- Michael Useem, Faculty Director of the McNulty Leadership Program, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and author of The How 10 CEOs Learned to Lead
“A book on leadership that is worth reading! “The 4F’s of Leadership” is a book that I read without putting it down. It provides some leadership tools that are useful for any leader to use, whether in combat or in the corporate world. It is SUPERB!”
–Michael Myatt, Major General, U.S. Marine Corps (ret), Commander of the First Marine Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2023
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 24, 2024
The 4 F’s of Leadership is a must-read for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose and integrity. General Draude’s insights provide an honest, practical, and deeply reflective roadmap for becoming a better leader, no matter your field or level of experience.
Focusing on Fatigue, Fear, Failure, and Feelings—goes beyond traditional leadership theories. His candid observations and real-life examples challenge readers to examine their priorities and take deliberate steps to align their actions with their values. What sets this book apart is its refreshing honesty. General Draude doesn’t shy away from addressing the difficult moments of leadership, offering valuable lessons rooted in personal experience.
The book’s structure makes it both an engaging read and a practical guide. Each chapter provides actionable insights and encourages introspection, pushing leaders to evaluate their own lives and habits. The balance between professional growth and personal well-being is a theme every leader should embrace. I couldn’t put the book down. Its blend of real-life examples and actionable insights inspires deep reflection and growth. Every leader should read this book as it deserves a place on every bookshelf.
Focusing on Fatigue, Fear, Failure, and Feelings—goes beyond traditional leadership theories. His candid observations and real-life examples challenge readers to examine their priorities and take deliberate steps to align their actions with their values. What sets this book apart is its refreshing honesty. General Draude doesn’t shy away from addressing the difficult moments of leadership, offering valuable lessons rooted in personal experience.
The book’s structure makes it both an engaging read and a practical guide. Each chapter provides actionable insights and encourages introspection, pushing leaders to evaluate their own lives and habits. The balance between professional growth and personal well-being is a theme every leader should embrace. I couldn’t put the book down. Its blend of real-life examples and actionable insights inspires deep reflection and growth. Every leader should read this book as it deserves a place on every bookshelf.
June 4, 2023
I had the honor of attending the talk that formed the basis for this book years ago. Sun Tzu says "Know yourself and know your enemy;" BGen Draude tackles the "know yourself" part in a way that is simple, effective, and widely applicable. I would recommend this book for anyone in or interested in the military. I would also recommend it for my colleagues in emergency medicine; every point the author makes is something I've either seen or heard of as an EMT. I'm certain professionals of many fields will be able to find valuable wisdom in these pages.
June 26, 2024
I read it because I know the author but it really turned out to be very good. I wish I had read it earlier in my professional life.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews