The Centurion Principles: Battlefield Lessons for Frontline Leaders by Jeff O'Leary

by Jeff O'Leary

The Centurion Principles approaches leadership in a fresh and compelling way for leaders at all levels of responsibility. Rather than long lists of principles and ideas with explanations, this book teaches leadership concepts through captivating models, revealing the "hows" and "whys" of leaders making decisions during their most difficult hours. This approach of placing readers in the shoes of decision makers provides a realistic and gripping application of leadership principles. The book is designed to motivate a reader into becoming the kind of leader that will leave a stirring legacy-a Centurion Leader. New York Times best-selling author Colonel Jeff O'Leary (ret.) illuminates the defining moments of great leaders, including Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln, allowing readers to experience firsthand the decision-making process these leaders went through during their most challenging hours.

Genres: Leadership, Military Fiction

Hardcover

First published July 11, 2004

Reviews

[Bryce Balenseifen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Centurion Principles was interesting. It is multiple stories within the book. All the stories relate to the theme of leadership and those leaders who have left behind legacies. Of the stories I read, my favorite was the one of Abraham Lincoln. Abe was a very wise man, but when he didn't know exactly what to do, he got help from people who did. Abe was not a prideful man, instead he was very humble and reserved. The average rating for this book is 4.18 I believe. Honestly, I can see why. There is so much insight from the author Jeff O'Leary.

[Ruppert Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well put together study of military and political leadership from Rome to the present told in the first and third person. An excellent book, easily readable, of good and bad leadership practices and what may be learned from them.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. I am proud of the fact that I got to get inside or get a small nugget of what some of the greatest men and women that have walked the earth lived there principles by or failed by.
I could go on and on.

In learning more about Abraham Lincoln it is no wonder that a common foundation of his makeup was his persistent curiosity to read anything he could get his hands on.

I was also amazed at how this book helps me identify the very principles in use at work or the lack of them.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wins on the leadership principles and on the history. Strategically written much differently than the standard leadership book.

Each chapter focuses on a different military leader from world history, tells their story, then draws one leadership principle from their life. A wide range of leaders and topics keep this book interesting all the way through.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting perspectives on real-life "centurions" and their character traits, etc. You will learn a lot about these historical figures! And also how to apply their traits in your life as well.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this. The history of some amazing people and how what they did applies to certain principles and the explanation of these principles is awesome. I really like this book and I think everybody should read it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I've been reading a lot about leadership and I love history so putting both together is really captivating. I would recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to learn some great leadership principles through the lives of some great leaders in history.

[Spencerdan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This provides some great historical perspective on key military leaders over the centuries from Rome to the current day.
Even more poignant when traveling through Europe where some of the stories take place.
If you don't learn from history you will repeat the mistakes.

[Kevin Schulthies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of historic leader examples (both good and bad examples, do this and don't do this examples) featuring a bunch of well known features in history.

A little heavy, but if you love a lot of battle details then you'll easily fall in love with the book.

[Meieli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. Defenitely did his research. Recommend it to anyone and everyone

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides great profiles of battlefield leaders through history, this book adds an analysis of their leadership and how we can apply it to our own "battles" today.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

challenging and helpful principles on leadership drawn from historical figures

[ABona · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book- great for managers, officers, and leaders alike.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in leadership. Great tie together of practical issues and historically interesting stories.

[Amanda B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book, I like how he took historical figures and showed how they were true leaders.

[Ekiago]

must read for all who are leaders, or want to be leaders.

[Steven]

Good leadership advise. The Centurion led by example. Enough said.

[Roxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It moved right along and had great principles.

[Octavio Sánchez Huerta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of the book (50 pages) relate good histories about marvelous leaders around the world, it is a combination between history and military tactics.