Character in Action: The U.S. Coast Guard on Leadership

by Donald T. Phillips, James M. Loy

How does the U.S. Coast Guard create, instill, and maintain leadership throughout a 40,000 member force spread across the United States? A former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and a best-selling author combine their knowledge of the subject to offer a formula for success. Donald T. Phillips, who has written eight books on leadership, asserts that the Coast Guard is a superlative example of an organization with effective leadership, loaded with leaders at all levels. From a guardsman scraping barnacles off buoys in the Gulf of Mexico to the captain of a cutter in the Gulf of Alaska to the Commandant in Washington, they know exactly what leadership is, how it works, an d why it is important. This case study in leadership uses the Coast Guard as an example for other organizations who want to imbue leadership to every single one of its members. An effective leadership beacon, the book is replete with tangible examples, vivid anecdotes, and explicit guidelines on how to instill leadership throughout an entire organization. Stories abound on Coast Guard efficiency, innovation, and heroism and many are used to illustrate the service's effectiveness and to engage the reader. From the military and government communities to the business world, a variety of organizations can benefit from this outstanding leadership guide.

Genres: Leadership, Business

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Donald T. Phillips is a nonfiction writer. He has written or coauthored 20 books, including a trilogy on American leadership (Lincoln on Leadership, The Founding Fathers on Leadership, and Martin Luther King Jr. on Leadership).
Phillips has also collaborated on books with several celebrities, including: Norman Brinker, Mike Krzyzewski, Phil Mickelson, Rudy Ruettiger, Greg Norman, Cal Ripken Jr., and Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez.

Reviews

[Raf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been in the CG for 10 years now and I was very disappointed with my experiences after reading this book. Prior to earning my commission, I was required to read this book and was really excited about my future career in the USCG, especially after reading about all the awesome stories and experiences of the shipmates who have served before me. Unfortunately, after only 6 months in the fleet, I realized that this book is all a bunch of inflated leadership kool aid and it took me a while to flush it all out of my system. I was very disappointed, but also realized that like anything else, the organization and the experience is what you make of it. All I can tell anyone that desires to join any type of military or federal service is to take everything with a grain of salt and know that when you are dealing with people entangled in a bureaucracy, idealism goes out the window. the truth is that people in all kinds of circumstances are imperfect beings and a lot of them look out for themselves before others. Despite my negative review, I can also say that aside from bad and frustrating experiences, I have also made some incredible friends who I will have for life. And that is what made my service fulfilling and worthwhile. Keep politics and bureaucracy aside, they will only frustrate and anger you. Instead, focus on serving people, being intentional, and building relationships even during the hardest of times. Best of luck and many blessings. Semper Paratus!

[Stephen Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quick and Sure Story About Work Ethnic

Being a former Coastie, this was a delightful read. It is a realistic story of how people can contribute and be part of a unit/team. Our service is small but we get the job done. We always work with what we have and improvise as needed. We have a mission to serve.

S. Ashley GM1 1972 - 1982

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of management/leadership/business books that are concise. This fits the bill. It basically teaches the lessons of the Coast Guard's leadership style and training to the civilian manager. Not all lessons are applicable, but it is worth the read, especially for a junior manager.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the Commandants Reading list. Quick read, has a few sea stories in it.

I think it is required reading for leadership course.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm getting ready to join the CG in May. Reading this book has further increased my desire to become a part of a wonderful service. Looking forward to becoming a member of the team.

[Galen Varon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different fonts used throughout text made it difficult to read. I was expecting much more than 30 second soundbit stories.

[Jim Noyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

created great respect for Coast Guard, some good stories.