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The Courage to Take Command: Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer
When Jill Morgenthaler arrived at boot camp in 1975 as part of the inaugural class of women in the Army, she was one of 83 female cadets . . . on a base of 50,000 men. So she knows a thing or two about conquering obstacles. In The Courage to Take Command , Colonel Morgenthaler provides invaluable leadership lessons drawn from her three decades of military service--from her first days in ROTC to combat in some of the world's most dangerous war zones. Ironically, the military taught her that leadership isn’t about "command and control." Rather, it requires a fine balance of reason and emotion, distance and familiarity, hard and soft power. Learn how to lead your team to success by:
- GenresLeadershipBusiness
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2014
6 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 7, 2015
My mom and sister had the pleasant opportunity of listening to Colonel Jill Morgenthaler speak at a local conference. Afterwards, my sister told me some of the interesting stories she shared about her military experience. I was a little disappointed that my schedule did not allow me to hear her speak, but then lo and behold! My mom bought her book and passed it on to my sister and me.
This is the first book I have read on leadership. I never had a desire to climb the ladder career-wise or be a leader of a group, large or small. But Colonel Morgenthaler’s book is not only for leaders; it is also for everyone who deals with people in the real world. Through her 30 years of experience, Colonel Morgenthaler gives tips and strategies on how to overcome obstacles, stand up for yourself, and become a respected, compassionate leader/team player. She also explains how difficult life was for career women in the ‘70s and how it still is in some present day situations. I was appalled at some of the obstacles she had to face throughout her career, but cheered when she overcame these ridiculous obstacles through courage and professionalism.
The Courage to Take Command is a definite must-read for those aspiring to work positively in the workforce; those currently in the workforce and wish to expand their knowledge and skills in how to work effectively as a team/leader; and as I mentioned earlier for people who work with and for the general public on a daily basis. Her last chapter, called "Reinvention" can also be applied to people who are going through major life changes…I certainly could relate to that and found her words encouraging!
This is the first book I have read on leadership. I never had a desire to climb the ladder career-wise or be a leader of a group, large or small. But Colonel Morgenthaler’s book is not only for leaders; it is also for everyone who deals with people in the real world. Through her 30 years of experience, Colonel Morgenthaler gives tips and strategies on how to overcome obstacles, stand up for yourself, and become a respected, compassionate leader/team player. She also explains how difficult life was for career women in the ‘70s and how it still is in some present day situations. I was appalled at some of the obstacles she had to face throughout her career, but cheered when she overcame these ridiculous obstacles through courage and professionalism.
The Courage to Take Command is a definite must-read for those aspiring to work positively in the workforce; those currently in the workforce and wish to expand their knowledge and skills in how to work effectively as a team/leader; and as I mentioned earlier for people who work with and for the general public on a daily basis. Her last chapter, called "Reinvention" can also be applied to people who are going through major life changes…I certainly could relate to that and found her words encouraging!
May 16, 2015
The Courage to Take Command
Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer by Colonel Jill Morgenthaler
This is a practical straightforward leadership guide. While a lot of the book includes the military as the background, the overall text and lessons can be applied to any leadership position. It's clearly written and easily read because of the stories and antidotes that Morgenthaler includes throughout the text. This book spans a long time in her military career and frankly makes me want to both applaud her success and talk to her more in person and find about her experiences. I'll bet she has some great stories.
This is one smart lady.
Below are some of the points that I will take back to the office with me and incorporate into my routines.
"A good leader strives to overlook no one and bring out the best in everyone."
People will frequently live up or down to your expectations of them.
Listening, interaction, and accessibility are strong tools of being a good leader.
On fear:
"take the fear and break it into doable pieces. Do the little stuff, and keep moving forward. Fear never goes away completely, but you can learn to channel fear as a motivation instead of an excuse for inaction."
Organizational awareness. Cultivate relationships with power players.
Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer by Colonel Jill Morgenthaler
This is a practical straightforward leadership guide. While a lot of the book includes the military as the background, the overall text and lessons can be applied to any leadership position. It's clearly written and easily read because of the stories and antidotes that Morgenthaler includes throughout the text. This book spans a long time in her military career and frankly makes me want to both applaud her success and talk to her more in person and find about her experiences. I'll bet she has some great stories.
This is one smart lady.
Below are some of the points that I will take back to the office with me and incorporate into my routines.
"A good leader strives to overlook no one and bring out the best in everyone."
People will frequently live up or down to your expectations of them.
Listening, interaction, and accessibility are strong tools of being a good leader.
On fear:
"take the fear and break it into doable pieces. Do the little stuff, and keep moving forward. Fear never goes away completely, but you can learn to channel fear as a motivation instead of an excuse for inaction."
Organizational awareness. Cultivate relationships with power players.
February 13, 2024
Recommended for all working women!
Wish I would have read this book years ago as I could have used many of the strategies she teaches, prior to my retirement. Great lessons for women to learn how to work in a “mans” world. I had many of the experiences as she did, but not to the extreme in the military in the 60s.
Gift this book to your daughters!
Wish I would have read this book years ago as I could have used many of the strategies she teaches, prior to my retirement. Great lessons for women to learn how to work in a “mans” world. I had many of the experiences as she did, but not to the extreme in the military in the 60s.
Gift this book to your daughters!
December 10, 2017
The first half of the book was quite good and I’d love to share with my teenage daughter. It’s inspiring and full of tactics for navigating in a world full of ingrained sexism. The second half of the book unraveled and meandered all over the place. I stuck with it to the end but I didn’t gain anything from it.
December 21, 2023
This is a leadership book but there are still many anecdotes and stories that are helpful for those of us not longer in the workforce. The author regretfully is deceased but the audio is made better by her warm, clear voice. She was a woman of courage who made her way in a man’s world. Definitely worth my time.
June 9, 2021
Jill was a very special woman who contributed so much to the world, her family and friends! Sadly she was taken from us too soon. I am happy I got know her and to read her book of strength and courage.
January 11, 2023
Excellent book about leadership skills and strategies. The writing is clear, simple, and eloquently bullet pointed for emphasis. It easily readable and concise. Examples are provided. Every leader would benefit from reading this book!
June 21, 2017
it was a great book. filled with first hand experience.
a good encouragement for people who live as minority wherever they are.
Hooah.
a good encouragement for people who live as minority wherever they are.
Hooah.
December 24, 2014
I'm not quite sure how I ended up buying this book. Either Amazon recommended it to me or it was promoted on a website I was reading. And I ordered it, eager to read about a female warrior, hoping her story would improve my understanding of woman who chose military professions, particularly as I wish to make Jaadatsa (a woman who has elected a martial career in my epic more authentic).
On that score, I was disappointed. Colonel Morgenthaler does provide a brief outline of her life story in the Introductions and sprinkles anecdotes throughout the text, but this, as the title indicates is not a life story, but a book on the leadership lessons she learned in the military. And on that scoree, it is a good read as she draws on her experiences to inspire others in the workforce.
And though this book was not what I expected, it did help me with my epic. The qualities she identifies as those of a good leaders and qualities my hero (a natural born king) has acquired.
The book would be helpful for someone climbing the corporate ladder, running a non-profit or even helming a volunteer endeavor. She is at her best when she wraps the lesson around an anecdote from her life in the military, how she dealt with a particular bully - or overcame a particular obstacle. If there is an overarching them to this book, it is that when you face problems, don't whine, find a solution. Colonel Morgenthaler reminds us that we all face challenges and that leadership is in action.
Now that she has written a book on leadership, let us hope she writes a book detailing her life story, helping us understand what draws a woman to a traditionally male profession.
On that score, I was disappointed. Colonel Morgenthaler does provide a brief outline of her life story in the Introductions and sprinkles anecdotes throughout the text, but this, as the title indicates is not a life story, but a book on the leadership lessons she learned in the military. And on that scoree, it is a good read as she draws on her experiences to inspire others in the workforce.
And though this book was not what I expected, it did help me with my epic. The qualities she identifies as those of a good leaders and qualities my hero (a natural born king) has acquired.
The book would be helpful for someone climbing the corporate ladder, running a non-profit or even helming a volunteer endeavor. She is at her best when she wraps the lesson around an anecdote from her life in the military, how she dealt with a particular bully - or overcame a particular obstacle. If there is an overarching them to this book, it is that when you face problems, don't whine, find a solution. Colonel Morgenthaler reminds us that we all face challenges and that leadership is in action.
Now that she has written a book on leadership, let us hope she writes a book detailing her life story, helping us understand what draws a woman to a traditionally male profession.
July 7, 2016
This was an amazing book. Jill really went out on a limb to allow us to see her life and how she succeeded through the hardships as well as the good times. Being a leader is not the easiest position to be in. It takes determination, skill, and thick skin. The author revealed the ideas she had about herself and what others thought of her. She was a disciplined and determined individual. She actively listened and actively grew in character and stamina. I would have gleaned from this book even if it had been a man saying the same thing. In certain arenas it is harder as a woman to reach your goals. But if you keep integrity and learn, you can make it. This book inspired me to not quit when it gets hard but to continue and persevere through all obstacles and come out on top. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book. I will recommend this to all. Also want to thank the author for her service. From my husband to my grandfather's (many generations) serving and my two brother still serving, we appreciate what all military do for our country and others.
February 7, 2015
I am so happy to have come across this title. Not only does Colonel Morgenthaler outline comprehensive and actionable techniques for anyone looking to lead or be a part of a team, but she also shares relevant personal anecdotes from her struggles as one of the first female leaders in the army. As a woman, this book resonates especially with me and has made me realize that American society is *still* naturally biased against women, but that it's time that we took a stand for ourselves instead of waiting around for other people to help us. An absolute must-read for any woman questioning why she doesn't get the respect she deserves, but also very relevant to anyone - men included - looking to gain valuable leadership skills to take them far in business and in life.
May 7, 2015
4.5 stars. As advice or self-help novels go, this is top-notch. Read this book through my book club and had the chance to meet Col. Jill in person and listen to her tell some of her amazing military stories (and lessons gleaned from them) first-hand. This advice in this book is applicable to all types of people in all walks of life, but especially empowering to women and women in the working world. However, if you are say, a stay-at-home mom, don't let this book scare you away...you will find that it speaks volumes about confidence, compassion, taking charge, and finding balance - all things that all moms (parents) strive for! Highly recommend. Easy to read. Quick read. Good advice.
December 26, 2014
After attending Her presentation I was happy and anxious to read her book.
I enjoyed it very much and she did a very good job relating her experiences
as an officer to being a manager in the business world.
I enjoyed it very much and she did a very good job relating her experiences
as an officer to being a manager in the business world.
April 18, 2015
I read this book as a selection from my book club. I would have never picked it up on my own, and generally don't enjoy this type of book...but I loved this one! It's a great read especially for women in the workforce but also for anyone looking to lead in any situation.
June 3, 2015
I've had to pleasure of meeting Jill and hearing her speak a couple of times. This book was easy to read - the chapters are set up well so that you can finish a chapter an evening, etc. I think this books would be a valuable read to anyone who manages people or for anyone who works on a team.
February 2, 2016
Colonel Morgenthaler does an excellent job of showing how leadership works both in the military and civilian life. In the first class of Women ROTC, she had to show that women can compete with men in all leadership roles.
May 11, 2015
Very good leadership book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews