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The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader
Drawing on extensive interviews and archival research, Fred Greenstein reveals that there was great political activity beneath the placid surface of the Eisenhower White House. In a new foreword to this edition, he discusses developments in the study of the Eisenhower presidency in the dozen years since publication of the first edition and examines the continuing significance of Eisenhower's legacy for the larger understanding of presidential leadership in modern America.
312 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1982
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About the author
Fred I. Greenstein
38 books8 followersAn American political scientist, known for his work on political leadership and the US presidency, Fred Irwin Greenstein (September 1, 1930 – December 3, 2018) was an emeritus professor of politics at Princeton University.
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February 4, 2017
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“The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader” by Fred Greenstein was published in 1982, just two decades after Eisenhower departed the White House. Greenstein is Professor of Politics Emeritus at Princeton University and the author of several books about politics and the presidency. His most recent book, “Inventing the Job of President: Leadership Style from George Washington to Andrew Jackson,” was published in 2009.
Apparent from its title, Greenstein’s book is not a comprehensive birth-to-death biography of Dwight Eisenhower. But, first impressions aside, neither is it a comprehensive review of his presidency. Instead, this is a 248 page analysis of Eisenhower’s leadership style and, at times, almost a character study.
Greenstein begins by examining the contradiction of the two roles which American presidents are asked to fill: chief of state (a “symbol of unity” representing the nation as a whole) and the country’s senior-most political executive, which he compares to serving as a prime minister. In the ensuing five chapters Greenstein explores Eisenhower’s leadership style and his effectiveness in the presidency – always mindful of his “mode of leadership” rather than the merits of his policy goals.
The author’s primary thesis is that Eisenhower was a more complicated man, effective president and forceful leader than his earliest post-presidential reputation suggested. Far from serving as an inert, elderly “babysitter” president, Greenstein sees Eisenhower as a clever, thoughtful and often cunning thinker – though never an eloquent public speaker and not quite a political “genius.”
Greenstein’s analysis of Eisenhower’s leadership style (which considers how he used his Cabinet, Congress, his advisers and others who surrounded him) is nicely organized and remarkably persuasive. While the book reads more like a sober doctoral dissertation than a colorful McCullough-style narrative it is crisp, eminently comprehensible, extremely well-argued and often quite engaging.
A thorough understanding of Eisenhower’s presidency is helpful – but not absolutely necessary – in order to absorb the the book’s most valuable leadership-oriented insights. And although it provides some background into Eisenhower’s pre-presidency, readers new to Eisenhower and his era will not fully appreciate the significance of many of the book’s observations.
Given its age, the book’s final chapter (“Lessons For Other Presidents”) exploring how Eisenhower’s leadership style might apply to future presidents (and their presidencies) feels a bit dated. Updating the book for the thirty-five years which have elapsed since its publication (during Reagan’s first term) would be enormously valuable. Nonetheless, much of the book’s wisdom transcends chronological borders.
Overall, Fred Greenstein’s “The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader,” while not a comprehensive biography or even a thorough review of presidency, is a fascinating early look at Dwight Eisenhower’s leadership style and legacy. Although it cannot take the place of a traditional biography, it provides insight and wisdom which makes this a compelling second or third book to read on the thirty-fourth president.
“The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader” by Fred Greenstein was published in 1982, just two decades after Eisenhower departed the White House. Greenstein is Professor of Politics Emeritus at Princeton University and the author of several books about politics and the presidency. His most recent book, “Inventing the Job of President: Leadership Style from George Washington to Andrew Jackson,” was published in 2009.
Apparent from its title, Greenstein’s book is not a comprehensive birth-to-death biography of Dwight Eisenhower. But, first impressions aside, neither is it a comprehensive review of his presidency. Instead, this is a 248 page analysis of Eisenhower’s leadership style and, at times, almost a character study.
Greenstein begins by examining the contradiction of the two roles which American presidents are asked to fill: chief of state (a “symbol of unity” representing the nation as a whole) and the country’s senior-most political executive, which he compares to serving as a prime minister. In the ensuing five chapters Greenstein explores Eisenhower’s leadership style and his effectiveness in the presidency – always mindful of his “mode of leadership” rather than the merits of his policy goals.
The author’s primary thesis is that Eisenhower was a more complicated man, effective president and forceful leader than his earliest post-presidential reputation suggested. Far from serving as an inert, elderly “babysitter” president, Greenstein sees Eisenhower as a clever, thoughtful and often cunning thinker – though never an eloquent public speaker and not quite a political “genius.”
Greenstein’s analysis of Eisenhower’s leadership style (which considers how he used his Cabinet, Congress, his advisers and others who surrounded him) is nicely organized and remarkably persuasive. While the book reads more like a sober doctoral dissertation than a colorful McCullough-style narrative it is crisp, eminently comprehensible, extremely well-argued and often quite engaging.
A thorough understanding of Eisenhower’s presidency is helpful – but not absolutely necessary – in order to absorb the the book’s most valuable leadership-oriented insights. And although it provides some background into Eisenhower’s pre-presidency, readers new to Eisenhower and his era will not fully appreciate the significance of many of the book’s observations.
Given its age, the book’s final chapter (“Lessons For Other Presidents”) exploring how Eisenhower’s leadership style might apply to future presidents (and their presidencies) feels a bit dated. Updating the book for the thirty-five years which have elapsed since its publication (during Reagan’s first term) would be enormously valuable. Nonetheless, much of the book’s wisdom transcends chronological borders.
Overall, Fred Greenstein’s “The Hidden-Hand Presidency: Eisenhower as Leader,” while not a comprehensive biography or even a thorough review of presidency, is a fascinating early look at Dwight Eisenhower’s leadership style and legacy. Although it cannot take the place of a traditional biography, it provides insight and wisdom which makes this a compelling second or third book to read on the thirty-fourth president.
March 5, 2010
Really outstanding book for political types. Shows just what an effective leader Eisenhower was and why he was terribly effective. It was, in part, because he eschewed the spotlight and came off like he wasn't doing much and wasn't very involved. Ironically, he was involved in almost everything and was constantly pushing and prodding, but he used his "above the fray" reputation to actually be much more involved in the nitty gritty then anybody else would dare.
I've always liked Eisenhower and thought he was an underrated President, but the more I read about him, the more I think he may have been a great one.
I've always liked Eisenhower and thought he was an underrated President, but the more I read about him, the more I think he may have been a great one.
September 28, 2023
It is certainly long overdue that the Eisenhower Presidency has been reevaluated by historians like Fred I. Greenstein.
When Ike left office in 1961 a vast number of presidential historians, mostly liberal, dismissed his two terms as ineffective. Sadly, too, these same historians ranked his presidency at the near bottom of the presidents up to that time.
When Eisenhower's presidential papers were made available to the public in the early 1980's, many historians started to reappraise his time in office. The Dwight Eisenhower style of leadership could be compared to that of William McKinley: both men were the puppet masters not the puppet.
Professor Greenstein's research of our 34th POTUS is well documented to support his argument of a more effective President Eisenhower.
When Ike left office in 1961 a vast number of presidential historians, mostly liberal, dismissed his two terms as ineffective. Sadly, too, these same historians ranked his presidency at the near bottom of the presidents up to that time.
When Eisenhower's presidential papers were made available to the public in the early 1980's, many historians started to reappraise his time in office. The Dwight Eisenhower style of leadership could be compared to that of William McKinley: both men were the puppet masters not the puppet.
Professor Greenstein's research of our 34th POTUS is well documented to support his argument of a more effective President Eisenhower.
June 6, 2022
Didn't know much about Eisenhower going into this, but this was unremarkable. The premise is that Eisenhower is unique in his style of leadership. He will publicly be unpartisan and speak with control, but privately will pull strings and use his office to manipulate outcomes in policy.
A large section discussed Eisenhower's role dulling the HUAC and Joseph McCarthy, but was not convincing that his stance being 'above the fray' really did all that much. I would have to have lived in the 50's to really get it, but it's hard to imagine contemporary administrations having that effect on rogue Congressmen by given vague jabs in press conferences.
Eisenhower's pull on interventionism and his interactions with isolationists, such as Robert Taft, were the more interesting parts, I wish that was given more attention.
A large section discussed Eisenhower's role dulling the HUAC and Joseph McCarthy, but was not convincing that his stance being 'above the fray' really did all that much. I would have to have lived in the 50's to really get it, but it's hard to imagine contemporary administrations having that effect on rogue Congressmen by given vague jabs in press conferences.
Eisenhower's pull on interventionism and his interactions with isolationists, such as Robert Taft, were the more interesting parts, I wish that was given more attention.
May 16, 2017
I read this book because Eisenhower, as portrayed therein, is the complete opposite of Trump. He focused his presidency on giving the public appearance as the kindly benevolent leader of the country, while working to accomplish his agenda through everyone else on his staff and taking no or little credit for it. This is the guy who lead the allied invasion of Europe. He knew how to organize, how to lead, and how to accomplish things without taking credit for everything.
The book was a good read, but make no mistake, this is a scholarly dip into recent history and as such the tale told is thorough and well researched, if not gripping. If you are a student of history, love biographies, or just want to see how someone at the top of his game can handle the position of leader of the free world and make it look easy, this is a good read.
The book was a good read, but make no mistake, this is a scholarly dip into recent history and as such the tale told is thorough and well researched, if not gripping. If you are a student of history, love biographies, or just want to see how someone at the top of his game can handle the position of leader of the free world and make it look easy, this is a good read.
July 8, 2017
Interesting evaluation of Eisenhower's leadership style. This book was probably more shocking when it came out than it is today, as Eisenhower has seen a strong improvement in his standing among historians (perhaps in part because of this book!). But it convincingly argues that Eisenhower's public persona of the detached, folksy grandfather was a deliberate image rather than a representation of reality, and that Eisenhower was deeply involved in his presidential administration.
Recommended, and one hopes the next president takes its lessons to heart; I think the country would benefit from a focus on the public "chief of state" role of the president rather than the public "head of government" role.
Recommended, and one hopes the next president takes its lessons to heart; I think the country would benefit from a focus on the public "chief of state" role of the president rather than the public "head of government" role.
September 17, 2017
Author made the point of noting that this methodology of leadership really depends on the time and political climate you're in. The unique setup of the US presidential role as the head of state yet manager of politics makes it a tricky role to play unlike others such as UK which has a crown and prime minister.
Eisenhower's ability to manipulate his outer image as an above the politics while steering the administration in directions he wanted (McCarthy, Vietnam etc.) certainly is an eye opener.
Eisenhower's ability to manipulate his outer image as an above the politics while steering the administration in directions he wanted (McCarthy, Vietnam etc.) certainly is an eye opener.
October 15, 2008
informative look at the Eisenhower presidency. Main point is behind the easy going avuncular public figure was a sharp politician and administrator. A little and methodical, Written by a Princeton professor.
June 10, 2017
There was more to Eisenhower as president than what it seemed on the surface.
September 19, 2017
Nonfiction-history
January 8, 2020
Strong practitioner's guide to leadership - both high level / philosophical while also very nitty gritty on administrative operations.
February 17, 2022
Fascinating insight into the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower and his leadership style. Highly recommended.
July 10, 2025
How does President Donald Trump differ from his predecessors? If nothing else, most of us have noticed his distinctive personal style whenever he appears in public. Greenstein's 1982 book about Eisenhower (1952-60) helps us clarify how Trump differs from one of his prominent predecessors in the presidential role.
For Eisenhower, it was important to appear as a unifying head of state, above the politics of the day. In meetings with the press, he could seem evasive and approximate when asked questions on controversial issues. He kept the fact that he was also working energetically to implement his political program hidden from the public. Greenstein shows how Eisenhower largely succeeded with his method of using his cabinet members and other staff to take the brunt of difficult issues. In retrospect, according to the author, we have been given the mistaken impression that the United States and the world were more peaceful in the 1950s than in the decades that followed.
This is not an ordinary biography, but first and foremost a well-written analysis of a president's leadership style. In the final chapter, the author discusses what later presidents can learn from Eisenhower's hidden strategies for securing his power while remaining popular.
For Eisenhower, it was important to appear as a unifying head of state, above the politics of the day. In meetings with the press, he could seem evasive and approximate when asked questions on controversial issues. He kept the fact that he was also working energetically to implement his political program hidden from the public. Greenstein shows how Eisenhower largely succeeded with his method of using his cabinet members and other staff to take the brunt of difficult issues. In retrospect, according to the author, we have been given the mistaken impression that the United States and the world were more peaceful in the 1950s than in the decades that followed.
This is not an ordinary biography, but first and foremost a well-written analysis of a president's leadership style. In the final chapter, the author discusses what later presidents can learn from Eisenhower's hidden strategies for securing his power while remaining popular.
December 5, 2024
A somewhat disorganized mess that presents a hedged case of a subtle President. It’s convincing but requires editing.
August 31, 2014
A. Introduction
1. An Exemplary President?
a) From 1953-61 the US had a uniquely popular president. With JFK the nation would begin a series of ephemeral presidents, birds of passage. In his time he was thought of as inept, yet his popularity remained high. The presidency is vulnerable today, even though he has more powers than his pre-1930 predecessor. He is vulnerable because he is so visible.
b) The 2 contradictory roles of president: Chief of State where he is the equivalent of a monarch, the symbol of country unity. Head of the executive branch, he is like the prime minister, preventing or entering wars, improving the economy, changing social conditions. What is unique about IKE is how he handled these roles so effectively. He was a tough politician who concealed the political side of his leadership.
2. What type of man was he?
a) There were key contradictions about this man. He was both publicly vague and privately precise as a leader. He professed to be nonpolitical but seriously sought to influence politics and policy. A third key trait of his character was his ability to win the support of other political leaders, and the American public.
B. Eisenhower’s leadership style
1. Political strategies
a) His approach to leadership was best categorized by a motto on his desk “Gently in manner, strong in deed.” He employed 6 strategies that enabled him to exercise power without seemingly flexing his muscles.
b) For the prime-minister side he used
(1) Hidden hand leadership: IKE’s maneuverings in secret. An example is using a wealthy democrat to influence Senate Democrat leader Johnson. These tactics also helped him conceal his role in the overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953.
(2) Instrumental use of language: He use words as instruments for communicating substance and emotions., and also as smoke screens for some of his hidden hand maneuverings.
(3) Refused in public to “engage in personalities”: This was his way of saying that he did not criticize others personality.
(4) In private based actions on personality analysis. In a complimentary way to the previous strategy he assessed peoples personality in private and allocated them to appropriate jobs.
(5) Selective practice of delegation: His army experience trained him to do this.
c) Chief of state strategy
(1) Building a public support that transcended many of the nations social and political divisions.
C. An assessment of the style and its uses
1. Strengths and weaknesses of the style: The Joe McCarthy case
a) The first 2 years in office corresponded with the McCarthy case, the Wisconsin senator who was eventually condemned. This case reveals the pros and cons of his leadership.
b) McCarthy claimed to know the names of 205 Communists working in the state department.
c) This case shows how some of these elements were effective, while others were not.
d) The most effective use of hidden hand leadership was following Stevenson’s speech accusing the Republican party of McCarthyism. He used his hidden hand approach to allow the Republican National Convention to respond on national TV, while at the same time disallowing a response by McCarthy.
e) His instrumental use of language was very important for his press conferences. He was able to attack McCarthy without using his name.
f) He overestimate Army Secretary Steven’s capacity and personality to deal with McCarthy.
2. Lessons for other presidents
a) The discussion here has been on the mode of leadership, and not the merits of policy aims.
b) What is most important to understand in the 1980s is that this style was used for the last 2 term president.
1. An Exemplary President?
a) From 1953-61 the US had a uniquely popular president. With JFK the nation would begin a series of ephemeral presidents, birds of passage. In his time he was thought of as inept, yet his popularity remained high. The presidency is vulnerable today, even though he has more powers than his pre-1930 predecessor. He is vulnerable because he is so visible.
b) The 2 contradictory roles of president: Chief of State where he is the equivalent of a monarch, the symbol of country unity. Head of the executive branch, he is like the prime minister, preventing or entering wars, improving the economy, changing social conditions. What is unique about IKE is how he handled these roles so effectively. He was a tough politician who concealed the political side of his leadership.
2. What type of man was he?
a) There were key contradictions about this man. He was both publicly vague and privately precise as a leader. He professed to be nonpolitical but seriously sought to influence politics and policy. A third key trait of his character was his ability to win the support of other political leaders, and the American public.
B. Eisenhower’s leadership style
1. Political strategies
a) His approach to leadership was best categorized by a motto on his desk “Gently in manner, strong in deed.” He employed 6 strategies that enabled him to exercise power without seemingly flexing his muscles.
b) For the prime-minister side he used
(1) Hidden hand leadership: IKE’s maneuverings in secret. An example is using a wealthy democrat to influence Senate Democrat leader Johnson. These tactics also helped him conceal his role in the overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953.
(2) Instrumental use of language: He use words as instruments for communicating substance and emotions., and also as smoke screens for some of his hidden hand maneuverings.
(3) Refused in public to “engage in personalities”: This was his way of saying that he did not criticize others personality.
(4) In private based actions on personality analysis. In a complimentary way to the previous strategy he assessed peoples personality in private and allocated them to appropriate jobs.
(5) Selective practice of delegation: His army experience trained him to do this.
c) Chief of state strategy
(1) Building a public support that transcended many of the nations social and political divisions.
C. An assessment of the style and its uses
1. Strengths and weaknesses of the style: The Joe McCarthy case
a) The first 2 years in office corresponded with the McCarthy case, the Wisconsin senator who was eventually condemned. This case reveals the pros and cons of his leadership.
b) McCarthy claimed to know the names of 205 Communists working in the state department.
c) This case shows how some of these elements were effective, while others were not.
d) The most effective use of hidden hand leadership was following Stevenson’s speech accusing the Republican party of McCarthyism. He used his hidden hand approach to allow the Republican National Convention to respond on national TV, while at the same time disallowing a response by McCarthy.
e) His instrumental use of language was very important for his press conferences. He was able to attack McCarthy without using his name.
f) He overestimate Army Secretary Steven’s capacity and personality to deal with McCarthy.
2. Lessons for other presidents
a) The discussion here has been on the mode of leadership, and not the merits of policy aims.
b) What is most important to understand in the 1980s is that this style was used for the last 2 term president.
Read
February 24, 2019The book is a well written and well documented insiders' playbook on how to be a successful high level politician in Washington DC, U.S.A.
Want to read
December 30, 2017The Hidden-Hand which I read around the same time is equally a masterclass in leadership. It will give you not just a new appreciation of Eisenhower, but teach you how real leaders get things done: it's not through talking, it's not through looking tough, it's through organization, delegation and through behind the scenes influence. I had no idea how Machiavellian Eisenhower was—and while that might seem like an insult, it isn't. The perception of Eisenhower was that he was a sweet old guy who didn't keep up on the day-to-day goings of politics but this was all a brilliant act. He wanted to be seen as above politics, when in reality, he knew exactly how to make hard decisions and steer the country in the direction it needed to go. For instance, people think Eisenhower didn't do enough to take down Joseph McCarthy. Eisenhower is the one who took McCarthy down—he just didn't think the president should be seen doing such a thing (His rule was: Never engage in personalities). Eisenhower was what a leader was supposed to be—both an an impressive and inspiring figurehead as well as an effective executive. Our leaders today could take a lesson from that.
I’ve already raved about both these books to a number of politicians, CEOs, and writers I know. I am also using them as a source in my next book, Conspiracy. Please read them.
I’ve already raved about both these books to a number of politicians, CEOs, and writers I know. I am also using them as a source in my next book, Conspiracy. Please read them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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