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The Leadership Genius of Julius Caesar: Modern Lessons from the Man Who Built an Empire
“Brilliantly crafted to draw leadership lessons from history, this is one of the finest leadership books I have read.”
—Doris Kearns Goodwin, bestselling author of Team of Rivals and The Bully Pulpit
Leaders are always trying to get better, which is why there is an enormous and growing collection of literature offering the latest leadership paradigm or process. But sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back. Philip Barlag shows us that Julius Caesar is one of the most compelling leaders of the past to study—a man whose approach was surprisingly modern and extraordinarily effective.
History is littered with leaders hopelessly out of touch with their people and ruthlessly pursuing their own ambitions or hedonistic whims. But Caesar, who rose from impoverished beginnings, proved by his words and deeds that he never saw himself as being above the average Roman citizen. And he had an amazing ability to generate loyalty, to turn enemies into allies and allies into devoted followers.
Barlag uses dramatic and colorful incidents from Caesar's career—being held hostage by pirates, charging headlong alone into enemy lines, pardoning people he knew wanted him dead—to illustrate what Caesar can teach leaders today. Central to Barlag's argument is the distinction between force and power. Caesar avoided using brute force on his followers, understanding that fear never generates genuine loyalty. He exercised a power deeply rooted in his demonstrated personal integrity and his intuitive understanding of people's deepest needs and motivations. His supporters followed him because they wanted to, not because they were compelled to. Over 2,000 years after Caesar's death, this is still the kind of loyalty every leader wants to inspire. Barlag shows how anyone can learn to lead like Caesar.
—Doris Kearns Goodwin, bestselling author of Team of Rivals and The Bully Pulpit
Leaders are always trying to get better, which is why there is an enormous and growing collection of literature offering the latest leadership paradigm or process. But sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back. Philip Barlag shows us that Julius Caesar is one of the most compelling leaders of the past to study—a man whose approach was surprisingly modern and extraordinarily effective.
History is littered with leaders hopelessly out of touch with their people and ruthlessly pursuing their own ambitions or hedonistic whims. But Caesar, who rose from impoverished beginnings, proved by his words and deeds that he never saw himself as being above the average Roman citizen. And he had an amazing ability to generate loyalty, to turn enemies into allies and allies into devoted followers.
Barlag uses dramatic and colorful incidents from Caesar's career—being held hostage by pirates, charging headlong alone into enemy lines, pardoning people he knew wanted him dead—to illustrate what Caesar can teach leaders today. Central to Barlag's argument is the distinction between force and power. Caesar avoided using brute force on his followers, understanding that fear never generates genuine loyalty. He exercised a power deeply rooted in his demonstrated personal integrity and his intuitive understanding of people's deepest needs and motivations. His supporters followed him because they wanted to, not because they were compelled to. Over 2,000 years after Caesar's death, this is still the kind of loyalty every leader wants to inspire. Barlag shows how anyone can learn to lead like Caesar.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2016
46 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 15, 2017
remarkable lessons of Julius Caesar
February 27, 2018
While it may not be the BEST book on Caesar, I think this just might be my favorite. It is short (110 pages), easy to read, and and succeeds in seeing through the unfortunate Caesar hate into what the man was really like. He really was the greatest leader. He probably still is.
I was initially hesitant to even read the book. I thought it might be a business book full of corporate jargon and simple parallels. But instead, what Barlag has written is a distillation of the qualities that made Caesar truly great: his virtues. And while it's not an extensive biography, or even a greatest hits of Caesar's biggest moments, each example - no matter how mundane - captures what Caesar was all about.
Caesar was the most competent man there was (be the lobster!). He won all the "games" of life, and he won them WELL. He embodied the best, most humane qualities and the people naturally loved him for that reason. He was a truly decent man.
Anyways, if you've got a free afternoon or two and want to dig into Caesar's awesomeness, check out Barlag's book.
I was initially hesitant to even read the book. I thought it might be a business book full of corporate jargon and simple parallels. But instead, what Barlag has written is a distillation of the qualities that made Caesar truly great: his virtues. And while it's not an extensive biography, or even a greatest hits of Caesar's biggest moments, each example - no matter how mundane - captures what Caesar was all about.
Caesar was the most competent man there was (be the lobster!). He won all the "games" of life, and he won them WELL. He embodied the best, most humane qualities and the people naturally loved him for that reason. He was a truly decent man.
Anyways, if you've got a free afternoon or two and want to dig into Caesar's awesomeness, check out Barlag's book.
May 19, 2017
This little book approaches Caesar's life from an unusual standpoint. Rather than following Caesar's career from a historical viewpoint, it plucks Caesar out of his time and examines his life as a leader and how his exercise of leadership applies across time. I found it quite interesting and even refreshing. However, I must point out that Barlag gets some of his historical facts wrong. These inaccuracies do not detract from Barlag's analysis of Caesar and his understanding and use of power. For example: Barlag states that at the battle of Alesia, the Gallic relief army attacked Caesar's outer ring of defenses (the contravallation) and that Caesar split his army in two, one half facing the relief force, and the other half attacking Alesia and hunting down Vercingetorix. Actually, Caesar's army stayed within the two rings of defense and fought off the relief force and Vercingetorix's attack on the inner ring (the circumvallation). Both attacks failed, and Vercingetorix surrendered to Caesar when it became obvious that he could not win. As I stated above though, these historical lapses do not negate any of Barlag's conclusions. Modern leaders, or those wanting to be leaders, will find this book very informative.
January 5, 2019
"Part of becoming a dynamic leader is standing out from the rest and getting noticed. But it is not enough to be different for its own sake. Standing out is important, but so is authenticity."
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This was a good book on an amazing leader, and one of the best known leaders of human history. It goes through examples of Caesars leadership, and examines them through a modern leadership lense. All of it is applicable.
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"Sometimes following the crowd in the present can give someone reason to doubt you in the future. "
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It's interesting how meticulous he was at planning his way to the top, to include having a brilliant successor picked well before his untimely assassination. It reminded me of America's Washington. Both planned and revised who they would be as leaders starting at a very early age.
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It's a good book on leadership in general. There aren't any groundbreaking insights on modern leadership but, it analyzes some of Caesars leadership in a modern context. It's short, easy, educational, and entertaining. Good read.
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"Power always trumps force, and power carries a legacy."
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This was a good book on an amazing leader, and one of the best known leaders of human history. It goes through examples of Caesars leadership, and examines them through a modern leadership lense. All of it is applicable.
.
.
"Sometimes following the crowd in the present can give someone reason to doubt you in the future. "
.
.
It's interesting how meticulous he was at planning his way to the top, to include having a brilliant successor picked well before his untimely assassination. It reminded me of America's Washington. Both planned and revised who they would be as leaders starting at a very early age.
.
.
It's a good book on leadership in general. There aren't any groundbreaking insights on modern leadership but, it analyzes some of Caesars leadership in a modern context. It's short, easy, educational, and entertaining. Good read.
.
.
"Power always trumps force, and power carries a legacy."
January 31, 2021
Julius Cesar was one of the greatest leaders and influencers in history. The author himself has sat in the table with many high level executives from many different organizations. With his experiences he found that there's many similarities between the best business leaders and the great Julius Caesar. Throughout the book, he juxtaposes the way the executives led and their actions with that of Caesars. It's a little haphazard, so don't expect it to have much structure. It's more of an opinion piece to me, as I would have preferred the author give actual examples of leadership from the executives him and his team has coached. Instead it's more like Caesar led this way, it worked, so leaders should lead this way. Although not particularly memorable, this book would make a good motivational reference.
April 27, 2022
A quick and inspiring read for anyone interested in either the lives of ancient great people like Caesar or management best practices from his life that can be applied to even the modern world. The author is admittedly not a historian, but nonetheless, looking at the biography, he tried to use a relatively broad list of resources for a mass-media product (both ancient and secondary).
You can get a glimpse into the final days of the Roman Republic through Caesar's actions and meanwhile discover a unique personality who was well-ahead of his time. This is a good read for laymen in the history of ancient Rome and also for those who want to read a refreshing perspective of management and how to cultivate personal power and gravitas.
You can get a glimpse into the final days of the Roman Republic through Caesar's actions and meanwhile discover a unique personality who was well-ahead of his time. This is a good read for laymen in the history of ancient Rome and also for those who want to read a refreshing perspective of management and how to cultivate personal power and gravitas.
September 14, 2024
The book transports you back to the era of great Rome, focusing not on the battles, wine, and conquests, but on the mindset and observations of Julius Caesar.
You see caracter through the lens of a modern leader, that is, without the bloodshed. We her focusing on his decisionmaking, and a glimpse of it's outcomes.
The book is somewhat shallow, but that’s not necessarily a flaw. It offers a glimpse into a vast era, providing a brief insight into Caesar without judgment, which can be effective, giving you option to reflect on the given topic and not.
The content was so engaging that I wished the author had delved even deeper, but overall, it was refreshing to see a new perspective on this iconic figure.
You see caracter through the lens of a modern leader, that is, without the bloodshed. We her focusing on his decisionmaking, and a glimpse of it's outcomes.
The book is somewhat shallow, but that’s not necessarily a flaw. It offers a glimpse into a vast era, providing a brief insight into Caesar without judgment, which can be effective, giving you option to reflect on the given topic and not.
The content was so engaging that I wished the author had delved even deeper, but overall, it was refreshing to see a new perspective on this iconic figure.
September 20, 2020
This is not a history book. This is a book about management, which derives examples from one of history's most distinguished leaders. The author doesn't dwell on the historical events but rather on what managerial lessons one can obtain from these events.
As such, if you are looking for a book to learn about the life of Caesar or the political scene in Ancient Rome, I would not recommend this book. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quick book (seriously, you can finish this in one afternoon) that shows some of the moments in the life of the dictator without getting into a lot of detail, then you might enjoy this book.
As such, if you are looking for a book to learn about the life of Caesar or the political scene in Ancient Rome, I would not recommend this book. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quick book (seriously, you can finish this in one afternoon) that shows some of the moments in the life of the dictator without getting into a lot of detail, then you might enjoy this book.
January 29, 2019
Leadership lessons from one of the greatest leaders of human history. It amazed me how Caesar's way of leadership is identical to the way modern business gurus, such as Gary Vaynerchuck preach.
Care for your people.
Focus on the long term gains.
Lead by example.
Stay true to your mission, not your rewards.
Include some of the most valuable lesson's I've learned from this book. It's a small, but incredibly useful little gem, which you don't want to miss if you want to learn more about the leadership genius of Julius Caesar!
Care for your people.
Focus on the long term gains.
Lead by example.
Stay true to your mission, not your rewards.
Include some of the most valuable lesson's I've learned from this book. It's a small, but incredibly useful little gem, which you don't want to miss if you want to learn more about the leadership genius of Julius Caesar!
November 12, 2016
I received this book through "Good Reads".
The "Leadership Genius" of Julius Caesar is an intense and impressive book which uses examples of the life of Julius Caesar to inspire a successful approach to leadership. This short book should be required reading for a future President of Our Country prior to taking the oath of the office.
This book gives the average reader insights into the historic genius who is know by all, but understood by few.
The "Leadership Genius" of Julius Caesar is an intense and impressive book which uses examples of the life of Julius Caesar to inspire a successful approach to leadership. This short book should be required reading for a future President of Our Country prior to taking the oath of the office.
This book gives the average reader insights into the historic genius who is know by all, but understood by few.
March 19, 2020
This is a powerful short book. The author distilled the essence of the leadership genius that Julius Caesar developed and displayed. This leadership style is very much pertinent for our times. Maybe the author did not zero in on the spiritual life of Julius Caesar as an important factor for this brand of leadership, but, I will do it for him: Julius Caesar started his public life as the Highest Pontiff for the Roman Republic.
May 18, 2020
While there was the odd gem of knowledge, I didn't find the book credible. I've been fascinated with Caesar for a long time. There were interpretations and details of stories that I have never seen in any other books, articles or information source before. I'm sure this book will be of value to many but it didn't for me.
This book has convinced me that I will call my business Mounted 10. This made it worth the read!
This book has convinced me that I will call my business Mounted 10. This made it worth the read!
February 20, 2023
A short but captivating read. Julius Caesar is renowned as one of the most enigmatic leaders of all time, this book did some justice in portraying why. This is not a biography or historical account of Julius Caesar. This book extracts some of his notable recurring actions that elevated him to that "legendary leader" status. A very good read.
August 27, 2017
Short and sharp with some nice anecdotes from Caesars life. It's a little heavily weighed in ultimate praise of Caesar as a person but as it's pointing out leadership qualities I was happy for forego them and focus on the points the author was making.
November 16, 2020
What a marvelous book. Full of lessons on leadership, compassion, true power. One wishing to lead anything, from his own life to a family or a business, should invest time to read it carefully, take notes, and implement the ideas and concepts in his daily practices.
December 31, 2025
Although some lessons were discussed it felt like their was an emphasis on glazing Julius Caesar. Looking at him as mythological creature who could do no wrong than take an authentic look at his leadership flaws and all.
October 8, 2020
I Really enjoyed this book both the Leadership lessons set out but also the insight into Caesar's life
October 15, 2021
Julius Caesar, just wanna read it again!
December 23, 2021
It’s amazing how easily a dictatorial autocratic system, led by an emperor is unquestioningly equated to our Uber-capitalist authoritarian corporate structure. Democracy, maybe? #unionstrong
November 21, 2023
τα σελφχελπίστικα εντός με κούρασαν, αλλά τα ιστορικά-βιογραφικά ήταν μπόμπα
December 2, 2023
The greatest book about leadership that I have ever read.
Read
January 1, 2025“Airport”/“flight” book. Got it on the flight delays because of fog on Gatwick 28 Dec 2024. Nice and did the job
November 27, 2016
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. It is a very short book and does jump around the life of Caesar while giving examples of leadership strategies. Overall an interesting read but I would never pay the suggested retail price for it.
December 12, 2016
So, who needs another book about Julius Caesar? You do! Very interesting and thought provoking read. A lot of parallels drawn to modern day leadership qualities. The prose is to the point and easy to follow.
February 19, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway. It's a great read. Readers will learn a lot about Julius Caesar and the skills he used to be a success.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
The historical excerpts of Caesar's life were interesting and well written ... but the analogies connecting Caesar's actions to modern day leaders' actions were weak and not well embellished.
May 27, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
Interesting use of Caesar as a management model.
Interesting use of Caesar as a management model.
July 22, 2017
When I woke up yesterday, I didn't even know this book was a thing. I discovered it when looking for books on leadership for my class. it's such a short book that I finished it in less than a day.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who interacts with other humans (even if it's only your own family) because it gives so many ways to lead that make so much sense.
It has also made me want to read more about Caesar because before this book, I knew that he received massage to relieve seisures & neuropathy and he was killed by a group of men, which included one of his close friends ("Et tu, Brute?" anyone?), but I never really understood why (to say that politics bores me would be generous), but this book goes into that a bit and definitely made me want to pick up more books about Julius Caesar.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who interacts with other humans (even if it's only your own family) because it gives so many ways to lead that make so much sense.
It has also made me want to read more about Caesar because before this book, I knew that he received massage to relieve seisures & neuropathy and he was killed by a group of men, which included one of his close friends ("Et tu, Brute?" anyone?), but I never really understood why (to say that politics bores me would be generous), but this book goes into that a bit and definitely made me want to pick up more books about Julius Caesar.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews