SS Leadership Guide

by Alfred Kotz

“SS Leadership Guide” is translated from the Third Reich original “Führen und Folgen” by Alfred Kotz. The “SS” or “Schutzstaffel” was an elite formation whose professional skill was acknowledged by friend and foe alike. Written by and for the SS, this book provides a fascinating insight. Ideal for history buffs, scholars, and researchers.

Genres: History, Philosophy

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2016

Reviews

[Nguyen Trong Nhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for those who want to be a decent leader (just ignore the Nazi part)

Push aside the fact that this book was written by a Nazi leader, we can consider “SS Leadership Guide” is a good manual guide for those who want to be a decent leader.

The way author tried to define in this book convinced their fellow men to get into the line is quite interesting.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a historical book, this was somewhat interesting in that it gave insights into the values (or at least the espoused values) of the SS. The most interesting part were the references to WW1 and the experiences of soldiers from that period being used to motivate German soldiers in the 1930s, as well as the National Socialists defining themselves in opposition to Marxists/communists both in fighting and in ideals (despite having substantial overlap in a lot of areas).

There was one decent leadership concept in the book -- that leaders have substantial duty to those under them as much as those above them. Other than that the "leadership" advice was just exhortation to do one's duty to the nation, etc., which really doesn't translate to the modern world.

It wasn't itself particularly offensive to read (prewar; lots of references to Hitler was a great man, but generally just nationalism, although there was some hatred of the other/foreigners/etc.)

Decent as a historical text but not really enough insights to be worth it.

[Ólafur Hersir Arnaldsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a valuable historical source and important for better understanding the SS. You should read it if you are interested in National Socialism.

[Radu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read from a historical perspective and an example of the exceptionally high standards the SS had towards their officers. Interestingly enough, it even includes instructions on how to create camaraderie with the troopers with a heavy emphasis on building respect. All in all, a good mini-treatise on leadership, even with the National-Socialist elements.