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The Power of Four: Leadership Lessons of Crazy Horse
What makes a good and true leader—brute power and force? The ability to persuade? Simply holding an influential position? Joseph M. Marshall III, the renowned author of the bestselling The Lakota Way, says no. Reminding us that those who hold public office are first and foremost politicians, and that corporate bigwigs serve the bottom line, Marshall presents us with a different idea of leadership, one drawn from his own Lakota Sioux culture. “True leadership,” he informs us, “is only possible when character is more important than authority.”
Marshall III draws inspiration from three names that have resonated powerfully throughout history to develop his unique concept of leadership: Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and, especially Crazy Horse, whose fascinating life Marshall already chronicled in a biography that Publishers Weekly praised as “vivid and haunting.” Crazy Horse did not teach leadership; he simply demonstrated it, effectively and with compassion. Four factors stand out when looking at him as a leader, and they were the basis of his success:
Know yourself. Know your friends. Know the enemy. Lead the way.
The Power of Four shows how and why these maxims—and this Native American philosophy of leadership—is not only applicable to today’s world, but desperately needed: why leadership by example is more powerful than authority; and why the selection of leaders also becomes one way of controlling those very same leaders. Marshall will open readers’ eyes and help them discover how to apply a new set of principles and actions to their own lives.
Marshall III draws inspiration from three names that have resonated powerfully throughout history to develop his unique concept of leadership: Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and, especially Crazy Horse, whose fascinating life Marshall already chronicled in a biography that Publishers Weekly praised as “vivid and haunting.” Crazy Horse did not teach leadership; he simply demonstrated it, effectively and with compassion. Four factors stand out when looking at him as a leader, and they were the basis of his success:
Know yourself. Know your friends. Know the enemy. Lead the way.
The Power of Four shows how and why these maxims—and this Native American philosophy of leadership—is not only applicable to today’s world, but desperately needed: why leadership by example is more powerful than authority; and why the selection of leaders also becomes one way of controlling those very same leaders. Marshall will open readers’ eyes and help them discover how to apply a new set of principles and actions to their own lives.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Joseph M. Marshall III
28 books357 followersJoseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts traditional Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. "
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2012
I give very few books 5 stars but I enjoyed this little book immensely. I learned a lot not only about the Lakota tribes, Crazy Horse, and his leadership abilities but how those same leadership principles can be applied by anyone. Afterword:Be a Leader, the last chapter alone is chocked full of vital information. If you can only read one chapter, read it. It's a short 17 pages, and will take only a few minutes. I highly recommend this book to everyone! It's not just for business leaders or politicians. Everyone can walk away after reading this book with something to use in their daily lives. Everyone is a leader in one way or another. Parents are the most important leaders in our communities. Good leadership, starting in the home, is vital to our nation's survival. I now have an even greater appreciation for the Native people; their respect of their elders, their community, their skills, attributes, etc. All of which, are quickly being lost in our present day society, resulting in a rapid decline in this great nation. Sad to say but few leaders in our society have such qualities. Especially integrity.
September 18, 2017
A small book with power packed lessons on leadership , The Power of Four encourages to reexamine our standards of ability and integrity , how to function as a decisive and a dynamic leader .
The four chapters of this book : ' Know Yourself. Know Your Friends. Know Your Enemy . Take The Lead . ' highlighted through a compelling case study of the great man's life , Joseph Marshall brings to light the four principles of being an effective leader in our everyday life .
Its anecdotes like "Real Leaders say , 'Follow Me'."
"Real leaders do not sit back and push people or papers around like pawns on a chessboard " and many more will always be highly motivational in all walks of life . And now I can definitely say that I'm in the best of my moods right now :) , and this book was my first book by Joseph M Marshall III and definitely not the last .
The four chapters of this book : ' Know Yourself. Know Your Friends. Know Your Enemy . Take The Lead . ' highlighted through a compelling case study of the great man's life , Joseph Marshall brings to light the four principles of being an effective leader in our everyday life .
Its anecdotes like "Real Leaders say , 'Follow Me'."
"Real leaders do not sit back and push people or papers around like pawns on a chessboard " and many more will always be highly motivational in all walks of life . And now I can definitely say that I'm in the best of my moods right now :) , and this book was my first book by Joseph M Marshall III and definitely not the last .
May 28, 2012
He could have just written the last chapter in this book and it would have been worth it. If you find yourself frustrated by the leadership in your company or in our government this is for you.
July 21, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Joseph M. Marshall III has written a simple to understand leadership book full of interesting historical references about Lakota chiefs Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse.
Focusing on Crazy Horse he describes a style of leadership not based on authority, but instead on character. Marshall is himself of the Lakota tribe and was able to bring his Native American culture and history to life.
If you, like me, struggle with tomes of technical leadership principles give this book a try. I do not think you will be disappointed. History buffs will also enjoy the stories even if they have no interest in the leadership principles described.
Focusing on Crazy Horse he describes a style of leadership not based on authority, but instead on character. Marshall is himself of the Lakota tribe and was able to bring his Native American culture and history to life.
If you, like me, struggle with tomes of technical leadership principles give this book a try. I do not think you will be disappointed. History buffs will also enjoy the stories even if they have no interest in the leadership principles described.
November 29, 2009
Joseph Marshall III has written another wonderful book about the leadership qualities of Crazy Horse. Through Marshall's several books on this great leader/warrior, I have learned why Crazy Horse was so famous. There should be more attention paid to books like this one that Joseph Marshall has written. It's keeping the beautiful, ecologically wise and true way of Native life alive and attempting to pass it on to the greater society. I pray more of us listen.
September 16, 2011
This is one of those little books that says great things, simply and directly. It avoids the trap of most of those "be a better person, be a better management" book by not preaching at you, but rather declaring and then elaborating on four simple concepts and allows the reader to find room for application in their own lives ... and it doesn't take a lot of room. Or checklists, or elaborate scenarios, just a willingness to know yourself, know your friends, know your enemies, and take the lead.
February 21, 2014
A fantastic to the point book on how true leadership permeates every aspect of one's life. It discusses politics without picking a side and challenges us to consider that "... Leadership is too important to be left solely to anyone elected or appointed to a position of authority, since being elected or appointed does not a leader make." - page 26. I recommend this book for anyone going into politics or anyone wanting a good short read. :)
September 21, 2013
A better title for this book would be "Joseph Marshall's Rant". This book got a 2 star rating instead of 1 because it does have some nuggets of good info, however, I felt like I was reading a letter to the editor of a newspaper about poor leadership from a guy who doesn't have a very impressive leadership resume himself.
August 26, 2013
This is the first work I've read by the Author, but it will most certainly not be the last! Marshall gives us an insight not only to Crazy Horse as a Man, but to the very heart of what made him one that his people followed with their hearts. I hope to read this little book again and again for what remains of my life.
December 19, 2013
While there were some gems of wisdom in this book, you had to wade through so much loquacious commentary to get to them, their impact was all but lost. The principles were straight forward and simple, yet the writing style was condescending and over bearing. The content of this book would have easily fit in 25 well written pages.
January 22, 2010
This was a pretty quick read, and I appreciated learning more about the Lakota and their perspective of leadership. I enjoyed the book well enough, but I just wanted more from it. Still, I did learn several things I will try to adopt in my own efforts and in my evaluations of others.
June 27, 2013
It doesn't take a lot of 'fluff' to make a great read -- Mr. Marshall exemplifies that in this pocket book. The chapters cover excellent ground. Definitely well worth the read in the Following F (= influence)
September 8, 2013
Excellent, EXCELLENT book for leaders of youth and adults. Inspiring and informative. I suggest you read it for ideas on what, why and how to inspire to lead. But there is more. Crazy Horse was a great leader and what we can learn from him is there for the taking. Loved it!
February 8, 2009
Another very good book from Joseph M. Marshall. My full review: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/0...
June 7, 2013
It makes you wonder... if the Lakota had not been forced to assimilate into our culture of the time, what would our society's leadership look like today?
May 26, 2013
enjoyed a few life changing moments in the book. going deeper. will study more about the Lakota and Crazy Horse.
July 9, 2013
"A strong society leads to a strong warrior class" great book on the culture that develops leaders.
July 4, 2013
Great story with real leadership obtained thru not only being a server but a warrior. Highly recommend. It was better then I expected
July 21, 2013
I thought this book would be more historical than it is, but it was a pleasant surprise. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who has aspirations of becoming a good leader. I couldn't put it down.
May 14, 2015
To be 100% honest I found this book boring. It was really hard to get through.
August 2, 2022
Joseph M. Marshall III is a Lakota, born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation. In this book, he gives us Lakota lessons on leadership by outlining the four principles the tribe holds in high regard for competent, strong leaders—who, by the way, are not elected. They are the warriors who stand out from the crowd, who rise above with that innate strength to lead by example.
Crazy Horse was one such member of the tribe who continually went above and beyond what was the norm of most of the members. In 1876, he led 100 riders in a charge against Custer’s U.S. Army’s “last stand” to keep lands that were their birthright. What made Crazy Horse think he could win with so few? This book gives the background of a what it entails to be a good warrior for a cause…and stands in good stead for lessons of today. Other leaders used as examples include Sitting Bull and Red Cloud.
Those in public office are elected officials and politicians by trade. That does not make them good leaders. “True leadership is only possible when character is more important than authority,” says Marshall on page 26. According to him, leadership begins in the home where parents show their children what that looks like by modeling it for them with compassion. It is key to our survival.
The four factors that are used in explaining leadership are: 1) Know yourself 2) Know your friends 3) Know the enemy and 4) Lead the way. Each facet is explained and then the leadership of the various Indians is given to demonstrate Marshall’s teachings. In this way, we also get to see the character of their culture as brave men. That also encompasses humility, generosity, selflessness, self-sacrifice and compassion without the prestige or rewards for leadership. People who meet the mark are called "Shirt-wearers."
The Afterward chapter compares and contrasts the Indian way with American politics. It is an interesting eye-opener in furthering what it takes for true leadership. All-in-all, a wake-up call for Americans to rise to the standards set a century or two ago. A little book that speaks volumes.
Crazy Horse was one such member of the tribe who continually went above and beyond what was the norm of most of the members. In 1876, he led 100 riders in a charge against Custer’s U.S. Army’s “last stand” to keep lands that were their birthright. What made Crazy Horse think he could win with so few? This book gives the background of a what it entails to be a good warrior for a cause…and stands in good stead for lessons of today. Other leaders used as examples include Sitting Bull and Red Cloud.
Those in public office are elected officials and politicians by trade. That does not make them good leaders. “True leadership is only possible when character is more important than authority,” says Marshall on page 26. According to him, leadership begins in the home where parents show their children what that looks like by modeling it for them with compassion. It is key to our survival.
The four factors that are used in explaining leadership are: 1) Know yourself 2) Know your friends 3) Know the enemy and 4) Lead the way. Each facet is explained and then the leadership of the various Indians is given to demonstrate Marshall’s teachings. In this way, we also get to see the character of their culture as brave men. That also encompasses humility, generosity, selflessness, self-sacrifice and compassion without the prestige or rewards for leadership. People who meet the mark are called "Shirt-wearers."
The Afterward chapter compares and contrasts the Indian way with American politics. It is an interesting eye-opener in furthering what it takes for true leadership. All-in-all, a wake-up call for Americans to rise to the standards set a century or two ago. A little book that speaks volumes.
November 10, 2023
Excellent read for life
I liked the way the author entwined history with current life circumstances and application of said Lakota teachings to current leaders. Made me think of how I have perceived leadership with a degree of apathy that I must work to change. Good read
I liked the way the author entwined history with current life circumstances and application of said Lakota teachings to current leaders. Made me think of how I have perceived leadership with a degree of apathy that I must work to change. Good read
June 25, 2019
Great book about Lakota leadership
March 14, 2023
A bit too bland
October 21, 2023
Powerful. Humbling pearls for being selfless, compassionate leaders.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews