Guidelines for the Leader and the Commander

by Bruce C. Clarke

Featured on The Jocko Podcast “The finest little handbook on leadership and training ever written.” --Col. David Hackworth, author of the bestseller About Face Guidelines for the Leader and the Commander is an enduring classic. Written by the Army’s premier trainer of the twentieth century, this is a wide-ranging collection of principles and maxims to guide the building, training, and leading of any organization, with a focus on the individuals who make up that organization. Clarke intended the book to enlighten and instruct leaders, and those who aspire to leadership, in every profession and every walk of life. Thoughtful as well as concrete, pithy and often conversational, Clarke’s book resonates today.

Genres: Leadership, Military Fiction, Business

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Aard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The finest little handbook on leadership and training ever written." - Col. David Hackworth
I would give this book 12 stars if I could. Let no one tell you the classics are no longer being written - General Clarke's Guidelines at the very least matches The Art of War in both wisdom and simplicity. This book should be required reading for anyone in a leadership position, whether military or civilian. My favorite (non-religious) book of all time.

[Espen Stølan Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1963, Gen Clark’s thoughts are still relevant for Leaders and Commanders today.

These guidelines are both practical and philosophical, to be used directly in your unit or to be discussed among fellow commanders.

Recommended for company level officers and above.

[Brandon Donoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

A time piece, but dense with relevant information on the management, leadership, and “commandership” of Army units. A good primer, I feel, to jump start an officer facing assumption of command to dig deeper into unfamiliar subject encountered in this book, and start off with the right mindset as they take command.

[Michael Moffeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written decades ago, this book has tons of wisdom that is still applicable even today in the modern era.

Should be required reading for all military officers!

[Dhruv · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books on leadership ever written - influenced Hackworth and Jocko, no less. 10/10 totally amazing.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting points

[Sam Beal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting window into leadership in the military.