Elizabeth I CEO: Strategic Lessons from the Leader Who Built an Empire

by Alan Axelrod

Book Overview

Few leadership titles have been written on the lives of women. Alan Axelrod, noted historian and business management expert, reveals how Elizabeth I overcame daunting obstacles to win intense loyalty and lead England to greatness.

The queen's long reign offers lessons on: developing a leadership attitude and image enhanced by personal dynamism; becoming an effective coach and mentor skilled at nurturing creativity; manipulating others--subtly...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735203571
• ISBN13: 9780735203570
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Elizabeth 1 from an Interesting Perspective

This book will appeal to readers who want to get some leadership tips and be entertained by the fascinating history of Elizabeth 1. I gave it a 5 star rating because I enjoyed reading the book and came away with useful information.It is not a chronological account of Elizabeth 1. It reads more like one of the typical CEO self-help books out there using illustrations from the life and reign of Elizabeth 1 to make the point. For those interested in the history of Queen Elizabeth 1 this book provides a very interesting perspective because it analyzes Elizabeth 1 as a leader from a modern-day corporate leadership point of view. This is something you'll probably not find in any history book. For those interested in a book to help them be a better leader, this book is a refreshing change from the numerous CEO guide books out there. There's no doubt Queen Elizabeth I was one of the greatest leaders England ever had. What is even more amazing is that she achieved this greatness during a time when women were considered far less capable than men. The book shows how Elizabeth worked around her weaknesses and used her weaknesses to her advantage. In the 500 years or so since her reign is interesting to note that human nature has not really changed. I would not recommend this as the sole CEO self-help book you read, but together with others, it provides a memorable and interesting addition to helping you be better leader.

All Leaders Are Readers!

Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss this book. Axelrod weaves the inspirational life of Elizabeth I's, a 70yr period of time, born in 1533, a women of exception courage, management and wealth. "For those that want to grow their enterprise, grow their career, grow their company, and who can already dream and are ready to build what they dream" this is fuel for the mind. "Bread for the Head" 93 lessons refined into a half dozen critical fundamentals: A High regard for subordinates; An understanding of basic motivation as well as basic justice; A willingness to take responsibility; A willingness to demand responsibility from others; A willingness to correct a faulty situation; and A willingness to take positive, quick and aggressive action.Hope you like the book as much as I do. We can learn a lot from history, the great leaders. We might not be able to be mentored by them directly, but through the lessons presented here, it's the next best thing. The biggest challenge will be to apply the lessons learned to our own life, designing a life, translating wisdom and strong feelings into labour, that is the challenge. As Nike say's, "Just Do It" Timothy L Ross "Where Client Goals Become Our Goals"

Solid Advice with An Interesting Twist

Managing a nation in the 16th century took stamina and skill for a leader of either sex during such a volatile period of exploration and conquest -- the time period also offers an excellent opportunity in which to examine successes and failures. Alan Axelrod's Elizabeth I, CEO is an interesting analysis of the strong management skills that Queen Bess brought to the task and developed in the process of ruling Britannia -- and he is adept at showing how we can apply such strengths to our own management approaches and develop new strengths, as well. Nice, too, that we can see what worked and what didn't work for Elizabeth I.

Must Read

Axelrod has done it again! Elizaabeth I, CEO is a must read, especially for those of you, like me, who enjoy a bit of history tossed in with your leadership lessons. It's nice to know that all this leadership stuff has some historical perspective. Axelrod does a super job making history relevant to the present. It's well put together too, and a page-turner. You won't use it to replace your sleep aids.

Simply the Best

For many years, Japanese business experts have attempted to apply the code of the samurai to the rough-and-tumble world of Japanese corporate life. In fact, during the 1980s, it was often said that if you wanted to understand Japanese business you had to master early Japanese history. In his own brilliant prose, Alan Axelrod suggests that the Western historical tradition has a lot to offer today's Western businessman. The tale of history influencing the present is not owned by the Japanese, and Elizabeth I proves the point. In contrast to the recent Big Bucks film on Elizabeth I, and a slew of popular histories as well, Axelrod sticks to the no-nonsense facts. Letting Elizabeth's own record of leadership tell the tale, Axelrod does not have to invent history, exaggerate, or introduce fictional characters. The past, he argues convincingly, is a treasure trove of lessons learned and examples set. It's too precious to be left to historians alone. Axelrod was guided by this approach in his previous work on General George Patton, and he succeeds again in his analysis of Elizabeth I. A complex figure, sometimes lost in the general discussion of England's long road to democracy, Elizabeth is resurrected here as a patron of corporate excellence. Anyone interested in excellent writing and history made relevant is in for a good read.