The Centurion Principles: Battlefield Lessons for Frontline Leaders

By Jeff O'Leary

Book Overview

The Centurion Principles approaches leadership in a fresh and compelling way for leaders at all levels of responsibility. Rather than long lists of principles and ideas with explanations, this book teaches leadership concepts through captivating models, revealing the "hows" and "whys" of leaders making decisions during their most difficult hours. This approach of placing readers in the shoes of decision makers provides a realistic and gripping application of leadership principles. The book is designed to motivate a reader into becoming the kind of leader that will leave a stirring legacy-a Centurion Leader. New York Times bestselling author Colonel Jeff O'Leary (ret.) illuminates the defining moments of great leaders, including Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785261966
• ISBN13: 9780785261964
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

A great read

Jeff O'Leary has a winner with this book. What sets this one apart from other leadership books is the approach. Each chapter is devoted to a leader from history, complete with a to-the-point retelling of their story. Then O'Leary seamlessly incorporates the principles learned from the history lesson into modern day wisdom. It is a very effective motif. I have not found another book quite like this on the market. And that's what makes it so special. The Centurion Principles is extremely readable (the chapters have nice break points and are not overly long) and inspirational. Overall, it is a very fine book that any aspiring leader or history buff will find enjoyable and helpful.

Could not put it down!

Wow, I have read many Leadership books, From John Maxwell to Andy Stanley, but I have never read one so simply put and so interesting. Mr. O'Leary not only teaches good guidelines for leadership, but also shows how they have been used in the past for great success. The intercutting of the teaching portions and the story portions helped make it smooth going from cover to cover.

A MUST READ for leaders in all walks of life

In a genre filled with leadership pabulum, this book stands out as truly unique and inspiring. All leaders - whether in business, in the military, or in the community - could benefit from reading this excellent book. It is extremely well-written with prose that paints vivid imagery, it is highly thought-provoking, and it is very enriching. Drawing on the lessons forged by extraordinary (and sometimes, infamous) leaders, the author spins engrossing accounts of real-life leadership and then helps the reader draw out the lessons that will enable them to reach new heights of leadership acumen. What's more, this is one of the few leadership books that recognizes and acknowledges that spirtual element of our human nature that truly enables us to lead others. Within each chapter, the author presents relevant and clear examples drawn from the Bible that directly relate to the principles discussed. His approach is far from preachy and, in fact, is quite refreshing. I have read a great number of leadership books and have more than 20 years of leadership experience. Even so, I learned a lot from this wonderful book. I strongly recommend it and I commend Mr. O'Leary for his valuable insights, superb writing style, and his obvious passion for exceptional leadership.

A Must Read/Must have book for any person in leadership

Excellent! Cover to cover. Author takes practical, historical examples of leadership and applies them to the present. Don't miss this book. You will refer to it again and again.

Fantastic approach to leadership

This was an outstanding book, not only for those in leadership positions, but for all to read. The author took a unique and creative approach, using principles from outstanding leaders in history. This includes a lot of information about these leaders that I hadn't read in other books, and it really gives a call for ethical leadership and the responsibility that leaders have.Excellent reading - well written and unique approach. A MUST READ!