Patton on Leadership

[Garda11B1P]

Just a little background first. I was going through some of my dad's stuff and came across a box of cards. The Box said Patton on Leadership. There are 70 cards with pronouncements that are recognized as Patton's Leadership style and technique. Each card has two sections the first is a historical event detailed in Patton's own words. The second interprets the "lessons" Patton has given us and applies them to present day business situations.

I will share what is on the cards. If anyone would like to add comments, thoughts and interpretations, that would be great.

#1 Lead Instead of Push


1. On one occasion, Patton returned to headquarters from the front lines. He called a senior colonel over to a map, marked a point on a river, and declared, "Cross the river at this point."

"General, we have little information about the depth of the river."

"We will cross where I made the mark! Everyman can walk across, and I am certain the tanks can drive across."

"How can you be sure, General?"

"Take a look at my pants! That's how shallow the water is. I walked across without collecting any enemy fire!"

2. Trying to lead men from behind makes you a driver and not a leader. You cannot push a log chain and you cannot troops. A leader has to be ahead of his men. You've got to know what is going on all the time. You cannot swim without being in water! You cannot ice skate without being on the ice. No one ever learned to skate on a map board.

[Skysoldier]

Excellent!....I wonder if those can be found on the internet. I would like to read all of them.

[Garda11B1P]

I will add more of them later. I'm not sure where my dad got them but the box says they are based on the best selling book by Alan Axelrod. Patton on Leadership Strategic Lessons For Corporate Warfare

[Garda11B1P]

#2. Leadership is not a popularity contest.


"Goddammit, I'm not running for Shah of Persia. There are no practice games in life. It's eat or be eaten, kill or be killed. I want my bunch to get in there first, to be the "fastest with the mostest." They won't do it if I aske them kindly. That was the only mistake Robert E. Lee ever made. He gave suggestions instead of orders and it cost him the war." Patton

Don't confuse leadership with a popularity contest. Focus on the mission and on getting your people to focus on the mission.

[rmwcotton]

haha, kinda crazy-this is the first time I've seen this tread and I bought this book last Friday on Amazon for my husband as a gift for getting promoted. From what you've posted about the cards, I'm gonna have to read the book myself

[Garda11B1P]

Yeah the cards are great im going to have to get the book

[lz_NorthPole]

Here you go. I may just get one myself. They range from $1. used to $14. on cassette at
http://www.amazon.com/Patton-Leadership-Strategic-Lessons-Corporate/dp/0735200912

But if you just want the cards

PATTON ON LEADERSHIP These cards were edited and selected from the book Patton on Leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare by Alan Axelrod. Seventy Motivational Cards for Success. Patton on leadership: Strategic Lessons for Corporate Warfare.
Card Games | History Games		Award Winning Games
$14.95 http://www.educationallearninggames.com/patton-on-leadership-cards.asp

[Weazle23]

Great find!! Thanks for posting.