Leader

This work fully measures up in quality and importance to the original four-volume Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, first published in the 1880's. Articles by such key participants as Longstreet, Sherman, Custer, Grant, and Joe Johnston make this an essential work for any Civil War collection

This 4-volume set is a must-have for serious study of the Civil War.Twenty years after the end of the war, the editors of Century magazine set out to publish accounts of the war from both sides of the fighting. What resulted was a very popular series that has now become four books. The books give a fresh perspective on the war from foot soldiers up through the highest-ranking military officers and are never dull reading. Includes many illustrations and maps. Highly recommended.

Battles and Leaders of the Civil War: Retreat with Honor edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel of the editorial staff of "The Century Magazine" is the fourth and concluding installment of a four volume series written about the Civil War. Being for the most part contributions by Union and Confederate officers, these are their eyewitness accounts of the battles planned and fought during the duraion of the war.

These accounts were part of series that was concieved in 1883 by the editors of the Century Company to give future readers an idea of what went on during this, one of the costliest wars, fought by Americans on their home soil. Accounts found in this volume take us to General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, but there are accounts of the battles leading upto this event that are important to the outcome and final resolution of this conflict. As this volume opens we find an account of the land and sea operations of the Battle of Charleston, South Carolina and Grant's Wilderness Campaign. Sherman's march through the South, starting in Atlanta, also included in this volume, we read about the final actions in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Anyone wishing to know more about the Civil War... this is a must to own and read at your leisure. You will experience a rich satisfaction of accounts written by the people who fought these battles... battles that pitted brother against brother, North against the South, and ideals agaist ideals. A war that had to be fought to resolve issues that the Founding Fathers knew some day would have to come to pass if they could not settle them. A war for the very existence of the union, otherwise there would never be a United Staes as we know it today.

These are the accounts of men who bravely fought on both sides, giving their all, some the ultimate sacrifice, but settled nonetheless, to make this country what it is today. Excellent history for all to read, The Battles and Leaders of the Civil War: Volume one, "The Opening Battles." Volume two: "The Struggle Intensifies." Volume three: "The Tide Shifts." Volume four: "Retreat with Honor." you will NOT be disappointed.

The leader's guide for the Becoming A Contagious Christian course is an indispensable tool for the teacher. It is the best leader's guide that I have ever seen. Every minute is accounted for. Every activity is carefully designed and laid out. You even get to see exactly what the participants see in their books. it is so thorough and extensive. Don't try to teach the course without it.

I have to give credit were credit is due. This book is one of the Best books I have ever read. It is incitful, informative,and it will be character in you.It will not bore you ,you will not even want to put it down. If you are planning on being in any kind of leadership role I advise you to read this first. If you don't want to be challenged don't read this. I read this book along with God Chasers By Tommy Tenny they work hand in hand for me. Challenge yourself! Easy reading

I'm one of the authors, so I'm biased, but this is truly a wonderful book. Working within a professional community has made an enormous difference in my teaching. I need people around me who will inspire me and help me question my practices. We wrote this book for others who would like to develop a professional community of their own.

The timeless question people in authority frequently ask themselves is, "How can I gain the cooperation of those in my care so that our group can function more smoothly and effectively?" Drs. Betty Siegel and William Purkey, two highly respected authors and thinkers in the field of education, answer this question most effectively in their text entitled Becoming an Invitational Leader. The authors present a convincing argument that the only true way to gain the cooperation of others is by "invitation only". Showing trust, understanding and respect is what truly frees people to want to do their best and to cooperate with those in charge. Intimidation and coercion, commonly used approaches, are not effective and eventually will prove to be counter-productive.

The basis of their premise is the belief that there is only one actual motivation inside humans and that is an internal drive and desire to realize one's own potential. In short, we all want to be more, to self-actualize and to put our talents to good use by committing to something beyond ourselves. This commitment cannot be forced, however, but only volunteered. Hence, the more leaders are viewed as caring, respectful and supportive, the greater their chances of releasing the talents and energies of their associates. Those in authority must first begin by making others feel valued if they hope to gain respect and cooperation in return.

The first step toward effective leadership is a wise, grounded sense of self. This means a commitment to finding one's own center and core values. In the spirit of Thoreau, Emerson and other sages, Purkey and Siegel direct the leaders inward with the belief that one cannot empower others without first empowering oneself. These two scholars present various ideas for cultivating all aspects of life from the physical and psychological to the spiritual and intellectual. This inward journey includes an emphasis on self-care, "Only by caring for ourselves can we find the strength and wisdom to care properly for others," as well as the timely reminder of the importance of balancing one's personal and professional life as, "nurturing our closest relationships always takes precedence over professional success.

Another important step toward effective leadership is for the leader to present a vision of what a successful organization looks like. Before workers can be expected to commit, they must know exactly to what they are committing. Presenting such a vision is all part of the leader's responsibility of setting the proper environment. The authors are strong advocates of the "canoe theory" which states that "people are less likely to bore holes when they are in the boat with you." Treating people with trust, respect and care is the approach that will move people to embrace the company's vision and to take on the individual and collective responsibility for the successes and failures of the organization. The end result is a group of self-actualizing individuals committed to the unit and to one another in a caring and supportive environment.

If all of this sounds a bit too idealistic regarding human nature, it is important to point out that the writers devote an entire chapter to how an effective leader can best deal with those in the group who seem uninterested or unable to get "on board." They also offer practical and realistic suggestions without compromising their value of showing unconditional respect to everyone, especially to those who are struggling the most. It is important not to simply dismiss Purkey and Siegel as two optimistic spin doctors as they are consistent in supporting their theories with solid principles and sound logic.The authors are also realistic in terms of the competitive nature of the business world. While they admit that organizations must be competitive within their respective fields, they also challenge the accepted view that the business world must be a "rat race filled with victims and vanquished." They wisely suggest that leaders in the world of capitalism ask such basic questions as, "What are the core values we want to practice that will define our organization?" and "How can we best distinguish ourselves and still avoid a 'winning at all cost mentality'?"

The text concludes with a chapter showing the connection between effective leadership and community building. According to the authors, people who are treated properly will also be motivated to extend their commitment beyond their particular group to the larger community. A ripple effect will take place in which individuals carry their ethical system of respect, civility and caring into other aspects of their lives. In addition to being members of a group, individuals are now engaged and purposeful citizens committed to serving the world as stewards of the public good and, in serving others, these individual are continuing to realize their own potential. The result will be the creation of communities of which everyone can be proud.

William Purkey and Betty Siegel have written much more than a guidebook to becoming a healthier and more effective leader. The book is radical and profound in its compelling argument that it is time for people in positions of authority to forge a new kind of relationship with others based on dialogue, respect and collaboration. What separates this text from others in its field and makes for such interesting and enjoyable reading are the countless quotes, metaphors and specific examples of highly successful leaders who have practiced invitational leadership. John Dewey, Thomas Jefferson, F.W. Woolworth are just a few leaders mentioned who held a strong belief in the importance of respect in all human interaction as well as faith in the self-directing powers of the individual. This insightful text is long overdue in an age of "might makes right" and contains great wisdom in promoting solid values found in various democratic and spiritual organizations. Supervisors and coaches, CEO's and shop stewards, managers and parents, anyone and everyone who deals with others, take notice. This is a truly inspirational book in its invitation for all people to join together in a shared vision of promise and greatness.

This book is the second one I have read by Aubrey Malphurs. The first one dealt with values-driven leadership in general, this one focuses on the role of the pastor in particular. His comments in both volumes are insightful and inspirational.

The most memorable point Malphurs makes is that the primary job of a shepherd is not just to love, but to lead. He refutes the popular notion that being a shepherd of God's people implies focusing on the ministry of pastoral care. While pastoral care should not be neglected, the biblical truth is that the shepherds primarily lead. Getting back to this scriptural pattern will empower the church to be a more effective, transforming force in the world today.

Malphurs' work is always top-notch. He is profound, yet not difficult to follow. He is deep, but never bogged down. I recommend this work highly to all Christian pastors.

Ben Tillet gives a compelling, brilliant portrait of an important man in an important position. This is a must-read for any history major anywhere.

Ruth Wood has specialised in Leader's life and work and has compiled a comprehensive illustrated catalogue raisonne of all his known works. She regularly authenticates Leaders works for the major fine art auction houses and private collectors. This is an excellent specialised read for the lovers of Victorian landscape painting.