The Wisdom of Alexander the Great: Enduring Leadership Lessons From the Man Who Created an Empire

by Lance Kurke

Overview

"Exceptional leaders are the ones who are able to analyze problems, optimize resources, inspire loyalty, and execute strategy. There is no more stunning example in history than Alexander the Great, whose leadership skills were so immense that they still resonate some 2,000 years later. The Wisdom of Alexander the Great reveals four leadership processes distilled from the life and extraordinary accomplishments of Alexander, King of Macedonia. Readers will learn how he: * reframed problems in order to meet seemingly insurmountable challenges * built alliances by using his strength to generate trust and respect, not just fear * established identity and ""branded"" himself a unifier, thus keeping the home base secure while continuing to expand his empire * recognized and assimilated the cultures and symbols of different peoples, becoming a powerful and trusted figure everywhere he went The Wisdom of Alexander the Great relates 34 riveting episodes from Alexander's expansion through Asia Minor, Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Middle East, the Persian Empire, and India. Each example, tied to a modern-day counterpart, imparts valuable lessons from the timeless legend of one of the greatest leaders in history."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814400982
Publisher:	AMACOM
Publication date:	04/20/2007
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	17 Years

About the Author

Lance B. Kurke (Pittsburgh, PA) is the president of Kurke & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm providing strategic planning, training, leadership development, and executive coaching.

Table of Contents

"Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

List of Maps

Resumé of Alexander the Great

Introduction: The Four Leadership Processes

Chapter 1 Leadership Process One: Reframing Problems

1: Defeating a Navy on Land

2: Battle at the River Hydaspes

3: Suppressing the Revolt at Thebes

4: On Possessions

5: On Founding Cities

6: Mutiny

7: Trust and Loyalty

8: How to Capture an Impregnable Stronghold

9: Logistics Is Underappreciated

10: Crossing the River Hydaspes

11: Conservative Advice Forsaken

Concluding Thoughts on Reframing Problems

Chapter 2 Leadership Process Two: Building Alliances

12: Aftermath of the Battle at the River Hydaspes

13: Royal Hostages

14: On Marriage, Children, and Leading in a Multicultural World

15: Battle at Gaugamela

Concluding Thoughts on Building Alliances

Chapter 3 Leadership Process Three: Establishing Identity

16: Succession

17: On Killing Your Childhood Friend

18: On Heroes

19: On Life and Death

20: Reverence for Predecessors

21: On Transportation

22: Sycophancy or Obeisance?

23: A Lack of Vision

24: Alexander's Letter to Darius

25: Death of Darius III

Concluding Thoughts on Establishing Identity

Chapter 4 Leadership Process Four: Directing Symbols

26: Utter Destruction

27: Illness at Tarsus

28: Reign of Terror

29: Leading from the Front

30: Cutting the Gordian Knot

31: Battle at Granicus

32: Sleeping Before the Battle at Issus

33: Ablutions, Celebrations, and Other Correct Behavior

34: Crossing the Gedrosian Desert

Concluding Thoughts on Directing Symbols

Chapter 5 Concluding Thoughts About Leadership

Chapter 6 Concluding Thoughts About Leadership and Alexander

Appendix: Brief Chronology of Alexander's Life

Bibliography

Further Reading"

Editorial Reviews

"Executive Insider (ExecuNet.com e-newsletter): ""An engaging and interesting book.""

Quality Management Journal: ""This is a well-written, easy-to-read read, and informative book on the processes of leadership."""

From the Publisher