Book Twelve: Napoleon, CEO

Six Principles to Guide and Inspire Modern Leaders is the subtitle of this book from Alan Axelrod.  Studying Napoleon's battles and missives, Axelrod has gleaned the consistencies of storied emperor's leadership.

Defined with the six principles of Audacity and Character, Vision and Strategy, Knowledge and Power, Tactics and Execution, Motivation and Communication, and Napoleonic Synergy, are individual lessons that support the principles.  For me, this book was overwhelming.  With 25-35 lessons outlining each principle, it's easy to get lost in the number of lessons and not take anything way.  A revisit to principles I'm looking to enhance personally, allowed me to select individual 'lessons' to take away.

Axelrod has written a beautiful book.  His recounts of Napoleon's battles are incredible.  Without a doubt, Napoleon was an amazing strategist.  To say Napoleon 'plotted' undersells what really is a calculated rise in his professional career.  As Axelrod shows us, Napoleon left nothing to chance.  Thus, he was rewarded with a great empire. 

As I see it, those willing to do the work will be reward by Napoleon, CEO.   Takeaways as simple as 'Consider the source' or 'Don't just play the game. Own it.' are as valid today as they were in 1800s.