Books
Presidential Leadership
“I walk slowly but I never walk backward.” Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Leadership explores the common leadership actions in the lives of 21 American Presidents during their years both in and out of office. By pairing the Presidents, Dr. Brent Taylor uncovers the commonality—and sometimes disparity—between the Commanders in Chief and illustrates how this applies to current leadership challenges.
From Lincoln and Nixon, to JFK and Obama, from Trump and Jackson, to Bush and Truman, each chapter extends an invitation into the oval office of two unique administrations. With the familiarity of a historian and experience as a leader, Taylor provides a lively view of some iconic and lesser-known examples of each President’s persona and leadership style, while applying the lessons to modern leaders with wit and wisdom. Each message is designed to supply practical tools and timeless principles of leadership for all leadership styles.
Take time on your own leadership journey to walk in the footsteps of the Presidents and observe their actions that continue to move us forward.
Founding Leadership
To many of us, the leaders of the American Revolution are distant men of myth – stoic, heroic and unknowable. Though we take it for granted that they were brilliant, we rarely ask why. What distinguished them from their fellow citizens … then and now? What practical lessons can they teach us about leadership and about realizing our own career and personal goals?
In Founding Leadership, Brent Taylor reveals the all-too human side of these “marble men,” examining the words, deeds and personal qualities that allowed Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton and others to achieve their Utopian aims. Taylor demonstrates that effective leadership requires more than perseverance and a laundry list of how-to steps. It requires us to conceive visions that are greater than ourselves, communicating and executing those visions in ways that will inspire, persuade and motivate others.
In examining historical episodes both famous and obscure, Taylor uncovers the light and dark sides of power, including the motivations behind Benedict Arnold’s infamous betrayal. Through these fascinating studies, we become more attuned to America’s past and – most important – to our own leadership potential.
