Words for Warriors reviewed by Joyce A. Anthony

Title: Words for Warriors: A Professional Soldier's Notebook
Author: Ralph Puckett
Genre: Military Leadership Development
ISBN: 978-1-58736- 805-9
Publication Date: November 2007
Pages: 406
Price: $28.95
Publisher: Wheatmark

Purchase link:

http://www.amazon.com/Words-Warriors-Ralph-Puckett/dp/1587368056/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267244592&sr=8-1

Whether the battlefield of the Middle East or that of the corporate world, the quality of leadership can decide who wins and who loses. 

Colonel Ralph Puckett has taken his more than fifty-eight years in the military and condensed the best tactics he's used in training, mentoring and teaching our military leaders into one book.  He shares all he has learned about what makes a strong leader, one that can lead his charges to victory with confidence and pride.  Drawing on advice from history's greatest leaders as well as his own experience, he offers practical advice for all those who wish to lead.

Reading the subtitle of this book, A Professional Soldier's Notebook, I must admit the question entered my mind of why there needed to be an entire book to tell people how to scream orders and demand unwavering compliance.  At that point, I thought that was how the military was run.  I am pleased to say I was totally wrong.

Col. Puckett has divided this book into individual essays that illustrate what he has learned and why he has become such an honored member of the military.  While his focus is totally on the military, the qualities he tries to get through to those he mentors are what makes a great leader anywhere in life. 

His words reminded me of a grandfather passing on his life lessons to a treasured grandson.  There is a quiet confidence that comes through the pages.  It is as easy to picture Col. Puckett walking among troops under fire as it is sitting in a cozy den reliving his experience.  Either way, you know he is a man who has come by his knowledge through hard work, yet is willing to ease your burden by sharing what he's learned.

This book will definitely catch the interest of all who have served, or who are servicing in the military.  I would, however, recommend that anyone hoping to lead, whether in the business world, government or classroom, take the time to read and digest this book.  The information you will gain is priceless.

RATING: 3 STARS = Great Read

Joyce A. Anthony
MUSE BOOK REVIEWER