Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Fingerspitzengefühl

I am reading Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat. My grasp of naval warfare is still comparable to the one of a two year old kid, but ... Crap! This book sometimes is a trip down the deepest roots of war waging.

I came across this passage on leadership and I wanted to share it here.
"Another difference between good and bad leaders lies in what they see when they look, what they hear when they are told, and what they communicate when they speak."

Cheers,

6 comments:

gabeeg said...

I would really be interested in what you thought of this book...is it worth the purchase for someone interested in Naval Warfare in general and Naval wargaming?

Paintmask said...

In my opinion it is highly recommendable - but not for the faint of heart. If you have only a passing interest in naval warfare this is not for you. But if you already know a few things it gives you valuable insight - even if it is more on the theoretic side sometimes (f. e. ratio calculations for firing rockets).

JC said...

Hello fellows!

Thanks for your comments.

gabeeg, I think Paintmask is spot on. The theoretical part is not that bad. The author has some serious teaching skills: even when you miss the equations, he is great pointing out the take-home less.

Cheers,

JC said...

... on (how come you can't edit a comment in blogger?) :)

Cheers,

JayTac said...

Hi JC,

Can you recommend some similar books on land combat?

thanks

JC said...

Hi JayTac,

Thanks for your comment.

This book is kinda unique in its style and organization. When I got it I was looking for a quick and dirty guide to naval warfare. But this book is deep and makes no compromise in dealing with the whole issue. Don't take me wrong, it's really very approachable. But I'm floored at the reflections that the author has intermingled in his discussion.

All things considered, I would compare this book to the writings of Robert Leonhard (Fighting by Minutes, The Art of Maneuver.

Cheers,