Krames, author of The Jack Welch Lexicon of Leadership
and v-p and publisher of McGraw-Hill's trade division, has penned what apparently is the first book on Donald Rumsfeld. The secretary of defense, who has emerged as one of the nation's leaders in the new war on terrorism, has become something of a media darling in recent months, between CNN appearances and Saturday Night Live
parodies. However, many Americans may not know he enjoyed a successful career in the private sector—as CEO of pharmaceutical giant G.D. Searle—before his current position. While Rumsfeld himself has issued a guide to working, mostly, for the government ("Rumsfeld's Rules"), relatively little has been written about his philosophy and style. Krames offers a number of interesting insights into Rumsfeld's behavior, highlighting his leadership style. Depicted here as ruthless, fair-minded, decisive, responsible and talented, Rumsfeld possesses what Krames calls "an almost instinctual sense for survival in the very different worlds of politics and business." Each chapter concludes with rules and lessons that constitute "The Rumsfeld Way." Regardless of position or profession, readers will find these bits helpful (e.g., "Never underestimate the importance of listening"; "Define the problem/situation"; "Don't coast; there isn't a moment to lose"). Until a full-length biography of Rumsfeld is completed, this unauthorized book is an excellent look at the leadership methods of one of the most powerful secretaries of defense in recent years. (May 1)
