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A review by classical_learner
My Share of the Task: A Memoir by Stanley McChrystal
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I’m not the biggest memoir person, but overall this is one of the most worthwhile to read of all the recent ones on the market. This man and those who worked alongside accomplished amazing things in the face of competing tensions, and is very educational on the recent history of Middle Eastern conflicts! Interesting to hear the perspective of someone from the inside.
I think that General McChrystal got a bit bogged down on details that no one but someone in the armed forces would understand or appreciate, but he emphasized notable characters from his life and generally showed how technical scenarios taught him something about what it means to be a good leader, especially within the military setting. (E.g., delegation through the economic way of thinking by giving subordinates a “market” as a “customer” within which soldiers supply the demanded “product.”) The overarching narrative is one that inspires virtue, lauds hard work, honors the true-hearted, and encourages honesty. Again, a detraction is that some of these points are not integrated frequently enough or at all until the epilogue.
I think that General McChrystal got a bit bogged down on details that no one but someone in the armed forces would understand or appreciate, but he emphasized notable characters from his life and generally showed how technical scenarios taught him something about what it means to be a good leader, especially within the military setting. (E.g., delegation through the economic way of thinking by giving subordinates a “market” as a “customer” within which soldiers supply the demanded “product.”) The overarching narrative is one that inspires virtue, lauds hard work, honors the true-hearted, and encourages honesty. Again, a detraction is that some of these points are not integrated frequently enough or at all until the epilogue.
“Leadership is the art of influencing others.”
“People are born. Leaders are made.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Violence