Some decent overviews of interesting stories in history--war, business, adventure, science--but I had to make myself finish this. The point of the book was to show some leaders in their pivotal moment of leadership, and I suppose that was accomplished, but the analysis of those decisions, how they reached them, and how one should apply it to one's own life felt forced. I would've rather read a more complete history of these events and come to my own conclusions.

Can’t say I was surprised, given the author’s experience, but then must say I was levitated given the versatile suitability this book projects. All nine true case-examples are succinct, relevant, quite captivating, and valuable lessons applicable for everyone.

Good quick read on leadership. Nothing crazy to talk about. Book has some interesting stories however.

Did Arlene Blum have a responsibility to stop the second team from ascending Annapurna?My instinctual, knee-jerk reaction was that she was a terrible leader who allowed her team members to die.After pondering it, I was using the wrong framework to judge Blum’s leadership. Anyone who pays taxes is paying soldiers and firefighters to put themselves in harm's way. That's why the leadership is responsible for them.Mountain climbers are only climbing for a closer relationship to God. When they get pe...

The first 2/3rds of the book are great. The last few dealing with the rather dry subject of business and banking I could not get through.

This book contains nine true stories of triumph and disaster and the lessons that we can learn from them. It is a book that can be equally enjoyed by fiction-lovers as well as non-fiction lovers!😃All of us have to make certain decisions almost every single day, which affect us and many-a-times people around us too. From deciding what to eat to deciding or choosing to be calm, to deciding to postpone, or to seek help, to form a team, or to decide at what pace we want to take things forward, we do...

I did enjoy this book. My overall problem with it is that the author just re-told everyone else's story and then threw in his little 10 cents at the end. I think most people could have gathered those lessons and some with out the help of the author. I guess I just don't feel like the author did anything to be insightful. I will give him this much credit though., many of the stories I would have never heard of if it hadn't been in his compilation of stories. So I am glad I read it so I can now go...

Loved this one. So many inspirational stories. Not sure I can pick a favorite one! Must read for anyone in a leadership role.

I mean, it didn't kill me to read these stories. a few were better than others, but I got more out of the stories of fantastic people, rather than leadership qualities. sure those were highlighted but I sort of found them difficult to retain or apply to my life.

impressive people

Each story offered its own advice for each type of leader. Some of the stories definitely contributed to my personal beliefs on how leaders can lead from the back and from the front

As the author best captures it in the introduction, the book's premise is as follows: "We all need to be ready for those moments when our leadership is on the line and the fate or fortune of others depends on what we do...It is my view that one of the most effective ways of preparing for such challenges is by looking at what others have done when their own leadership was on the line. By examining their experience and asking what they did and what they could have done, and by wondering what you w...

The first 4 chapters are the best.

Compelling Leadership Stories & LessonsJust finished "The Leadership Moment" by Michael Useem. A series of examinations of individuals and challenges requiring leadership and the lessons and implications we can derive from those success and tragedy experiences.The author provides a nice blend of background and story to engage the reader with critical examination and lesson conclusions from the situations. The nine stories are un-related, some involving business, some war, some exploration and so...

This book has excellent case studies that illustrate core principles of leadership in real life scenarios. Most of the examples take place in high-pressure, time-sensitive scenarios where the leaders' insticts are put to the test. From my experiences in the 'Captains Chair', it is my opinion that many of the situations in the book that turned out poorly could have been steered back on course by just yelling at the other people involved. But, regardless, I require that my managers read it, becaus...

Nine fascinating real life stories depicting true leadership in varied situations, fields and circumstances - universally applicable principles touching on human spirit, integrity, courage, resilience and simple common sense.The stories are diverse and interesting and the author does a good job of summarising the takeaways in the form principles one can learn from these stories.

A truly remarkable collection of leadership stories! Anyone who works in a job where leadership is extremely important aspect of the job, should definitely read this book. It explore many different leadership styles and you can see how different leadership styles are effective in different situations. In other words there is no good or bad leadership; it's good or bad depending on the situation.

Book of experience This book demonstrated a vast breadth of experience of which some are useful and others hinder; otherwise a great book for a leadership toolbox

This was a good book retelling the stories of nine very challenging situations and the leadership lessons we learn from the those in charge at the pivotal moment. My three favorite examples and lessons were:* Roy Vagelos decided that Merck would produce the life-saving drug for those suffering from river blindness, even though they couldn't pay. In the long run that was the best answer for everyone, even the shareholders. Vagelos' decision shows the importance of being true to your vision and pr...

Wasn't a fan of this one. I felt that the author was creative in terms of choosing 9 different perspectives to illustrate leadership. However, as the reader, I felt like many of the stories focused more on the event than the actual leadership that led to the event (a history buff may read this and have a totally different viewpoint - I just wanted to be finished). I felt that the most important parts of the book were the introduction and the Leader's Guide at the back. As someone who was require...