Eyewitness To Power: The Essence of Leadership Nixon to Clinton - Softcover

Gergen, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0743203224 ISBN 13: 9780743203227

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2001

Synopsis

Leadership: The Ultimate Guide
Few Americans have observed the ups and downs of presidential leadership more closely over the past thirty years -- from Nixon to Clinton and Watergate to Whitewater -- than David Gergen. A White House adviser to four presidents, both Republican and Democrat, he offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes account of their struggles to exercise power and draws from them key lessons for leaders of the future. Taking us inside the administrations of Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, Gergen reflects on everything from why Nixon was the best global strategist among recent presidents to how the Bill-and-Hillary seesaw rocked the White House during Clinton's tenure as president.
Gergen argues that, as the twenty-first century begins, our success as a country will depend heavily upon the success of a new generation in power. Drawing upon his many experiences in the White House, he offers seven vital elements for future leaders. What they must have, he says, are inner mastery; a central, compelling purpose rooted in moral values; a capacity to persuade; skills in working within the system; a fast start; a strong, effective team; and a passion that inspires others to keep the flame alive.

About this title

Review:

Robert A. Rankin The Philadelphia Inquirer Superb...Gergen is a masterful journalist...fascinating...fair...generous...and wise.

Michael Beschloss author of Taking Charge: The Johnson White House Tapes, 1963-1964 A preeminent political analyst and public servant reveals intriguing hidden dimensions of the four presidents he served and brings us a meditation on presidential power that, like its author, is shrewd, thoughtful, and wise.

Jon Margolis The New York Times Book Review Perhaps nothing distinguishes Gergen's book from other White House memoirs more than the fundamental sympathy and respect he shows toward all the presidents he served.

About the Author:

David Gergen is a prominent national journalist, teacher, and public lecturer. He is a professor of public service at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and codirector of the school's Center for Public Leadership. He is also editor-at-large at U.S. News & World Report and is a regular political analyst on television.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0743203224
• ISBN 13: 9780743203227
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384