John L. Gronski - Iron-Sharpened Leadership: Transforming Hard-Fought Lessons Into Action

Missing amongst the hordes of success-obsessed rise-and-grind social media influencers are men of consequenceleaders who have not only succeeded at the highest levels, but have done so when lives depended on it. Success for such men is not a status symbol, but a requirement. Major General John Gronski is such a man, and Iron-Sharpened Leadership fills a considerable void in the self-help world because he understands that leadership is less about demanding respect and obedience than it is about displaying ultimate loyalty, camaraderie, and sacrifice. By the end of his Army career, he had led thousands of men through perilous circumstances, and all those men had gladly walked into harms way because they believed in their leader. This book expertly distills the major generals extraordinary life experiences into usable lessons for people from all walks of life working in every industry. When you are finished translating the books lessons into action, you will be giving fewer orders; instead, you will have transformed your own leadership presence into one that inspires people to regularly go above and beyond what is expected.

Chef Robert Irvine, host of Restaurant: Impossible

For those who have been in combat, we always have a special place in our heart for those we shared that time withJohn Gronski is one of those people. His competence, commitment, and compassion while leading the PA 28th BCT in Ramadi in 2006 will always remind me of what right in a leader looks like. In this book he sets down the traits and principles all leaders need to exhibit and execute every day. Read and reflect, then do what you can to personify these ideals as a person of character and virtue. You and your organization will be better for it.

Robert B. Neller, General, USMC Retired 37th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps

The never-ending supply of leadership books has been enriched with the release of Iron-Sharpened Leadership, which offers a clear recipe for organizational effectiveness and personal success. Pierced with vivid and meaningful storytelling, the book keeps the reader engaged and left with a comprehensive plan of action for those who are determined to enhance their leadership skills for the age of uncertainty.

Giedrimas Jeglinskas, Assistant Secretary General for Executive Management at NATO and former Deputy Defense Minister of Lithuania

Mentorship is a contact sport! Thats just one of the many leadership observations offered by Major General John Gronski in his new book, Iron-Sharpened Leadership: Transforming Hard-Fought Leadership Lessons into Action. Gronskis insights are not only for military leaders; leaders in every walk of life will benefit from his long experience in both military and civilian careers. He uses his personal successes and failures to highlight practical leadership principles that will resonate with leaders at all levels. A great book by a great leader. Keep this on your bookshelf for ready reference.

Carter F. Ham, General, U.S. Army Retired, president and chief executive officer, Association of the United States Army

Gronski shines in his gritty and authentic look into leadership. I keep a copy of the book on my desk, and you should too. Read it!

Wes Gray Ph.D., CEO of Alpha Architect and former U.S. Marine Captain

Experience is the best teacher. The next best teacher is to learn from someone who has the experience(s) and is willing to share those experiences, so you can become a better leader. John L. Gronski, Major General (USA Retired), is generous with his commitment to help all of us be more than maybe we even thought possible. With over forty years serving in the military and his experience outside military life, John offers a unique perspective on how we can and must be better leaders. Based on those learning opportunities and from studying people like Viktor Frankl and many others, he offers us an outline we can follow to become the leaders we dream of becoming. I know John Gronski. He is a man who lives in the world of Competence, Character, and Resilience. John tells us he will never give up his quest to become a better leader. I hope you feel the same as John. Start or add to your leadership journey with this wonderful book.

Marty Wolff, founding partner in Business Builders Media LLC

When it comes to leadership, I cant think of a better person to write a book than a United States Army Major General. I can only imagine the magnitude of situations where the application of Character, Competence, and Resilience persevered. What is most engaging about this book is the cumulation of a life-long journey of experiences, challenges, and accomplishments all wrapped into an exceptional book on leadership.

Brandon Parker, CEO, Assessments 24x7

I count myself fortunate to be able to learn from someone with such an extraordinary leadership story. Johns wisdom and experience have positively impacted the leadership development for me, our mens soccer team, and the athletic department overall. Anyone who desires to be a better leader will be sharpened by reading this book.

Charlie Grimes, head mens soccer coach, Lebanon Valley College

Johns views on leadership and what it takes to be successful are very inspiring. From developing character through his three Vs approachto his battle-tested commitment to his team. John has led a full life from which we can all learn. Your life may not be as complex as a major generals serving in a foreign war zone; however, his values and wisdom will serve all well who read this book. Ultimately, learning from his many examples of leadership reading this book will open you up to many new leadership concepts. Johns insights are grounded in a wealth of experiences. Enjoy the read as I did.

Paul S. Spitale, currently SVP Colts Manufacturing Co. and the author of A More Valued Success

I can confidently say that John Gronski gets it. He has been there, done that, has led small and large groups, and has tested leadership concepts under devastating conditions. I would not hesitate to say that he understands leadership at a genetic level. Through his books, he connects with people and provides valuable guidance that helps others not only to lead, but to live. He lays out a valuable template for any existing or aspiring leaderand this book is well worth learning.

Steven Willison, senior HR leader for large-scale semiconductor technology

John Gronski is a talented leader who has lived and practiced all that he describes in this excellent book. I served with John Gronski in U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), 20152017, when he served as my Deputy Commanding General-National Guard. I asked the Army National Guard to let me have John in USAREUR because Id seen his infectious positive leadership and his team-building skills in action when he was the Commanding General of the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. In USAREUR, he exceeded my greatest expectations and demonstrated a depth of strategic understanding, mental agility, moral courage, and selflessness that were essential to our mission in Europe. Im glad hes taken the time and effort to share his experiences and insights with young leaders who aspire to lead large organizations and old leaders who are seeking inspiration and rejuvenation for their own organizations.

LTG (Ret) Ben Hodges, Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis

Political and behavioral scientists, ethicists, and historians have identified values-based leadership as an important means to influence people, teams, organizations, political movements, and nations. In