Craig B. Whelden - Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best

Copyright 2019 by Craig B. Whelden. All rights reserved.

This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please email the Publisher at the following address:

Published by New Insights Press, Los Angeles, CA

Editorial Direction: Rick Benzel

Editing: Rick Benzel

Cover Design: Josep Book Designs

Book Design: Josep Book Designs

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 978-1-7338411-3-9 (print)

ISBN: 978-0-9984850-5-8 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019936526

Dedicated to my dad

who inspired me at an early age to climb
my own mountain and to be my best.

1st Lieutenant George T. Whelden Jr. 1944

Testimonials

Before reading a book on leadership, examine the life, character and career of the author. Then ask yourself, Did he walk the walk? Does he have the character to deserve your trust? Did he have a career worthy of such a substantial investment of your time? For Craig Whelden, the answer is yes, yes, and yes.

Pete Geren, former Secretary of the Army

***

This is a classic piece of work. Craig Whelden has crafted, in a profound and masterful way, a set of real-world leadership thoughts from his own experiences that go well beyond a description of the past. Youll find that these lessons have universal application in the private sector as well.

GENERAL Gordon Sullivan, U.S. Army (Retired),
32nd Army Chief of Staff

***

Craig Whelden is in a select group of the most brilliant general officers ever produced by the Army. He is a master leader and his book lays it all out. Its classic Whelden and will be a bedrock leadership staple for decades.

GENERAL B. B. Bell, U.S. Army (Retired);
former Commander, U.S. Army, Europe;
NATOs Land Component; U.S./Allied Forces, Korea

***

Craig Whelden is a leader soldiers have wanted to follow his entire career. Anyone wanting to develop their leadership potential or who seek to build a high performing team should listen to his sage advice and learn from his experiences.

GENERAL David McKiernan, U.S. Army (Retired)

Ive known Craig Whelden for more than 30 years and have found him to be one of the most inspirational leaders with whom I have served within my 39-year career in the U.S. Army. Trust is one of the most important traits a leader must possess, and Craig personifies trust.

GENERAL James D. (JD) Thurman, U.S. Army (Retired),
former Commander, U.S./Allied Forces, Korea

***

If you believe good leaders never stop learning, you will love this book. Craig has artfully captured lifelong lessons that contributed to his success as a leader, professional, and wonderful human being.

GENERAL Ann Dunwoody, U.S. Army (Retired),
Americas first female four-star general

***

If you want to get a huge head start on your leadership journey read this book at an early point in your career, whether in the public or private sector. It will impact greatly how you approach each challenge at every level of responsibility.

ADMIRAL Tom Fargo, U.S. Navy (Retired)
former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

***

I am privileged to have witnessed first-hand the Whelden Leadership Model in several different, challenging assignments I shared with Craig. He is singularly qualified to provide his thoughts on leadership. Spanning over four decades of brilliant service to our Nation, Craig has been at the forefront of innovative thinking, inspirational counsel, and abiding concern for the health and welfare of those in his charge.

ADMIRAL Timothy J. Keating, U.S. Navy (Retired)
former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command and former Commander,
U.S. Northern Command

Major General Craig Whelden has written a must-read primer on leadership. Read this book and learn from one of the best.

Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley, U.S. Army (Retired)

***

Craig Whelden is an inspirational leader who truly cares about people. I always admired his leadership and tried to be like him. Craig has done a magnificent job in this book capturing the essence of engaged leadership and highlighting specific examples of its application through the use of personal stories and vignettes. Highly recommended for anyone who aspires to be a better leader... and that should be all of us.

Lieutenant General Rick Lynch, US Army (Retired).
Author of Adapt or Die: Battle Tested Principles for Leaders and Work
Hard, Pray Hard: The Power of Faith in Action.

***

General Whelden has spent his entire adult life successfully leading, inspiring, and motivating people and organizations to change, become better and accomplish things they never thought possible. Learn from someone who really understands and has practiced the principles of leadership for 40+ years! Read this book!

Lieutenant General Henry T. Glisson, U.S. Army (Retired)

***

General Wheldens wisdom and experience as a leaderdedicated to inspiring the best efforts from those in his chargeprovides a needed corrective to the toxic leadership all too common in our national life. This is a valuable guide to thriving in tough times.

Lieutenant General Wallace Chip Gregson, USMC (Retired),
Former Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific

General Whelden is one of the finest leaders of any military or civilian organization I have had the pleasure to work with. This book is a must read for leaders at every level of military and civilian organizations, from captains and office managers to generals and CEOs.

Lieutenant General Terry Guts Robling, USMC (Retired),
former Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific

***

Management is directive, requiring a to do list. Leadership is connective, requiring time, commitment and passion for the people and teams entrusted to you. Want to see how thats done? BUY this book READ this book USE this book and if you really want to make a difference pass it to others so their best gets better.

Major General Vincent Boles, U.S. Army (Retired);
leadership speaker and author of 4-3-2-1 Leadership

***

Craig Whelden has been a personal and professional mentor to me for more than 30 years. His book, along with his dynamic speaking engagements have my highest recommendation for all who wish to improve themselves as a leader and their organizations.

Colonel Jerry Ferguson, U.S. Army (Retired), CEO, FTT LLC.

***

I was then-Lt. Col Wheldens Command Sergeant Major when we served together in the 10th Cavalry. He was one of the best warriors I knew during a 30-year military career and he continuously set the standard, inspiring subordinate leaders to be their best. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.

Command Sergeant Major Gerald Utterback, U.S. Army (Retired),