With his trademark wit and precision, the author of "Founding Father" examines Washington's three spectacularly successful careers as an executive: general, president, and tycoon. Brookhiser explains how Washingotn maximized his strengths and overcame his flaws, and inspires us to do likewise. It shows how one man's struggles and successes 200 years ago can be a model for leaders today. Washington oversaw two startups-the army and the presidency. He chairedd the most importatn meeting in American history-the Constitutional Convention. Washington rose from being a third son who was a major in the militia to one of the most famous men in the world. At every stage in his career, he had to deal with changing circumstances, from tobacco prices to geopolitics, and with wildly different classes of men, from frontiersmen to aristocrats. Washington's example is so crucial because of th emany firsts he is responsible for.

A Note on Style and Spelling -- Introduction: Founding CEO -- I. Problems -- 1. Start-ups -- 2. Strategy -- 3. The future -- 4. Small stuff -- 5. Management style -- 6. Communication -- 7. Timing -- II. People -- 1. Unusual people -- 2. Troublemakers -- 3. Superiors and Subordinates -- 4. Failure and Betrayal -- 5. Enemies -- 6. Allies -- 7. Sex and Drugs -- 8. Courtesy -- 9. Bringing out the best -- 10. Personnel -- III. Self -- 1. Identify your strengths -- 2. Build your strengths -- 3. Avoid weaknesses -- 4. Control your flaws -- 5. Succession -- We Must Take Men.