In Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership (2004) Andrew Roberts presents a detailed comparison of two political men of power, Adolf Hitler in Germany and Winston Churchill in England, in two parts: the period prior to World War II and wartime.
Roberts provides commentary on their strengths and weaknesses, the people who made them great leaders, and their own leadership characteristics throughout their rise to Fuhrer and Prime Minister respectively. At first glance, the two men appear to be total opposites, but with a skilful expose of their backgrounds, aspirations, decision-making, leadership styles, attitudes and beliefs, Roberts reveals their similarities.
Their differences were legendary. While Hitler was charismatic, Churchill was not. Many attest to the “weirdly compelling effect” that Hitler’s eyes had upon people, and that he was adored by his staff. Churchill, on the other hand, was a tough, rude and sarcastic boss. Hitler delegated and Churchill micro-managed. Yet, while Hitler was an anti-smoking, teetotal vegetarian, devoid of humour, Churchill was a witty, magnificent hedonist. And while Hitler was devoid of emotions, “pretty much anything could induce tears in Churchill.”
Their similarities were outstanding. Both had a tenacity of purpose, despite early failures and setbacks; both were self-educated; both were intensely nationalistic; both were egocentric; and both were overwhelming orators and natural actors. Yet more interesting was that both had a driving sense of destiny: that each was destined to lead their country, and that they both “knew” this at an early age. Churchill had faith in his own star, a ‘guiding hand’ towards his destiny. If anything, Hitler had a more unshakeable faith in his own star, that ‘Divine Providence’ had protected him in the trenches, that he was infallible: “When I look back upon the five years that lie behind, I can say, this was not the work of human hands alone.”
In a time when Britain made war decisions by committee, and Germany was a dictatorship, England’s cumbersome governmental structure delayed wartime operations. Hitler’s dictatorial powers made it easier to keep secrets and spearhead timely attacks, such as the Blitzkrieg victory. Yet the method behind Hitler’s initial successes as a war leader was, in time, to become his greatest weakness, and Churchill capitalized on it. What were Hitler’s fatal flaws of leadership? How did Churchill defeat Hitler’s superior power of will? It is said that one key rule of management is that a good leader selects the right people for the right job. What is just as important is that leaders sack the right people at the right time for the right reason. Roberts takes a critical look at the staffing decisions of both Hitler and Churchill before and during crucial times of the war, and the ramifications these decisions had in the ultimate downfall of Hitler and the rise of Churchill.
This is a well-structured book that does more than ask searching questions about leadership styles and decisions. It also compels readers to re-examine the way they look at those who make decisions for them, and their nation.
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