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The Habit of Excellence

Why British Army Leadership Works

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The official British Army book on what makes its leadership so successful, and how to become a better leader yourself - whatever your field.

The British Army stands or falls on the quality of its leadership. The stakes couldn't be higher. In The Habit of Excellence, Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp MBE - head of the Centre for Army Leadership, part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - distils over three centuries of the Army's experience in the art, science and practice of leadership.

Exploring questions that are fundamental to leadership in any area of life - how to build trust and cohesion, achieve a balance between control and delegation, and deliver results in the face of adversity - the book draws on Lt Col Sharp's own experience and the latest research in military history, business, sociology, psychology and behavioural science. We see that leadership is not about the heroic exception, but the habitual practice of doing what is right, difficult and necessary every single day to build a team, look after the people in it and work towards the next objective.

This is the first time one of the world's most revered institutions has given an inside and institutional view on what makes its leadership so effective. Going far beyond the latest leadership fads, The Habit of Excellence is for any leader committed to maximising the effectiveness of their teams and unlocking the potential of their people - and themselves.

'An extraordinary read for any leader. Truly brilliant' General Stanley McChrystal, author of Team of Teams

'Offers proven tools and strategies ... This excellent book challenges popular assumptions about British Army leadership, revealing what makes it the "gold standard"' Matthew Syed, author of Rebel Ideas

'If you want to become a better leader, read this book' Eddie Jones, England rugby union coach

'Valuable in any walk of life' General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff

'This very readable book uncovers the skills and qualities that have made Sandhurst a byword for effective leadership. I could not recommend this exceptional book more' General The Lord David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff

'A terrific book - one that is full of insights and lessons that will be of enormous value to leaders in all fields!' General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA

© Lt Col Langley Sharp 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Leadership Management Management & Leadership Military Personal Development Personal Success Workplace & Organisational Behavior Workplace Culture Business Inspiring

Critic reviews

An extraordinary read for any leader. Truly brilliant (General Stanley McChrystal, author of Team of Teams)
This book is so impactful. If you want to become a better leader, read this book (Eddie Jones, Head Coach, England national rugby union team)
Offers proven tools and strategies ... This excellent book challenges popular assumptions about British Army leadership, revealing what makes it the "gold standard" (Matthew Syed, author of Rebel Ideas)
Excellent. It's hard to see how any leader, whatever their field, wouldn't benefit from reading and rereading it (Ed Smith)

Offers lessons for all managers
Valuable in any walk of life (General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff)
This very readable book uncovers the skills and qualities that have made Sandhurst a byword for effective leadership. I could not recommend this exceptional book more (General The Lord David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff)
Great leadership is fundamentally a question of character . . . This is a handbook for those aspiring to be great leaders everywhere (Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor)
A terrific book - one that is full of insights and lessons that will be of enormous value to leaders in all fields! (General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA)

Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp's elaboration of the British Army's approach to leadership is comprehensive and clearly written, and provides valuable lessons for soldiers and civilians alike. As organisations grapple with the enormous changes underway - whether due to rapid technological advances or the changes in working practices brought about by the pandemic - understanding the basics of leadership will be essential if leaders and their organisations are to survive and thrive in our fast-paced environment

(Karin von Hippel, Director-General, RUSI)
All stars
Most relevant
One of the best leadership books I’ve read and will implement this in my leadership function.

Just, brilliant

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This is an excellent book, full of fantastic information and insight. Great for any current serving, wanting to join or anyone interested in leadership or the British army structure. I listen to this twice in a row as I found it fascinating.

Excellent book... One of the best I've listened to

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This book is a must read for all current and aspiring leaders and managers in all industries.
There is a transferable message in every chapter from military to civilian industry that everyone can benefit from.

It’s also an essential read for ex or serving Army NCO’s (non commissioned officers). The infantry are very good at developing an individual into something they don’t want you to know or realise for fear of you utilising the skill outside of the Army. What I found within this book is this for NCO’s is leadership skill. Officers are told they are leaders. NCO’s for the most part are not. This book for me, an ex corporal in The Royal Welsh, has been very enlightening and empowering.

A must read!!

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very good material on leadership in the British Army but with plenty of references and examples from other military and civilian organisations and companies. Will be valuable reading not just for UK Army. Author does a reasonable job of reading it but clearly not a pro and it makes it a bit monotone and clunky. I will listen again and again though

Excellent insights

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A well scripted and researched journey into modern military leadership systems. Lt Col Sharp is humble and professional in his delivery. It was a brave move narrating it himself but I grew to enjoy it. Having chatted to the author at Sandhurst, he is a knowledgable and talented guy. I wish him luck and success in his future endeavours.

Great for the military minded

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