The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

has caused me to re-evaluate my purpose and direction in life. I have always had the idea that someday I would get a degree, a job or business, marry, and live a similar life to that of my parents. The problems that my actions were a result of my immediate focus on short term: What can I do to look good? What will be fun/provide adventure? What am I being asked/required to do? This book helped me focus my daily actions on long term results. I have always struggled with discipline and a general lack of direction. As it says in Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established" The idea there is in order to receive that direction in life, to have that vision, to have plans established by the Lord I needed to commit individual works to Him. In my war against my undisciplined aimless actions I have some new weapons: "How will this affect my leadership ability / marriage / family / children / grandchildren?"

There are many more lessons in this book that have to do with a good leader, this is just the one that has made the greatest impression on me. I have been struggling with where am I going and how am I going to get there.

This is defiantly a five out of five. For maximum use I recommend going through it with a friend you can talk through the issues it presents.

In the Company of Heroes

The true story of CW4 Durant, a black hawk pilot who was shot down and captured, this book was real encouraging. Flying in the most elite unit of pilots in the world with some of the most elite "customers" on board Mr Durant was on top of the world. He had thousands of hours behind the instruments and had the feeling that he was untouchable. "Little bullet, big sky" is the term he used to describe his attitude going in. Then he was almost ended. The tail of his helo was hit by an RPG and he fell out of the sky. The ground impact broke his back and right femur. Summing up the energy to live five minutes at a time he survived unimaginable pain for days.

A true statement is that Mr Durrant loved to fly helicopters. He clearly shared that in this book when recounting how he came to fly for the 160th. The whole truth about the 160th is rather morbid and frighting. He not only tells of the drive and rewards but also the high price tag that comes along. Because of his love for flying his home life suffered.

Over all I give this book a 4 out of 5. I couldn't put this book down for several days and read it on all of my free time till I finished it. "There are no atheists in foxholes" is a true statement and is demonstrated here. I would have given it five out of five but it has some "army" language in a couple of places. Overall it is a real encouragement to have good resolve in the face of any trial.