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The Habit of Excellence

Why British Army Leadership Works

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The Habit of Excellence

By: Lt. Col Langley Sharp
Narrated by: Lt. Col Langley Sharp
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About this listen

The Habit of Excellence is a unique insight into British Army leadership, explaining what makes it unique, what makes it so effective, and what civilians can take from it to become better leaders themselves.

Developed in some of the most demanding situations imaginable over centuries of war and peace, army leadership is a sophisticated endeavour that has kept pace with societal change and the challenges of the modern world. In the military, the stakes couldn't be higher, and exceptional leadership is crucial every day.

Drawing on the latest research in military history, sociology, psychology and behavioural science and with compelling illustration from British Army operations across the centuries, Lt Col Langley Sharp MBE goes beyond the latest leadership fads to distil into one peerlessly authoritative work the essence of leading and leadership from one of the world's most revered institutions. It is essential listening for leaders and followers no matter what organisation they work for - it is essential listening for the world today.

©2021 Lt Col Langley Sharp (P)2021 Penguin Audio Leadership Management & Leadership Military Personal Development Personal Success Politicians Politics & Activism Business Inspiring British Army

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All stars
Most relevant  
Brilliant, must read for anyone interested in leadership. This is recommended reading for Sandhurst for a reason.

Brilliant book of Leadership

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Essential reading for all leaders and managers, regardless of setting. Should be compulsory reading for all public service managers.

Essential.

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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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This book has definitely had an impact on my decision to stay in now that my concerns with the Army's direction has been articulated in a manner I understood I have the confidence that my efforts count towards shaping a better Army.

Thank you Sir

Retention

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really great content. so much much learned from this master in leadership. Will listen to again a few more times.

excellent

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would definitely recommend this especially as a addition to stand up straight I know they are different offers but they are both from senior Army officers of similar perspectives

this discuss is the bigger picture of leadership in the army and outside in terms of the tactical badministrator va and the strategic leader as well as how leadership is from the most junior to the senior level and should be a lifelong Pursuit

quite insightful read

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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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I thoroughly enjoyed this, I think I heard it mentioned on the Centre For Army Leadership podcast, so I gave it a try and it was wonderful. I recommend it to friends of similar interests. It’s delivery was articulate and interesting throughout, it motivates me to become the best leader I know how to be. I’ll definitely be revisiting certain chapters. Thank you for compiling this and all the hard work that’s gone in to the book

Worthwhile! Quality accounts and information

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Overall glad to have listened with lots of very sensible takeaways. Well worth a read and I've noted the things I want to be reminded of every day.

Content: Cannot fault message but felt repetitive and drawn out after first 2 chapters (as evidenced that I made basically no notes after that until the conclusion)

Performance: Military gravitas that's cool, calm, and authoritative if dispassionate, which is partly why the content feels a bit drawn out. The recording is also oddly quiet compared to other audibles, podcasts, and music I listen to so it was actually pretty tough to hear at times even with headphones on max (using Sony xm4s, not heaping out!)

Good. Could be shorter & recording a bit quiet

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Before listening to this audiobook I was under the assumption that military leadership was all autocratic and expecting teams to follow orders blindly. This book quashed those assumptions completely! Lt. Col Langly Sharp’s performance was relatable to even a 35 year old British Indian Woman with no prior knowledge or passion about the military but I am now considering enlisting (if I can get myself into shape to pass the fitness test). I love the servant leadership philosophy the book covers.

An excerpt that will stick with me: “Service and leadership do not exist in opposition to one another, but as compliments. Through the service mindset a leader gains credibility and trust to lead by consent. While soldiers don’t get to choose their leadership, they do ultimately get to choose how they follow. The ability to lead directly arises from the willingness to serve.”

Highly recommend this book to everyone regardless of whether they are interested in the military as there are some life lessons applicable to all.

Every current and aspiring leader should read this!

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