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The Marine Corps Way

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The Marine Corps Way

Using Maneuver Warfare to Lead a Winning Organization

McGraw-Hill,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Text available

What's inside?

If you want to muster your forces and target your foes to win business battles, learn to maneuver like the Marines.

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

You might expect a book that draws on the business-military parallel to focus almost exclusively on leadership. Actually, though it does cover leadership, this book is fascinating for its lessons on how to apply military tactics on the modern corporate battlefield. The authors cut through the testosterone-laced fog of war by applying a reasoned, analytical, strategic approach to conflict, whether in business or on the field of combat. They take an in-depth look at the principles that guide the Marines, such as maneuver warfare, and explain how to utilize those principles in business. They also provide many practical Marine Corps ideas for making your organization more competitive and profitable. This well-written book also offers case studies for insight and practical application, so you can directly benefit from the role model offered. getAbstract highly recommends this volume to those bold enough to lead their organizations to a successful, "mission accomplished."

Summary

Attention!

You’ve probably heard that business is like warfare, but what do those who have been in actual trenches think about that concept? Former Marine and FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith says, “I could never have done what I did at FedEx had I not served in the Marines.”

Marines learn the essential lesson of “maneuver warfare,” using speed, surprise and careful allocation of resources against an opponent’s specific areas of weakness. The goal is to face the chaos and danger of war by achieving maximum impact with minimum cost. In practical fighting terms, this means destroying the enemy’s will to resist, at the lowest possible price. Victory means defusing the threat to your organization, successfully imposing your will on your enemy and minimizing the loss of life among your troops. The goal in business, obviously, is different from the goal in war. Even difficult meetings do not leave bodies on the boardroom floor – at least, not often – but the businesses that use their resources most efficiently experience victory in terms of greater profits and happier, more productive personnel.

Deploy Your Forces

The concept of maneuver warfare is very relevant...

About the Authors

Consultant Jason A. Santamaria has been a Marine Corps artillery officer, Morgan Stanley investment banker, Fulbright scholar and McKinsey consultant. Vincent Martino is a former Marine Corps communications officer and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He currently works as a senior business analyst for Capital One Financial. Eric K. Clemons, Ph.D., is a professor of operations and information management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

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