George Washington

George

Daniel Boone

Daniel

George Rogers Clark

George

Anthony Wayne

Anthony

Robert Gould Shaw

Robert

Gouverneur Morris

Gouverneur

Stephen Decatur

Stephen

John Quincy Adams

John

Francis Parkman

Francis

Andrew Jackson

Andrew

Cover of Hero Tales from American History

12 characters (+2 more) • Hover to meet them

Hero Tales from American History

by Henry Cabot Lodge

About This Book

Generals -- United States -- Biography -- Anecdotes, Heroes -- United States -- Biography -- Anecdotes, National characteristics, American -- Anecdotes

Conversations

I'm the founder and CEO of a company I started 12 years ago. We grew from my garage to 340 employees and $50M in revenue. Last year, our board brought in a "President" to handle day-to-day operations so I could focus on "vision." In practice, I've been sidelined. The President makes decisions I disagree with. He's restructured teams I built. Employees who used to come to me now go to him. The board says the company "needs professional management" and hints that founder-CEOs often struggle to scale. Part of me knows they might be right. But another part of me is furious. This is MY company. I built it. I know it better than anyone. The President's "professional" approach is stripping away the culture that made us special. Should I fight to reclaim control, accept a reduced role gracefully, or walk away entirely? Is this ego, or legitimate concern? — Dethroned in Denver

Leadership & Power Debate: When to hold power and when to let go. Washington's graceful exit meets Napoleon's grip on control.

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What makes an effective leader?

Leadership Debate: George Washington and Sun Tzu debate whether effective leadership comes from moral character or strategic cunning.

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Is it ever morally justifiable to order soldiers into situations where death is highly probable, even for a noble cause?

This topic examines the nature of courage, and whether it is ever justifiable to demand ultimate sacrifices from others in the name of a greater cause. It questions the responsibilities of leadership in times of war and the moral implications of sending men to their deaths.

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Summaries of stories

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Aggression vs. Accomodation

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Favorite anecdote

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Story characters

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