Profiles in Audacity: Great Decisions and How They Were Made
Axelrod examines the lives, careers, and decisions of 46 of the world's most famous leaders. He posits that far-reaching decisions have two characteristics--the choice is between or among high-stakes alternatives and it must be made and the choice cannot be avoided.^BWhat he labels the Rubicon Factor, Axelrod explains, is a quality of leadership that enables an individual to define and make decisions bearing the highest stakes and then to act on those decisions. There are decisions in crisis (Truman and the A-bomb, 1945); decisions to venture (Columbus and the New World, 1492); decisions of conscience (Lincoln and Emancipation, 1862); decisions to risk everything (Jimmy Doolittle and the raid on Tokyo, 1942); and decisions to sacrifice (Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce, and the end of his battle, 1877). Axelrod, the author of 60 books on history, business, and management, has written an insightful collection of vignettes ranging from ancient times to present.George CohenCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved