Why Productivity and Time Management are important as a Commander pt3.

Team – we’ve had some great input on what commanders do to stay productive and manage their time. Today, I’d like to focus on a couple of resources and list of readings you should read at some point in command (or before if you have time).  Remember it is never too late to read, improve, and discuss. Even in the last month of command I found it important to continue honing my leadership and personal skills. The situation may depend on what you are reading at that time but always have these at your fingertips.

1. Doctrine, regulations, etc. (Ctrl + F is your friend). Having these in a shared drive folder helped with being expedient.

a. AR 600-20 Army’s Command Policy

b. The USARHAW CCFSPCC Slide presentation.

c. AR 350-1, Army Training and Leader Development.

2. Taking the Guidon by Tony Burgess and Nate Allen. While written in 2001, it has time-tested principles that will help you in command.

3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey.

The books that were most gifted by myself or by a leader are:

1. The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins

2. Team of Teams by Gen. McChrystal

3. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek (have yet to read).

Discussion (answer one or all).

1. What resource or book has helped you the most in command?

2. What resources or book have you constantly referred back to during command?

3. What resources or book have you gifted or been gifted the most?