Team Bush

Norman J. Ornstein

Management matters, in politics and government as much as in business and commerce. In clear language and a slew of examples, Team Bush concisely dissects the management style that has helped President George W. Bush to sustain his public approval and achieve both political and policy success.
—Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

Steven Kelman

This short book is long on insight, both for government leaders seeking to learn leadership lessons from effective CEOs and for business leaders seeking to learn the same lessons from effective leaders in government.
—Weatherhead Professor of Public Management, The John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Thomas E. Mann

Kettl provides a lively, insightful and sympathetic distillation of the surprisingly effective leadership style of George W. Bush.
—W. Averell Harriman Chair in Governance Studies, The Brookings Institution

Publishers Weekly

Kettl, a University of Wisconsin public affairs professor, aims in this fast, accessible read to uncover "the leadership ideas and methods of America's 43rd president." In the process, he finds George W. Bush's most striking accomplishment to be that he "has consistently exceeded expectations." Kettl describes a president of average intellect with one saving grace: the ability to assemble, unify and lead a highly qualified management team that analyzes complex problems and solutions, thus enabling Bush to make effective decisions. Kettl attributes Bush's team-building skills to his easygoing style; his insistence that his staff be punctual, concise and professionally attired; and his education as "the nation's first MBA president." There are stimulating ideas, such as tips on creating and using political capital, aligning the structure of staff to personal strengths, and crafting and delivering effective messages. As with most lesson books, however, the ideas lose their impact and originality when summarized, e.g., "Develop a plan-and stick to it" and "Don't fight battles you can't win." Kettl draws these lessons almost exclusively from media reportage; while he serves on an advisory panel to the White House's Office of Management and Budget, there's no promise of insider information. Bush's ability to lead is certainly a compelling topic, but perhaps because we are only two years into a presidency filled with controversy and challenge, the book lacks any depth of research or perspective. (On sale Mar. 12) FYI: Wiley published the strikingly similar Leadership Genius of George W. Bush: 10 Common Sense Lessons from the Commander-in-Chief in December. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.