{"product_id":"sharing-success-owning-failure-preparing-to-command-air-force","title":"Sharing Success: Owning Failure Preparing to Command - Air Force","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Sharing Success: Owning Failure Preparing to Command in the 21st Century Air Force, the book is recommended for current and aspiring Air Force leaders who want a practical critique of how command development is handled. The bottom line: the author argues that many selection systems prioritize testing individuals rather than preparing units to thrive, and this book outlines why expectations should be clearly set by those who hire commanders. Readers seeking a focused discussion about command preparation will find the perspective direct and grounded in service comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClear thesis:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book frames command as an organizational responsibility, explaining why leaders must provide explicit expectations for success rather than simply evaluate officers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComparative perspective:\u003c\/strong\u003e It contrasts Air Force practice with sister services to show alternative preparation models, helping readers see where improvements can be made.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The narrative emphasizes concrete changes in how subordinate commanders are prepared and assessed to improve unit performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeadership accountability:\u003c\/strong\u003e It places responsibility on those who hire commanders to both define success and prepare officers for the roles they will fill.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstitutional critique:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book documents how an over-emphasis on individual testing has produced a shallow formal preparation program for command.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharing Success is best for active duty officers, senior noncommissioned officers, and military leaders involved in selection and development of commanders who want a frank evaluation of current command-preparation practices. It will also interest civilians or historians studying institutional leadership and organizational development within military services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for a step-by-step manual for tactical command tasks or a broad memoir of operational exploits should look elsewhere; this work centers on policy, expectations, and institutional reform rather than battlefield narrative or technical instruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a focused argument about shifting emphasis from testing individuals to enabling unit success.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses comparison with sister services to illustrate alternative models of preparing commanders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasizes the importance of clear expectations set by those who hire subordinate commanders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited in scope for readers seeking detailed procedural guidance for day-to-day command tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSharing Success: Owning Failure Preparing to Command in the 21st Century Air Force\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDavid L Goldfein\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir Force leadership and command preparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstitutional critique and comparative service practices\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended audience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCurrent and aspiring commanders, leadership developers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharing Success is a compact, thoughtful critique that will resonate with leaders who shape command policy and those preparing for command roles. Its value lies in reframing command as an organizational priority and urging clearer expectations from hiring leaders, making it a worthwhile read for professional development and institutional reform discussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book explain how to prepare for command step by step?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book focuses on institutional expectations and critique rather than a procedural, step-by-step command manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho wrote this perspective on command preparation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe author is David L Goldfein, presenting viewpoints on how the Air Force prepares and selects commanders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book intended for non-military readers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile geared toward military leaders and professionals, civilians interested in organizational leadership and military institutions will find the analysis useful.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David L Goldfein","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48636506112219,"sku":"1288331096","price":62.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71YQRYmog_L._SL1360.jpg?v=1778614150","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/sharing-success-owning-failure-preparing-to-command-air-force","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}