completed public school in a small town in Massachusetts. Abrams did well academically and played on the football team in high school. Upon graduation from high school, Abrams won an appointment to the United States Military Academy where he both worked hard and played hard. Abrams' academic record at West Point has been described as "mediocre" because he ranked 184 in the 275 member graduating class of 1936. Ad judgmental evaluation of mediocre, however, is somewhat unfair, because anyone who graduates from West Point has posted a commendable academic accomplishment. Abrams' academic performance, thus, may have been mediocre in relation to his graduating class at the United States Military Academy, but that performance certainly was not mediocre in relation to all graduates from American colleges and universities in 1936.
Creighton Abrams began his Regular Army career as a Cavalry officer, subsequently transferring to Armor as horses disappeared from the American Army. Thereafter, throughout his military career before reaching flag rank, Creighton Abrams was associated with Armor. As a flag officer, Armor continued to be held in the highest regard by General Abrams, and was always an instrumental factor in his strategic decisions.
Lieutenant Creighton Abrams married Julia Harvey upon graduation from West Point. The two remained married until the General's death in 1974, less than one week short of his sixtieth birthday. They had six children.
DEFINING LEADERSHIP AS THE CONCEPT IS
The definition and application of the concept of leadership is considered in this chapter. The initial discussion is concerned with the evolution and definition of the concept of leadership, which is followed by a consideration of the application of leadership.
In the first half of the twentieth century, the authoritarian, task oriented manager in civilian life or commander in military organizations was prototype leader. Subordinates...