[August 23, 2018] It’s been a long summer and I’ve not been to the Jersey shore as I originally planned. My wife tells me that I must take responsibility for the failure and “man up” in those things I say I will do. Any person who is serious about a good life should understand their core values, prioritize what is important to them, and then act to fulfill obligations that these present. The book I’m drawing attention to today will buttress these points and draw our attention to what the authors call “extreme ownership.”
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition), Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, 2017.
Why this book and why now? As I’m apt to do occasionally, I like to point out that leadership is all about taking responsibility for both our behavior and the actions of our team. That team could be a Navy SEAL team, a production group at work, or our family. It is important for me to note that this book is written for everyone; not just military troops looking for good leader ideas. And, it’s not a self-help book you can find in the discount bin at your local book store. The principles covered by Willink and Babin are broad enough to be of use in any situation.
Extreme Ownership is written by two former U.S. Navy SEAL members, which now lead a company that teaches leadership. These men know what they are talking about. The underpinning message is that leaders are always responsible and always “own” the mistakes and shortcomings of their teams. Some of the key ideas in the book are: everyone must believe in the mission, keep plans simple, clear, and concise, check your ego, figure out your priorities and act on them, act decisively especially when things are chaotic, and always engage your bosses. Willink and Babin are adamant that leadership is a life choice and lifestyle. Anyone reading the book will take away some of the most important lessons in leadership along with many examples that emphasize them. Transforming their battlefield experience into lessons for every leader is really what makes this book worthwhile for me. We all need that lesson reinforced now. I highly recommend it.
To go to the full Professional Reading list, simply click on this direct link: www.theleadermaker.com/reading-list/
Side Note: Please remember and take a look at Tom Copeland’s reading blog. His website, which I highly recommend, can be found here: https://militaryreadinglists.com/map
A special thank-you to all my readers today. One of the lowest visited pages I have is this “Reading List (Update).” Your comments are much appreciated and I would hope that you spread the word about this list of books (and an occasional article) about what I think are the best of the best. I hope these make you THINK.
Thanks for your entire reading list and continuing to bring us up-to-date books and articles that expand our real leadership abilities. Of course, only if we read and think about them.
One of the best books of the year 2017. Thanks.
There are several books like this by military soldiers, SEALs, etc. They all have their place and reading them continues to reinforce several key attributes about leaders; the most important being that leadership is underwritten by good character. Little else matters in the long run.
Good point, Dennis.
Yes, I agree with Gen. Satterfield that ‘reinforced learning’ is the way to ensure we get the whole picture. Also known as repetitive learning where the same idea is taught over and over. For the dumb, like me, it makes it easier to grasp.
Good book. I read it earlier this year. Thanks.
Hey, Gen. Satterfield. Thanks for another great book find. I plan to read it when it finally comes to me in the mail. I heard about it a couple of months ago and ordered it from my local Barnes and Nobles Book Store. Thanks again.
Thanks for the short summary of what appears to be a really good book on responsibilities and life. It applies to all walks of life and leadership. I’m sure in the medical side of work that it will benefit me and my colleagues too.
I agree with that. Thanks Jonathan B.
😉 THanks Jon!
A lot of people will skip reading this Reading List entry today because they are not into books. So many books are TERRIBLE but those recommended here are far from it. I say, just read a few minutes per day and you will be amazed at how much information you can gain from so little time spent.
Also thanks for the link at the bottom that takes us to Tom Copeland’s blog. I hope others see it and go there to find some great readings on leadership. 🙂
Another good book read. I especially like it when books are written by military men. The result is often darn good and worth it. I ordered the book on Amazon and should have it in a couple of days.
Thanks for another great book to read.
Good book. I read it last year shortly after it came out. I also recommend it to anyone who wants to make improvements in their life.
Thanks also for your recommendation. I plan to check the book out at our library, if they have it.
Thank you Army Captain.