[May 1, 2020] Last week, two friends of mine called to check-in to see how my wife and I were getting along during the Coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately for us all, we are doing well and I guess that means we are blessed so far. They also called because they wanted to tell me about a book they had both recently read and enjoyed. Neither of these two friends, both named John, were in the military but are great supporters and patriots of America. In calling me, they wanted to recommend a book published back in 2017 by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, both U.S. Navy SEALs. Jocko Willink has a YouTube channel podcast (see this link here). Both these men often discuss the dichotomy of leadership, mission and caring for your troops. They also talk about the importance of those who work for you, understanding not just what the job is about but also why they must do that job. The “why” is crucial and that is what taking ownership is about.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win (New Edition), Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, 2017
The leadership principles in author Willink and Babin’s book are not necessarily new or unproven, but they have done a great job of giving a great explanation and provided some interesting examples. They do take some leadership philosophies a bit further, and thus they are offering a valuable source for those wanting to know more about leadership. For example, they talk about taking responsibility for what does or does not happen. This idea of responsibility is not new for readers of my blog, but these two men are laser-focused on taking ownership as a way of motivating yourself to get the job done. Their thinking might go something like this “Don’t accept excuses, make it happen.” These are not their words, of course, but it expresses their thinking.
Much of the book is about the combat experiences in Ramadi, Iraq, during the Iraq War as part of SEAL Team 3. Their deployment was in 2006, about the time that the insurgency was doing its most damage to Coalition forces and local civilians. What I do like about this book is that the lessons are laid out clearly and concisely. And, they show how those lessons are applied to both the military and civilian worlds.
Extreme Ownership is not about ideology and philosophy but about a mindset that applies to everything we do. The authors write that a leader takes responsibility for everything that happens in their organization, regardless of circumstances. I liked the book. It was an easy read and one I finished in three days of relaxed reading. Every junior leader should have a copy.
This book is highly recommended.
To go to the full Professional Reading list, 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
This book is cool. 2 Bad ass SEALs talking about their experiences on the battlefield and the principles that made them such an effective unit. They then take those principles and relay them to the business world and how to apply them. They have a management consulting firm, so they use real world examples: both from their experience on the battlefield and their experiences helping stagnant businesses. They kick butt.
Great comment by your today old-timer!
I may be old but at least I earned my way. I’m not like the new snowflake generation that had everything handed to them on a silver platter. They need to suck it up and move out to do great things, not sit in their parent’s basement having their ass kicked by some little girl on the other side of a twitter account.
You’re great. Thanks guys.
From his Twitter account… this reinforces what his book is about in a good way. I believe this is a great way to self-motivate. Just my thoughts here.
Jocko Willink
@jockowillink·
Apr 25
What are you doing?
Is it productive?
Will it make you better?
Will it help someone?
Will it help you?
Does it move you toward your strategic goals?
Greg, well said and thanks for showing one of Jocko’s social media comments. This is exactly like what Gen. Satterfield wrote about some time ago that you must have “heart in the game,” else you will never, ever be a great leader but just a walking stick (do-nothing) leader.
Yes, thanks Greg. I’m beginning to see a little better what these Navy SEALs are about. That was why (and is why) they are such great men. I thank them and those like them for their service to our country every single day. I also pray for their safety and well-being. That is why men like them should be respected and those who degrade them (like traitor Jane Fonda) should be shunned.
The principles in this book are per se timeless and nothing new, but it is always great to brush on these from a fresh perspective.
The most important tenet – the eponymous Extreme Ownership – means taking responsibility for everything, including abject failure. When you stop finger-pointing, but plainly admit that you – the leader – are to blame, you not only gain the respect of your team.
Extreme Ownership Principals
– The leader is ALWAYS responsible.
– The whole team must believe in the mission.
– Work with other teams to achieve more
– Keep plans simple, clear, and concise.
– Drop your ego
– Act on your priorities one at a time.
– Clarify your mission.
– Lead up not just down
– Act decisively
Thanks JT. Easy to lay out but hard to accomplish. “Leading is leading” – the opening statement, concisely showing the authors’ belief that you can have only two types of leaders – those who are effective, and the rest.
I recommend reading Jocko’s Tweeter page. Pretty good stuff!
Ha Ha….. Twitter! Thanks Eric, I can see you are not much of a social media kind of guy. ?????
Eric, you made my day. But, on the serious side, I have been reading Jocko’s Twitter for some time and find his words to be confirming of that which I learn about leaders. He’s always pushing us to make ourselves better, smarter, and more resilient.
Good point, Scotty. I too am a regular reader of Jocko’s Twitter and his books. Great philosophy.
These two men have another book out. Both are good reads. I also recommend them.