Welcome to a new recurring #baldinbusiness feature called Book Club Tuesday. Each week I will spotlight one book, and have a little fun in the process.
Book: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win
Author: Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
Length: 320 pages / 9 hours and 33 minutes via Audible
Why I chose to read it: I originally read this book in 2016 because it sounded like it was the ultimate authority on leadership accountability. Guess what? It is. Look in the mirror leaders. Stop blaming others and take ownership.
My Takeaways (3 or less): Chapter 2 –No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders –changed my entire view of leadership. Until reading this book, I looked at people as the problem. Since reading this book, I look at myself. This changed everything. Further, Chapter 10 –Leading Up and Down the Chain of Command –further opened my perspective to how impactful EVERYONE can be in our organization. As I write these words, we are getting ready to launch a project with a significant NEW customer because I listened to a sales tip from one of our maintenance apprentices. I can’t help but think this book played a role in shaping my willingness to follow down the chain of command.
What does this book motivate me to DO? Jocko and Leif fired me up something fierce. Not only do they motivate me to hit the gym as hard as I can at 5 a.m., they motivate me to stop making excuses, stop blaming others, and lead. The buck stops here. Own it!
Who should read this book? People that need a kick in the butt. In fact, don’t read this book if you aren’t going to put it to use. I’m sure the authors would be offended at that, so do don’t do it. Wussies need not apply!
I would sum my rating of the book as…One of my go-to leadership books. Whenever I am feeling down, or sorry for myself, I remember to take extreme ownership of the situation I am in. I also remember that I have an amazing team around me, and that like the Navy Seals, this is NOT a solo venture. Rather, we can “cover and move” (Chapter 5) together, and win.
Thank you to all who have served. You’re so stinking awesome. If you need a job, come to Hoffer Plastics.
“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, learning from others who went before you, you are functionally illiterate. You can’t coach, and you can’t lead.” Jim Mattis
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