★ 08/01/2020
Former Navy SEAL Willink (Extreme Ownership) here explains how to translate leadership theory into pragmatic strategy and how to activate leadership at a tactical level. These combat-learned principles are what listeners would expect from the former commander of the most decorated U.S. special ops unit of the Iraq War. Willink's leadership ideas are based on fundamental military instruction and are organized into two main parts: leadership strategies and leadership tactics. Business principles are cloaked here in military teachings about strategy, while the tactical discussion explains his guidance for leaders interested in making behavioral adjustments to enhance their relationship with their teams. The author emphasizes the importance of humility, and he makes direct connections between leadership in the world of business and leadership learned via combat experience. However, in this case, the author is not preparing troops for the terrible reality of combat. To some listeners, especially those with no combat experience, the author's emphatic, deadly earnest narration may come across as arrogance or bravado. Nevertheless, the author's sound principles and uncompromising commitment to self-discipline are relevant to any leader facing the stress and uncertainty of achieving business success. VERDICT Recommended for university libraries supporting business curriculum and larger public libraries.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX
