I have made a rediscovery on my 100 Day Strong journey. I love books. I have had a love/hate relationship with them over the years, because I have a hard time sitting still to read. However, the audio book helped solve this problem. I love getting the information and being able to move around.
One of the books I picked up is called Extreme Ownership. It was written by two Navy Seal commanders who served in Iraq. The stories they tell of what happened as they served in Iraq are amazing. The bravery and determination of the troops in those circumstances are very inspiring.
The thing I like most about the book is how they can apply the principles of leadership across all domains. In war and in business, leadership is essential. It is needed more today than ever. As Navy Seals they got to apply the leadership principles they teach in a life or death environment. So naturally, my ears perk up when they start sharing how to do things like they did.
I am especially struck with the idea of extreme ownership. Loosely translated, to display extreme ownership as a leader you have to take responsibility for everything that happens under your lead. If something blows up, you have to own it. If one of your team doesn’t perform as they should have, you have to own it. As a leader, you are personally accountable for all the details. It is called extreme for a reason, but as the authors demonstrate, it works.
I am come to a place where I understand more fully what this means. The first person that I lead is myself. I am responsible for the decisions I have made. If I don’t like where I am at in my life, it is on me to take that ownership and do something different. Personal responsibility and accountability. I need this.
If you haven’t read the book, I encourage you to check it out. It is a good one.
David Willis 