I can’t remember what podcast I was listening to or article that I was reading that recommended the book “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Whatever it was, it stated it was one of THE BEST leadership books out there. It sparked my interest and so I found it on my Libby app (if you are not sure what that is, check out my blog here. In short, it is an app that allows you to check out audio or e-reader books for free with your library card). I knew this book had to be something special as it had a 4 month wait list. I’ve always been fascinated by leadership, but this book isn’t just another addition to the genre. It’s a game-changer—a brutally honest look at what it means to truly lead, not just in the workplace but in life.
The Core Lesson: It’s All on You
The main takeaway from "Extreme Ownership" is, well, extreme. The idea that everything that happens under your watch, whether in business or life, is your responsibility. There are no excuses, no blaming others—only ownership. This concept hit me hard. I’ve always prided myself on being accountable, but this book pushed me to rethink my approach. I started asking myself, “Am I really taking full responsibility for everything in my life and business?”
Taking FULL ownership means it’s all on you. I had to rethink about some times I may have blamed others. In my previous life in the construction world, it was very easy to blame others. If a subcontractor messed up, “well… he didn’t understand the plans” “He didn’t know what he was doing.” But in reality…... I didn’t explain the plans so that he could understand. I didn’t check with him that he understood the plans. I didn’t hire the right person or didn’t explain correctly if he didn’t know what he was doing. You don’t send a painter to do tile. When you do that…you can’t blame the painter (to be fair…I never would do that but using for example purposes!)
No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders
We’ve all encountered situations where things just weren’t clicking—whether in business or life—and it’s easy to blame others or external circumstances. But Jocko and Leif emphasize that there are no bad teams, only bad leaders. If a team isn’t performing, it’s the leader’s responsibility to assess, adapt, and find a way to make the team succeed.
It happens with sports. The team might have amazing talent but if the team can’t win…it falls on the coach. It’s the same for businesses. If something isn’t clicking you may need to have a hard look at yourself and your leadership. The issue may not be lack of talent or willingness but more about how that talent is being managed.
Believe
One of the key takeaways from "Extreme Ownership" is the importance of truly believing in the mission. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, how can you expect others to? When you genuinely believe in what you’re doing, it shows. It’s contagious. Your team, your clients, and everyone around you can feel that passion and conviction, and it makes all the difference in achieving success.
Check the Ego
Another powerful lesson from the book is the need to check the ego at the door. Ego is the enemy of growth. It prevents us from accepting feedback, learning from mistakes, and building strong relationships. It’s a lesson I continually apply, both in leading teams and in interacting with clients. The more we focus on the mission and the people involved, rather than our own egos, the better the outcomes.
Decentralized Command
The principle of decentralized command is all about empowering your team. As leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging, but that only stifles creativity and growth. Instead, Jocko and Leif teach us to trust our teams, giving them the autonomy to make decisions and lead within their own areas.
Simplify, Prioritize, Execute
Another powerful lesson from the book is the importance of simplifying plans, prioritizing tasks, and executing them with precision. As a business owner, I’m often juggling multiple responsibilities. There are days when my to-do list seems impossible, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But after reading "Extreme Ownership," I started to shift my mindset.
I now approach my day with the mantra: Simplify, Prioritize, Execute. I look at my tasks and ask, “What is the most important thing I need to achieve today? How can I break it down into simple, actionable steps?” This shift has not only improved my productivity but also reduced my stress. I’ve become more focused. Do this with your team and you will notice that they will follow suit.
Discipline Equals Freedom
Lastly, the idea that discipline equals freedom was a game-changer for me. It’s counterintuitive at first—how can discipline lead to freedom? But the truth is, when you have the discipline to follow through on your commitments, manage your time effectively, and stick to your principles, you gain the freedom to focus on what really matters.
In my business, this means setting clear goals, establishing routines, and staying committed to both. The discipline to maintain these habits frees up time and mental energy, allowing us to be more creative, more strategic, and ultimately, more successful.
Taking Ownership in Every Aspect of Life
Ultimately, "Extreme Ownership" isn’t just a book about leadership; it’s a philosophy that can transform your life. Since embracing its principles, I’ve seen significant improvements not only in my business but also in my personal life. I’ve become more focused, and more resilient.
If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, I highly recommend diving into this book. It’s not an easy read—it’s challenging and will force you to confront your own shortcomings. But the rewards are worth it.
Take ownership of your life, your business, and your mission. It’s a tough path, but one that leads to true success.
And remember, if you ever need a partner to help you navigate your business challenges, B.O.S.S. is here for you. Together, we can take extreme ownership and achieve greatness.
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