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This month’s resource recommendation is the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.  While this book is not written from a spiritual perspective, the lessons in the book will be beneficial to all.  Leadership is critical to every aspect of our lives.  Whether you are learning how to lead yourself, lead a team, or lead groups of teams, this book has help for you.

Extreme Ownership is probably the best book I have ever read on leadership.  This book makes a strong case for removing the excuses for failure, and taking responsibility for all outcomes.  This thread is woven into all the principles discussed throughout book.

These are just a few thoughts that were generated for me as I read through the book.

Far too often, we as leaders, want to blame others or make excuses for outcomes.  We like to receive the praise for a job well done, but we shuffle blame when it comes to failure.  It is the leaders responsible to accept the failure and then do something about it.  If the issue was poor planning, fix it.  If the issue is under performance, train.  If the issue is a bad employee, fire.  No matter the outcome, the leader shoulders the responsibility.

In most work environments, you hear common excuses about failure.  Bob didn’t show up for work yesterday.  Sally did not do what she was supposed to do.  Cliff is new and doesn’t understand the job.  Amy doesn’t care about her job.  I’m not responsible for that.  That’s too much work for one person.  In the end, these are all excuses.  It is the leaders responsibility to address each and every one of them.

The leader is responsible for outcomes.  They need to ensure that planning is done, communication is made, training is provided, contingencies are thought through, the proper people are in the right place, execution is implemented, follow up and evaluation takes place, and adjustments are made accordingly.  These things will not take place unless the leader takes full or as the writers put it, Extreme Ownership.  This means to assume complete responsibility for everything that happens.

Start taking ownership.  Click the book cover below and pick up your copy today.  You will not regret it.