Extreme Ownership - A Summary

Finding the right mentor is a shortcut to success.

I was looking for years with no luck.

When I found him, my mentor taught me the fundamentals of leadership. His teachings are why I am a CEO today.

Here is a breakdown of Jocko’s leadership principles.

1/ What is Extreme Ownership?

It is the understanding that you must own everything in your world.

Whether in business, at home or with yourself. There is no one else to blame.

Taking ownership of your mistakes will ensure you learn from them and build the trust others have in you.

2/ No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders

When you are in a leadership situation, it is easy to blame those ‘under’ you.

This person did not perform, this one did not send the email on time.

But guess what? As the leader, you failed. Did your train them enough, support them enough?

3/ Believe

When your team does not believe in the mission, the chances or failure are high.

Understanding the why will ensure people will support you and the plan amidst chaos and adversity.

4/ Check The Ego

You cannot let your emotions or your false sense of self dictate your actions.

Humility is the most important characteristic of any good leader.

5/ Cover And Move

People or your competitors will try and block your path or that of your business.

You need your team to move ahead still. Make sure you cover your teammate so they can move ahead, then they need to do it for you.

Outmanoeuvre the competition.

6/ Simple

Keep it clear, concise and to the point.

Not just in communication, but in planning, strategizing, etc.

Complicated = Weak

7/ Prioritize And Execute

Sometimes there are fires you must put out. Calls that must be made.

But don’t let other people or a non-strategic mindset derail you.

Think long-term.

What can you do right now to ensure success tomorrow, next year? Then go and execute.

8/ Decentralised Command

Empower your people.

But not just lip-service. When you tell them ‘go lead’, let them lead.

It might not be perfect, but the plan that they come up with, means more to them than your direct order.

9/ Plan

When you plan, think outside the box. What is likely to derail your mission?

Plan for contingencies and communicate that clearly to your team.

But do not let over-planning keep you from executing.

10/ Leading Up And Down The Chain Of Command

Relationships will always trump the chain of command.

Never rely on your rank, but always build trust with the people below and above you.

Always think, how can I support that person better. Then when you need them, they will be there for you.

11/ Decisiveness Amid Uncertainty

When your team knows the Commander’s Intent, that is they know the end result you are all after and what their boundaries are to achieve it.

They can make decisions to move forwards amids the most difficult circumstances.

12/ Discipline Equals Freedom

It’s what I live by every single day.

No matter what area in life, finances, fitness, diet or time management.

When you are disciplined in your decisions to take the actions that support your goal, you will set yourself free.