The streets of Ramadi, Iraq, 2006. In the aftermath of a tragic friendly-fire incident that resulted in the death of an Iraqi soldier, Navy SEAL Task Unit Commander Jocko Willink faced a crucial leadership moment. Instead of pointing to the fog of war, communication breakdowns, or the multiple factors beyond his control, Willink did something unexpected: he took complete responsibility for the incident. This decision would later become the foundation of a leadership philosophy that has transformed organizations worldwide.
The principle that emerged – Extreme Ownership – is deceptively simple: leaders must own everything in their world, no exceptions. But this simplicity masks a profound truth about effective leadership that extends far beyond the battlefield.
Dispatches From The Front 