Extreme Ownership is written by two former Navy SEALs, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, who now head a leadership training company. Both men are pretty hardcore, I must admit. The experiences they share in this book are intense and eye-opening--not to mention unique. There aren't many books out there that give such detailed glimpses into the lives of SEALs in action.The book is structured in a very basic and clear way. The authors convey one main point per chapter by sharing a story from their battlefield experiences, then highlighting the main principle of that story, and finally giving a concrete example of how this principle applies in business settings.Their main points can be summarized as follows:(*) The leader is always responsible. (This is what they call "extreme ownership." Basically, leaders must always "own" the mistakes and shortcomings of their teams.)(*) Everyone on the team must believe in the mission.(*) Work with other teams to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.(*) Keep plans simple, clear, and concise.(*) Check your ego.(*) Figure out your priorities, and then act on them one at a time.(*) Clarify your mission (i.e., your plan).(*) Engage with your higher-ups; keep them in the loop--especially when they frustrate you.(*) Act decisively, even when things are chaotic.(*) And the last chapter is a summary of the seemingly contradictory qualities of a leader.In my opinion, the simplicity, clarity, and structure of this book are it's greatest strengths. I knew exactly where the authors were going with their points, and I understood exactly the message they were trying to communicate. The book is incredibly easy to follow.I do have two minor complaints. First, the book is really repetitive at parts. There are several moments when the authors share a complete story or personal thought--and then share the story again, but this time in the context of telling it to either their SEAL teams or to a group of business executives. It became a little tedious. If I hear the story once, I don't need another play-by-play, no matter how interesting it was the first time around.Second, while this book is very descriptive--especially with the battle scenes--it is also incredibly restrained, almost cold. There is basically no emotion in this book--which feels weird, because even though it's a book about leadership, it's also a book about war, too. If you are going to aim to teach me something through your intense and sometimes tragic experiences, well then let's get into it. I'm not looking for manufactured drama, but you don't have to scrub it all clean for me, either. Ultimately, I ended up feeling like the authors didn't trust me enough with the whole story. And I wanted more than that.Still, I appreciated what Willink and Babin had to share. Their lessons are insightful and thought-provoking, and I can definitely see how their experiences will help guide leaders in the business world. Extreme Ownership is a worthwhile read, yes--but also a somewhat muted one. Take it for what it is.

I highly recommend this book for anyone. It should be required reading in B-schools instead of the fluff theory based management crap they push. This is THE crash course in actual effective leadership by two guys that know more than a business school could ever teach you. I am a young professional this book taught me what type of leader you should strive to be and as a result I feel like I am not only a better leader but a better person. This book will give you the simple tools you need to be able to effectively lead a winning team. Extreme Ownership is an especially important read for people of my age group/ generation whose personal code of ethics is absolutely zero personal responsibility or accountability for anything. If you are just starting out and have not yet reached the top of the leadership ladder read it before you develop those bad habits. In summary Read it. Learn it. Live it and learn to take extreme ownership! You won't regret investing the time to read this one.

The best part about this book was the simplicity of the message. It is a book that everyone should read to become better at home and at work. I was able to reflect on many events in the past and wished I had taken extreme ownership in those situations. Even though the concepts start with examples from a military mission, they are applicable to life in general. That might be the only negative of the book is the military references. Personally, I loved the references since I was in Iraq twice in the Army. However, some may dismis this book because of them and then miss out on an opportunity to become better. The book is a fast read with a powerful message, a message that might be hard to accept at first for some. Take the few hours to read it...you will be glad you did.

Absolutely amazing. This is not one of the pervasive and dangerous feel good, “you can do it” leadership book that offers tons of pep talks and no solutions. This is a field manual for success.The book is articulate, and give real life examples in both war timeand corporations as well as a full outline of each principle that reiterated the core fundamentals. This is a book for people ready to give up excuses and bad habits, control their world, and be the best possible leader they can be.This has become my “go to” manual for team leadership, project management, and continued success. Cheers!

I met Jocko Willink about 4 years ago in San Diego. The company I was working for at He time had hired him to come out and speak at our large annual event. I was impressed not only by the leadership lessons he helped instill, but by the kind of man he is. Extremely kind and humble and really made people feel important. I had a chance to talk to him one on one and he took the time to look me in the eyes and listen intently which is a talent when you are pulled in so many directions. I am a huge fan of the Jocko Podcast and look forward to listening to every single one. Extreme Ownership was very well written (I ended up highlighting half the book!), with lessons taught by 2 people that I have the utmost respect for...Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. I am so grateful for them fighting for our freedom and for passing along the lessons they have learned. Life can be very stressful at times, but as Jocko likes to say "Relax, look around, and make a call." Decide to take the time to read this book, if you want to learn, want to get better, you absolutely will.