Llama Leaders are Readers Series Vol. 2
For this week’s article, we continue our Leaders are Readers Series and share some of our top reads with a quick synopsis and our thoughts on each book. Click on the book image to read for yourself.
Enjoy!
The Dichotomy of Leadership – Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
“Accountability is an importanttool that leaders must utilize. However, it should not be the primary tool. Itmust be balanced with other leadership tools, such as making sure peopleunderstand the why, empowering subordinates, and trusting they will do theright thing without direct oversight because they fully understand theimportance of doing so.” -Jocko Willink
Jocko and Leif return after the successful deployment of Extreme Ownership to bring you The Dichotomy of Leadership. Although I really enjoyed Extreme Ownership, I must say Dichotomy spoke to me even more. In this book, the former Navy Seal Commanders submit that effective leadership is about balancing the extremes faced when driving teams to success. They discuss principles such as being humble but not passive, disciplined but not rigid, to plan but not to over plan, own it all but empower others, etc. These are areas that often challenge less experienced leaders and also can be difficult for more experienced leaders to explain. Luckily, the duo addresses each in detail with the familiar format of combat story, principle, and application to business. I highly recommend this easy to follow book full of wisdom to anyone interested in leading teams effectively.
- Joe
Are You Fully Charged – Tom Rath
This is a book I pulled from a Barnes and Noble shelfsimply because the title caught my attention. At the time I discovered this book I was working an average 65 hours perweek, taking a doctorate level course, and teaching a college course as well.The affects were taking a toll to say the least. So, of course my answer to thequestion of whether I was full charged was a resounding “No!”.
Tom Rath explores three major areas or ‘keys’ thatwhen appropriately utilized, lead to a more balanced, successful, andfulfilling life. Rath’s focus areas are; Meaning: doing something thatbenefits another person, Interactions: creating far more positive thannegative moments, and lastly Energy: making choices that improve yourmental and physical health.
What I appreciate most about this book is theapplication aspect of it. Rath offers action steps to be taken to improve inthese focus areas. This book also offers a workbook style feature that allowsthe reader to take a personal inventory of their current state of being andcreate their own way forward.
This book is an easy read and is structured in a nicelogical flow. I recommend this book to anyone who feels like they might befacing burn-out, struggling with life balance, and wants to improve theirrelationships.
- Scott
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – David Goggins
Warning: This book is not for the faint hearted or those with an aversion to profane language as anyone who knows or knows of David Goggins realizes that he holds nothing back.
In this personal memoire,Goggins shares his experiences with abuse, racism, and his challenges with lowself-esteem and fitness. It’s an amazingstory, one that for many would be very hard to believe is true.
This book chronicles Goggins’ journey from a childhood full of abuse to washing out of Air Force Pararescue, then separating from the service and ballooning up to near 300 pounds, his experience losing a 100 pounds in just three months to qualify for Navy SEALs BUD/S training (by the way enduring “Hell Week” three times), to breaking the world's 24-hour pull-up record and running ultra-marathons. This story is definitely one for the ages.
This was one of the most entertaining and thoughtful books I experienced this year. I actually listened to this one via Audible and I am extremely glad I did. I rarely recommend the mechanism in which one consumes their books, but in this case, I do recommend the audio version. In the audio version, the narrator, Adam Skolnick, reads and in between major points and/or chapters, a mini podcast erupts as David and Adam “unpack” some of the things that just occurred in the book. You get more in-depth background that the book will not deliver. If you are interested in a story that will leave you inspired, Can’t Hurt Me should be on your list.
- Joe
The Fred Factor – Mark Sanborn
I often find myself super busy. Between work, school,Church, family, and other community obligations I run into the challenge of nothaving enough time to read some really great books. However, once in awhilecome across a title that is a quick, easy read, but is also packed with a greatdeal of the good stuff. The Fred Factor is one of these books. It’s partcustomer service, part leadership development, and part personal growth.
Mark Sanborn shares the story of his interactions witha postal worker, Fred, who delivered mail in his neighborhood. Fred’s above andbeyond attitude toward customer service, having a positive attitude, and owningone’s behavior birthed the concept that is now called the “Fred Factor”.
If you need a quick pick-me-up, I recommend The FredFactor. If you’re a manager whose department needs a customer service overhaul,this book offers excellent concepts that can be easily woven into any training program.
- Scott
In this book, bestselling author, social worker and renowned researcher of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, Brené Brown, presents four skillsets that can be taught and learned in order to become a “daring leader.” These skillsets are Rumbling with vulnerability, living into our values, braving trust and learning to rise. A major point that Brown offers in this book is that effective leaders need to be courageous and in order to do so, accept and embrace their vulnerability and have those tough conversations.
I personally loved Brené’s honesty and humor throughout the book and she reallybrought to life some important lessons for those willing to put themselves outthere. Often quoting the excerpt fromPresident Teddy Roosevelt’s Citizen in the Republic speech, the Man in theArena, she explores the courage it takes for one to put themselves in the arenaand how we should give no credence to those who will quickly criticize but areunwilling themselves. If you areinterested in a fun and honest book full of lessons and applicable exercises, Idefinitely recommend Dare to Lead.
- Joe
The Way of the Shepherd – Dr. Kevin Leman
Without a doubt, one of the best leadership books I’veever read. While there are dozens of books I could recommend on leadership,ranging from various leadership theories, to organizational dynamics, tostrategic change management, I don’t believe many capture the true meaning ofleadership like The Way of the Shepherd does. This book does anoutstanding job of demonstrating how to lead people under your direction withcare, attention, and empathy.
The concepts or, secrets to managing, as the title labels them are quite simple yet, often overlooked by many in an elevated position of leadership.
Principles found in this book include the importanceof knowing your team, engaging them on a regular basis, building trust, keepingyour team informed, protecting them, using persuasion rather than coercion, supportingthem in tough times, and developing a heart for your team.
I encourage anyone, regardless or field or industry, if you are responsible for managing, supervising, or leading others, pick this book up as soon as possible.
- Scott