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The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win (Extreme Ownership Trilogy, 2) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 25, 2018

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7,203 ratings

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THE INSTANT #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

From the #1
New York Times bestselling authors of Extreme Ownership comes a new and revolutionary approach to help leaders recognize and attain the leadership balance crucial to victory.

With their first book,
Extreme Ownership (published in October 2015), Jocko Willink and Leif Babin set a new standard for leadership, challenging readers to become better leaders, better followers, and better people, in both their professional and personal lives. Now, in THE DICHOTOMY OF LEADERSHIP, Jocko and Leif dive even deeper into the unchartered and complex waters of a concept first introduced in Extreme Ownership: finding balance between the opposing forces that pull every leader in different directions. Here, Willink and Babin get granular into the nuances that every successful leader must navigate.

Mastering the Dichotomy of Leadership requires understanding when to lead and when to follow; when to aggressively maneuver and when to pause and let things develop; when to detach and let the team run and when to dive into the details and micromanage. In addition, every leader must:
· Take Extreme Ownership of everything that impacts their mission, yet utilize Decentralize Command by giving ownership to their team.
· Care deeply about their people and their individual success and livelihoods, yet look out for the good of the overall team and above all accomplish the strategic mission.
· Exhibit the most important quality in a leader―humility, but also be willing to speak up and push back against questionable decisions that could hurt the team and the mission.

With examples from the authors’ combat and training experiences in the SEAL teams, and then a demonstration of how each lesson applies to the business world, Willink and Babin clearly explain THE DICHOTOMY OF LEADERSHIP
skills that are mission-critical for any leader and any team to achieve their ultimate goal: VICTORY.

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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DICHOTOMY OF LEADERSHIP:

“Until this point in my life, I've never read a book that reveals the truths of leadership in such detail and rawness. The true value of this book cannot be quantified in words.” Pete Roberts, Co-Founder & CEO, Origin Maine USA

The Dichotomy of Leadership needs to come with a warning label: BRUTALLY HONEST. Finally, a book that tells the truth on how hard and complex it can be to tackle leadership challenges.”Lindi Horton, Director of Cloud Services, Cyber Security Company

“Inspiring, practical, and honest lessons that transcend the battlefield. Buy this book, read it, and apply the lessons to any challenge.” ―Sarah Armstrong, CFO, Mesa Technical Associates

The Dichotomy of Leadership provides even more depth and dimension to the principles of Extreme Ownership.” ―Sonja Winkler, Senior Director of Operations, Nashville Symphony

"Jocko and Leif have done the impossible. The Dichotomy of Leadership is better than Extreme Ownership. In this book they refine the principles that made two of the leading voices in management and leadership today. All of the questions your team asked after reading Extreme Ownership are answered. The nuance provided in The Dichotomy of Leadership is exactly what our team needed to fully implement Extreme Ownership. " ―Bryce Maddock, CEO, TaskUs

“Even better than Extreme Ownership. It’s FREAKING AWESOME.” ―Joe Masciantonio, Vice President of Sales, The Nature’s Bounty Company

About the Author

JOCKO WILLINK was a Navy SEAL for 20 years, rising through the ranks to become commander of Task Unit Bruiser―the most decorated Special Operations unit of the Iraq War. After retiring, Willink continued on the disciplined path of success, co-founding Echelon Front, a premier leadership and management consulting company, writing the #1 New York Times bestsellers Extreme Ownership; Leadership Strategy and Tactics; Discipline Equals Freedom; and The Way of the Warrior Kid children’s series. He created and hosts the top-rated podcast, Jocko Podcast, and is also a principal at several highly successful companies, including JOCKO FUEL and Origin USA.

LEIF BABIN served 9 years as a Navy SEAL. He was in combat in Iraq during the Battle of Ramadi, a conflict that resulted in numerous medals for his efforts. After his tours, Babin served as a Navy SEAL instructor before forming Echelon Front with Jocko Willink, a leadership training group that uses the lessons and expertise the pair learned as SEALs to train leaders beyond the military. He is the co-author of the #1
New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership. Babin lives in New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press; Illustrated edition (September 25, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250195772
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250195777
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.05 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7,203 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
7,203 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an excellent read that provides good leadership lessons using real-life examples. They describe it as a great follow-up to Extreme Ownership and empowering. Readers praise the concise writing style and well-organized layout. The stories provide actionable takeaways that can be applied immediately in real-life leadership. Overall, customers consider the book a worthwhile addition to their bookshelf with valuable insights.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

225 customers mention "Readability"215 positive10 negative

Customers find the book an enjoyable read that explains leadership challenges and pitfalls clearly. It's described as an excellent complement to Extreme Ownership, with principles readers can use every day. Readers also mention it's entertaining and worth the wait.

"...As for the content of “The Dichotomy of Leadership” itself, it’s excellent! What else would you expect?..." Read more

"...Ultimately, I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written and well-organized, and I loved the real-life examples from the authors' lives...." Read more

"Great compliment book to extreme ownership" Read more

"...first book “Extreme Ownership - How Navy Seals Lead and Win” is an excellent work that will benefit any one who implements its principles in their..." Read more

191 customers mention "Leadership principles"191 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good leadership lessons using real-life examples. It explains the complexities of leadership and opens their eyes to how to prepare their teams and hold them accountable. The book prompts honest self-assessment and provides the pathway to build back. They mention it's one of the most insightful and meaningful experiences they have had. The lessons are clearly explained and easy to understand, but challenging to implement. Readers appreciate the balance between values and goals that is needed in any team.

"...Leif Babin's follow-up to "Extreme Ownership" delves deeper into the complexities of leadership, providing invaluable insights that have transformed..." Read more

"...The lessons are clearly explained and easy to understand, but challenging to implement & balance...." Read more

"...I like that they use analogies throughout the book and really help you to understand how critical leadership decisions making is...." Read more

"...This is a great resource for anyone who works in groups, runs a team, or answers to a boss. In other words, there's something in here for everyone." Read more

50 customers mention "Follow up"48 positive2 negative

Customers find the book a great follow-up to Extreme Ownership. It helps them learn the balance of extreme ownership and how to lead in all areas of life. The book addresses the dichotomies of the principles in Extreme Ownership, which are both humble and decisive. Readers say the lessons are practical and impactful.

"...that leaders often face, such as being both humble and decisive, empowering and disciplined, strategic and adaptable...." Read more

"Great followup to Extreme ownership. Worth the wait and rhe reading to embrace what Jocko and Leif are trying to share with others...." Read more

"This was a much needed follow-up to Extreme Ownership. In fact, I would prioritize this book if you aren’t able to get through too many." Read more

"...to follow, organized, concise, and its lessons are practical and impactful...." Read more

45 customers mention "Ease of reading"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the clear writing style and simple concepts that apply to any scenario or type of work. The book is well-organized with real-life examples.

"...Their writing style is engaging, and the anecdotes they share serve as powerful illustrations of the principles they advocate. "..." Read more

"...The lessons are clearly explained and easy to understand, but challenging to implement & balance...." Read more

"...I especially love the way the book is structured; three sections in each chapter: the military experience, the principles, and the applications to..." Read more

"...Ultimately, I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written and well-organized, and I loved the real-life examples from the authors' lives...." Read more

43 customers mention "Story quality"39 positive4 negative

Customers find the stories in the book insightful and meaningful. They appreciate the actionable takeaways and life lessons from the experiences. The vivid scenarios, action items, and outcomes provide a clear explanation of how these strategies work. The author's popularity gives the stories credibility.

"...Each chapter provides actionable takeaways that can be applied immediately in real-life leadership scenarios...." Read more

"...part interesting as it appeals to a larger audience and gives their stories credibility based on the popularity of Chris Kyle from American..." Read more

"...No nonsense stories of how these strategies work and how they relate to your situation is where this book shines." Read more

"...This book really gives you perspective on how to frame different moments you might face in your leadership journey...." Read more

10 customers mention "Book value"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful and a worthwhile addition to their bookshelf. They say it's a top business book and a must-have for their library.

"This is a book I needed to read as a new supervisor. So many terrific nuggets and I am walking away with so much useful information." Read more

"Buy this now if you do not own it already - a must have for your library." Read more

"...Everything from Jocko and Leif is gold and this book is no different so far." Read more

"Good book and a worthy addition to my bookshelf." Read more

19 customers mention "Application"12 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the book's application. Some find it useful and realistically able to be implemented, with practical examples in each chapter. Others feel the message is simple but the application is difficult, challenging to understand and implement.

"...The book encourages self-reflection and continuous improvement, empowering new managers like myself to become more effective and influential..." Read more

"...are clearly explained and easy to understand, but challenging to implement & balance...." Read more

"...I especially love the way the book is structured; three sections in each chapter: the military experience, the principles, and the applications to..." Read more

"...lay out some significant leadership challenges and demonstrate tactics to solve them...." Read more

11 customers mention "Depth"5 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's depth. Some find it provides useful, detailed information and clears up some subtle points. Others feel it's not as enlightening as the first book and that concepts are repeated too often.

"...But their translation of those insights is not very in-depth...." Read more

"...” & working with clients who read that book, this book fills in some missing details and clarifies some subtle points that were commonly..." Read more

"...been about half the length without any loss of fidelity; concepts are reiterated ad nauseam...." Read more

"...read, laid out like a university text book, motivating, and extremely well researched and insightful...." Read more

Excellent book!
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent book!
I do not have a military background, but have worked with various military personnel working in the corporate business sector who use military training techniques for leadership.I have 15+ years in leadership and I like to examine various industries that are successful in leadership. I am also a communication practitioner and trained in managerial communication. This book lays out how military training can be successfully applied to civilian leadership. I especially love the way the book is structured; three sections in each chapter: the military experience, the principles, and the applications to civilian leadership. This demonstrates the excellent organization skills of the authors. I like that they use analogies throughout the book and really help you to understand how critical leadership decisions making is.In civilian leadership, you may have a second chance to right a wrong decision without losing lives, but in military leadership, in battle, you do not! Lives can be lost due to poor planning and bad leadership decisions.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe everyone in leadership should read this.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2023
    "The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win" has been an absolute game-changer for me as a new manager. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's follow-up to "Extreme Ownership" delves deeper into the complexities of leadership, providing invaluable insights that have transformed my approach to leading and managing teams.

    What sets this book apart is its emphasis on striking a balance between seemingly contradictory leadership qualities. Willink and Babin explore the dichotomies that leaders often face, such as being both humble and decisive, empowering and disciplined, strategic and adaptable. Through their own experiences as Navy SEALs and real-world examples, they offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges and find the right balance.

    The authors' ability to articulate complex leadership concepts in a relatable and accessible manner is commendable. Their writing style is engaging, and the anecdotes they share serve as powerful illustrations of the principles they advocate.

    "The Dichotomy of Leadership" is not just a theoretical guide; it is a manual for action. Each chapter provides actionable takeaways that can be applied immediately in real-life leadership scenarios. The book encourages self-reflection and continuous improvement, empowering new managers like myself to become more effective and influential leaders.

    In conclusion, "The Dichotomy of Leadership" is a must-read for any new manager seeking to enhance their leadership skills. It offers a fresh perspective on the multifaceted nature of leadership and provides practical guidance on how to navigate the challenges that come with it. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to elevate their leadership abilities and drive success in their managerial role.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
    This book perfectly complements Leif & Jocko’s first book, “Extreme Ownership.” It’s not a sequel, or a rehashing of the same ideas, but rather based on feedback and the authors’ experience teaching the lessons from “Extreme Ownership” & working with clients who read that book, this book fills in some missing details and clarifies some subtle points that were commonly misunderstood. I would strongly recommend people read both books together (read “Extreme Ownership” first followed by this one), and consider them as part of a two-volume set.

    As for the content of “The Dichotomy of Leadership” itself, it’s excellent! What else would you expect? This book does a great job of highlighting several issues that good leaders need to learn how to balance in order to maximize their team’s success. The lessons are clearly explained and easy to understand, but challenging to implement & balance. Every chapter will motivate you to want to be a better leader, and leave you with lots of ideas to ponder and things to consider.

    Just like “Extreme Ownership,” I see this as a book that I will want to keep close by at all times, and will return to over and over again!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
    I do not have a military background, but have worked with various military personnel working in the corporate business sector who use military training techniques for leadership.

    I have 15+ years in leadership and I like to examine various industries that are successful in leadership. I am also a communication practitioner and trained in managerial communication. This book lays out how military training can be successfully applied to civilian leadership. I especially love the way the book is structured; three sections in each chapter: the military experience, the principles, and the applications to civilian leadership. This demonstrates the excellent organization skills of the authors. I like that they use analogies throughout the book and really help you to understand how critical leadership decisions making is.

    In civilian leadership, you may have a second chance to right a wrong decision without losing lives, but in military leadership, in battle, you do not! Lives can be lost due to poor planning and bad leadership decisions.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe everyone in leadership should read this.
    Customer image
    JD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
    I do not have a military background, but have worked with various military personnel working in the corporate business sector who use military training techniques for leadership.

    I have 15+ years in leadership and I like to examine various industries that are successful in leadership. I am also a communication practitioner and trained in managerial communication. This book lays out how military training can be successfully applied to civilian leadership. I especially love the way the book is structured; three sections in each chapter: the military experience, the principles, and the applications to civilian leadership. This demonstrates the excellent organization skills of the authors. I like that they use analogies throughout the book and really help you to understand how critical leadership decisions making is.

    In civilian leadership, you may have a second chance to right a wrong decision without losing lives, but in military leadership, in battle, you do not! Lives can be lost due to poor planning and bad leadership decisions.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe everyone in leadership should read this.
    Images in this review
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    Customer imageCustomer image
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rogelio P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 19, 2024
    Good
  • Sean
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book
    Reviewed in Canada on November 19, 2023
    The dichotomy of leadership has greatly helped myself and others around me succeed in work and in life.
  • Marina Luison
    2.0 out of 5 stars Libro sporco e copertina rovinata
    Reviewed in Italy on December 21, 2022
    Spedizione veloce, ma il libro e sporco sulla parte bianca e sulla parte nera e' molto unto. Ovviamente questo non e il tipo di regalo che mi sento di dare a natale... Specialmente per un libro nuovo che e' costato 25 euro (!!)
    Customer image
    Marina Luison
    2.0 out of 5 stars Libro sporco e copertina rovinata
    Reviewed in Italy on December 21, 2022
    Spedizione veloce, ma il libro e sporco sulla parte bianca e sulla parte nera e' molto unto. Ovviamente questo non e il tipo di regalo che mi sento di dare a natale... Specialmente per un libro nuovo che e' costato 25 euro (!!)
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Hagen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eine sehr gute Forsetzung des Ersten Buches
    Reviewed in Germany on January 3, 2021
    In diesem Buch gehen die Autoren Jocko und Leif noch weiter ins Detail bezüglich der angesprochenen Punkt aus dem Ersten Buch. Man muss dazu sagen, dass man zuerst das Erste Buch gelesen und verinnerlicht haben solltem da man ansonsten die Quintessenz vielleicht nicht in ihrem vollen Umfang versteht--Es geht um das Halten der Balance, die "Extreme Ownership" mitsich bringt. Führen, aber auch führen lassen. Aufgaben übernehmen aber auch delegieren. Flexibel sein aber dennoch einen Kurs haben.
    Die englische Urfassung ist meiner Meinung nach besser, da man hier durch das "You" besser angesprochen wird als durch das förmliche "Sie" im Deutschen.
    Mein Buch ist übersäht mit Eselsohren, Markierungen und Notizen, da man es als Führungskraft immer wieder hinzuziehen kann, falls man in seiner Position auf ein Problem trifft. Ein sehr guter Guide für Führungskräfte oder die, die es werden wollen sowohl im dienstlichen als auch im privaten Alltag.
    Klare Kaufempfehlung!
  • LEANDRO
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bom livro
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 9, 2018
    Basicamente, trata de equilíbrio. Dois terços do livro se destina a contextualizar. O um terço que sobra é o que você realmente precisa ler.