Leadership Strategy and Tactics
by Jocko Willink
Key Concepts
Extreme Ownership
Leaders own all outcomes, good or bad, with no excuses.
Decentralized Command
Empower subordinates to make decisions within the commander's clear intent.
Cover & Move
Teams must support each other to achieve collective objectives.
Simple Plans
Complex plans fail; keep strategies clear and concise.
Discipline Equals Freedom
Strict adherence to principles creates greater operational flexibility and success.
Action Items
Assume full responsibility for all outcomes, good or bad, within your domain.
Communicate your mission's intent clearly, then empower your team to execute.
Always support your teammates, ensuring mutual protection and progress.
Break down complex problems into simple, actionable steps for your team.
Maintain rigorous discipline in all aspects of your leadership and operations.
Core Thesis
Effective leadership demands disciplined application of fundamental principles to dominate any challenge.
Mindset Shift
It fundamentally shifts leaders from a victim mentality to one of absolute ownership and strategic proactivity.