Book of the Month - July 2024
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)
Admiral Willam H. McRaven - ISBN: 978-1538707944 - 2023
Author:
Admiral Willam H. McRaven
Admiral William H. McRaven is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.
Brief Synopsis:
The title “Bullfrog” is given to the Navy SEAL who has served the longest on active duty. Admiral McRaven was honored to receive this honor in 2011 when he took charge of the United States Special Operations Command. When McRaven retired in 2014, he had 37 years as a Navy SEAL under his belt, leading men and women at every level of the special operations community. In the ensuing four years, he served as Chancellor to the entire University of Texas System, with its 230,000 students and 100,000 faculty and health care workers.
During those four decades, Admiral McRaven dealt with every conceivable leadership challenge, from commanding combat operations—including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Phillips, and the raid for Osama bin Laden.
THE WISDOM OF THE BULLFROG draws on these and countless other experiences from Admiral McRaven’s incredible life, including crisis situations, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas, to provide readers with the most important leadership lessons he has learned over the course of his forty years of service. Each chapter provides a Make Your Bed-like parable, rich with insights like those featured in his bestselling memoir, Sea Stories, about the specific leadership traits required to be at the top of your game, including:
Who Dares, Wins
Run to the Sound of the Guns
No Plan Survives First Contact with the Enemy
THE WISDOM OF THE BULLFROG is Admiral McRaven’s clear-eyed treatise on the leadership qualities that separate the good from the truly great.
Insights:
“Show up early. Work hard. Stay late. Have a plan. Deliver on your promises. Share the hardships with the employees. Show that you care. Admit your mistakes. And—did I mention?—work hard.”
“Be decisive. Don't take too much counsel of your fears. Be thoughtful, but not paralyzed by indecision.”
“Be aggressive. When you see a problem, do something about it. That’s what is expected of leaders.”
“To live above the common level of life: to be noble when others may be unprincipled, to be honorable when others may be shameless, to be men and women of integrity when others may resort to dishonesty. What I found in leading an being led by great officers from all branches of service was the importance of character and having a personal code of honor to help guide you through the difficult times.”
“Measure the strength of your employees by their willingness to do the little tasks and do them well.”
Should I read it or skip it?
In short, yes, you should read it! I love how accessible Admiral McRaven’s books are.
To go deeper, here is a better review:
For those who don’t know, because Navy SEALs are often called “frogmen,” the longest-serving active duty Navy SEAL is referred to as “The Bullfrog.” Drawn from his time as the Bull Frog, Admiral William H. McRaven's The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a masterful guide on leadership, rooted in the timeless principles of honor, courage, and commitment. Pulling from different leadership sayings across all military branches, McRaven offers a straightforward, yet profound, blueprint for effective leadership.
Key Lessons:
Work Ethic and Commitment: McRaven emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. His mantra, "Show up early. Work hard. Stay late," underscores the relentless effort required to lead effectively. This advice is practical and inspiring, encouraging leaders to lead by example and share in the hardships of their teams.
Decisiveness: In a world often paralyzed by indecision, McRaven’s call to "Be decisive" is refreshing. He advises leaders to take thoughtful action without being hindered by fear, striking a balance between caution and decisiveness.
Integrity and Character: McRaven’s emphasis on character is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. He advocates for living "above the common level of life," highlighting the importance of integrity and personal honor. This principle resonates deeply, reminding leaders that their actions and values set the tone for their organizations.
Attention to Detail: The Admiral’s insight that the strength of employees is measured by their willingness to perform small tasks well is a testament to the importance of humility and attention to detail. This lesson reinforces the idea that no task is too small and that excellence in minor duties leads to overall success.
Proactivity: McRaven encourages leaders to be aggressive in tackling problems. His directive to "do something about it" when encountering issues is a powerful reminder that proactive leadership drives progress and resolves challenges effectively.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a compelling read for anyone in a leadership position. McRaven's straightforward advice, grounded in his military experience, offers valuable insights that are both timeless and timely. His emphasis on hard work, decisiveness, integrity, and proactive problem-solving provides a solid foundation for effective leadership. This book is not just a guide; it is a call to action for leaders to rise above mediocrity and lead with honor and excellence.
Highly recommended for leaders at all levels, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a testament to the enduring power of strong, principled leadership.
