Just Another Leadership Book

Take Command - Lessons in Leadership: How to be a First Responder in Business by Jake Wood is, as the title says, just another leadership book.  Practically, the book can be summarized into four simple words (which just happen to be his main topics):  prepare, analyze, decide, act.  These are not earth-shattering concepts by any stretch, yet the author does link personal experiences to appropriately explain what he means. 

The explanatory language of the book is slightly misleading.  Yes, the author was a military sniper and headed Team Rubicon; however, the book does not explicitly tie the military training to the leadership lessons.  There are some anecdotal stories, but that is not the main focus of the book.  If you are looking for a book that highlights the military training and leadership lessons that are gleaned from those experiences, well, this book is not the right one for you.  If you are a rabid Wisconsin Badgers fan, then you should probably read the book. 

I do commend the author, and his colleagues, for founding the humanitarian organization Team Rubicon.  This organization serves as the primary focus of the book -- how the four principles mentioned above were utilized in various scenarios of Team Rubicon's creation, expansion, and missions.  If you have some funding that you wish to give to a philanthropic organization, this one should be considered.

Again, it was another run-of-the-mill leadership book; but do not think I believe it is worthless.  Leadership books are a dime a dozen and this one is no different.  It does have solid suggestions and some great quotes.  The key for you as a leader though is simple -- know who you are and why you exist.  From that point onward, the correct strategy is easier to identify and implement. 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.