Insights from ‘Extreme Ownership’ by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Question 1

What are the two types of leaders according to Leif Babin?

Answer 1

Effective and ineffective leaders.

Question 2

True or False: Decentralized command allows smaller teams to make independent decisions within the limits of the broader mission.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Define ‘Commander’s Intent’.

Answer 3

Commander’s Intent is the broader mission goal that allows subordinate leaders to make decisions within defined parameters to achieve the mission.

Question 4

Why is ‘Commander’s Intent’ important in decentralized command?

Answer 4

It empowers junior leaders to make decisions based on the mission’s goals, enabling quick adaptation to changes without direct orders.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Effective leaders exhibit _________.

Answer 5

Extreme Ownership

Question 6

What must every tactical-level team leader understand?

Answer 6

They must understand both what to do and why they are doing it.

Question 7

True or False: Junior leaders in a decentralized command operate on their own program without guidelines.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

How does ‘Extreme Ownership’ apply when leaders delegate decision-making?

Answer 8

Leaders take responsibility for outcomes even when they aren’t in direct control by setting clear intents and limits.

Question 9

List three qualities from ‘The Dichotomy of Great Leadership’.

Answer 9

Humble not passive, confident not cocky, courageous not foolhardy.

Question 10

In Jocko’s example, what should Navy Seals do if a rooftop offers poor cover for providing fire support?

Answer 10

They should choose an alternative location, like the 3rd floor, to fulfill the mission intent effectively.

Question 11

Explain the concept of ‘left and right limits’ in decentralized command.

Answer 11

These are the boundaries within which junior leaders can make decisions to fulfill the mission intent.

Question 12

What does ‘quiet not silent’ mean in the context of leadership dichotomy?

Answer 12

It means a leader should be calm and composed but still engage and communicate when necessary.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: A great leader is ________, not overbearing.

Answer 13

aggressive

Question 14

True or False: A leader should always be in direct control of every decision to have Extreme Ownership.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What is the role of junior leaders when they don’t understand the mission’s intent?

Answer 15

They must ask their leader to clarify the mission’s purpose and limits.

Question 16

How can a leader balance opposing forces effectively?

Answer 16

By recognizing and managing the dichotomy in leadership qualities, adapting as needed.