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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Wisdom of the Bullfrog summary
Admiral William H. McRaven
Leadership Made Simple (but Not Easy)
17 mins
Brief summary
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven is a collection of inspiring stories and lessons on leadership, courage, and resilience from his military career and personal experiences, encouraging readers to never give up and always strive for their goals.
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The Wisdom of the Bullfrog
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Death before dishonor
Honor is the foundation of great leadership. But what does it mean? The answer is clear: doing the right things for the right reasons. When you do things with honor, your colleagues will follow you through thick and thin.
The phrase “death before dishonor” probably originated with the Greek Stoics. Later, Julius Caesar is purported to have said, “I love the name of honor more than I fear death.” In more modern times, Marine Sergeant John Basilone, who was the only person to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross in World War II, had the motto tattooed on his left arm. In his honor, the United States Marine Corps has, unofficially, adopted the motto.
In 2014, when Admiral McRaven was giving a speech about leadership to cadets at the United States Military Academy, he told them that leadership is difficult. He explained that human interaction, especially during times of difficulty, is pretty daunting. Those who do it well earn respect – but, unfortunately, doing it badly is all too common.
The Cadet Honor Code reads, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” Based on this foundation, the United States Military Academy is able to produce “leaders of character,” people who will be principled, honorable, and honest.
If you want to be a great leader, you, too, need a code of conduct. This will provide you with a compass to guide your decisions and actions. You may sometimes make poor decisions or act stupidly, but you must always be honorable.
Sometimes people say that it can be hard to know what the right thing to do is. Admiral McRaven is here to tell you that no, it isn’t. You’re always going to know the right thing to do – it’s just that sometimes it will be hard to do it. Sometimes, it won’t be possible, and you’ll fail. Other times, it will be hard because of the way it will affect your colleagues or friends. But that’s what good leadership is about.
So follow that honor code. Remember always to treat others as you would have them treat you. Be honest in all your business dealings. Don’t lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do. And when you do have a lapse in judgment, own it, correct it, and return to being the honorable person you are.
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What is The Wisdom of the Bullfrog about?
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog (2023) draws on the experiences and leadership challenges faced over the 40-year career of a former American naval admiral to provide timeless guidance on what it takes to be a successful leader.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog Review
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog (2021) is an insightful book by Admiral William H. McRaven that provides valuable lessons on leadership and life. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories, it offers actionable advice on leadership and personal growth.
- Using powerful anecdotes and examples, the book highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges.
- With its compelling storytelling and thought-provoking insights, the book keeps readers engaged and provides valuable lessons for success.
Who should read The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?
- Leaders aspiring to lead better
- Anyone interested in the origins of some well-known words of wisdom
- Lovers of good storytelling
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The Wisdom of the Bullfrog FAQs
What is the main message of The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?
The main message of The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is to embrace resilience and adaptability in life's challenges.
How long does it take to read The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?
The reading time for The Wisdom of the Bullfrog varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Wisdom of the Bullfrog a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on navigating challenges with wisdom and grace.
Who is the author of The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?
The author of The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is Admiral William H. McRaven.
What to read after The Wisdom of the Bullfrog?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Wisdom of the Bullfrog, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet
- Learning Leadership by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
- The Hero Code by William H. McRaven
- The Power of a Positive Team by Jon Gordon
- No Bullsh*t Leadership by Christ Hirst
- What Philosophy Can Teach You About Being a Better Leader by Alison Reynolds
- Sea Stories by William H. McRaven
- Leadership Is Language by David Marquet
- The 80/20 CEO by Bill Canady
- Good to Great by Jim Collins