In Extremis Leadership: Leading As If Your Life Depended On It

by Thomas Kolditz

In this extraordinary book Col. Kolditz explains that his research on in extremis leadership, where followers perceive their lives to be threatened, reveals that the leadership lessons and principles in evidence in dangerous settings also apply to leading in business and everyday life. The book shows how leadership literally defines the promise of hope or future life and that extremely capable leaders are needed in all walks of life. The book describes a variety of high-risk situations that are ideal settings to seek and find great leaders, assess how they might be different, and to glean valuable insights for extraordinary leadership in our everyday lives. Through heart-stopping real-life stories of leaders in these extreme situations, Kolditz insists that leaders at all levels can improve their effectiveness.    

Genres: Leadership, Business, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kolditz writes about leadership based on his experiences overseeing the USMA’s competitive parachute-jump team and his general military experience. He broadens out the definition of “in extremis” leadership to include anyone serving in a role where life/death decisions are routinely made or that regularly place participants in imminent danger. Kolditz argues that extreme danger fundamentally changes the character of both leaders and followers in a unique way previously ignored by scholars in leadership studies. There’s an actual “type” of leader that performs best “in extremis.” Not only should more research center on the relationship between hazardous occupations and unique leadership styles, but the civilian world can learn important, universal lessons for the corporate sector. Some of these lessons are well-known from other volumes, but placed into starker relief here: an internal motivation toward excellence occurs best when there are no ‘do-overs,’ leadership must be in touch with their subordinates, all leaders should “be-know-do,” cultivation of competence is simultaneously cultivation of trust, managing fear/anxiety/worry and remaining focused on the outward environment and the solution through a problem.

[Ethan Sievers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good examples of leadership and entering that field. Might be more practical now than it was when I read this.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great observations and good principles for leaders in high risk situations but it was hard for me to assimilate take aways from this book. Possibly because of the authors wordy writing style.

[Jeff Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on Leadership. A must read.

[Richard Bistline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read and one of the most relevant books on leadership for public safety out there.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly some good concepts in the book regarding leadership.

[Javatis Midget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reminder of what leadership is about... Character is revealed when the situation becomes uncomfortable... Good book!

[Michael Teague · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent leadership book for fire service professionals.