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24/7: The First Person You Must Lead Is You
The real-life experiences portrayed in 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead is YOU are told with a combination of introspective humor and heart-wrenching candor that will inspire you to consider your approach to leadership from a new perspective—you. The stories author Becky Halstead, retired Brigadier General, United States Army, shares in this book illustrate leadership principles that transcend age, gender, race, and profession. Her personal leadership journey will capture your attention and cause you to re-evaluate how you define leadership – whether you are a corporate CEO or a high school student.
The book presents the author’s five fundamental leadership truths, followed by her key leadership principles, which ultimately lead you to her inspirational definition of leadership. The principles and supporting personal stories cover a lifetime of leadership from playing sports in high school to taking responsibility for over twenty thousand soldiers and civilians in combat as a general officer in Iraq. Becky has built highly successful teams in demanding environments and stressful situations. In 24/7 she shares with you the heart and mind traits and skills that allowed her to do so. The book also provides multi-leadership the author as a leader, the one being led, a peer leader, and as an individual who becomes part of an enduring leadership legacy.
She explains how to learn from both toxic and ideal work environments and bosses. This book is a much needed guide that reminds you what is really important when you are in a position of leadership. Becky has effectively translated lessons learned as a child growing up in small town USA, as a member of the second class of women to attend the United States Military Academy, and as the first female general to command at the strategic level, to a practical guide for use in the civilian world. In recent years, women in the military -- especially in combat -- have been the center of controversial discussions and congressional policy. While not her intent, these stories also educate those of you unfamiliar with the role of women in the military, providing a new understanding of the greater effectiveness of a military that includes them.
Her stories are humorous, sad, celebratory, intense, and consistently relevant. Because they range over a life-time—from being a junior level leader responsible for a small team to being a senior level leader with a complex mission and a widely diverse team—the stories provide a relatable path of lessons in self-leadership. Becky’s authenticity and unique experiences enhance her powerful messages. 24/7 is a book that you will want to refer to again and again as you find yourself in tough positions as a leader or as the person being led.
The book presents the author’s five fundamental leadership truths, followed by her key leadership principles, which ultimately lead you to her inspirational definition of leadership. The principles and supporting personal stories cover a lifetime of leadership from playing sports in high school to taking responsibility for over twenty thousand soldiers and civilians in combat as a general officer in Iraq. Becky has built highly successful teams in demanding environments and stressful situations. In 24/7 she shares with you the heart and mind traits and skills that allowed her to do so. The book also provides multi-leadership the author as a leader, the one being led, a peer leader, and as an individual who becomes part of an enduring leadership legacy.
She explains how to learn from both toxic and ideal work environments and bosses. This book is a much needed guide that reminds you what is really important when you are in a position of leadership. Becky has effectively translated lessons learned as a child growing up in small town USA, as a member of the second class of women to attend the United States Military Academy, and as the first female general to command at the strategic level, to a practical guide for use in the civilian world. In recent years, women in the military -- especially in combat -- have been the center of controversial discussions and congressional policy. While not her intent, these stories also educate those of you unfamiliar with the role of women in the military, providing a new understanding of the greater effectiveness of a military that includes them.
Her stories are humorous, sad, celebratory, intense, and consistently relevant. Because they range over a life-time—from being a junior level leader responsible for a small team to being a senior level leader with a complex mission and a widely diverse team—the stories provide a relatable path of lessons in self-leadership. Becky’s authenticity and unique experiences enhance her powerful messages. 24/7 is a book that you will want to refer to again and again as you find yourself in tough positions as a leader or as the person being led.
- GenresBusinessLeadership
ebook
First published December 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 1, 2024
This was a good book on leadership and I like how Halstead shared the importance of leading with both your heart and mind. I liked Halstead's leadership principles and her stories on leadership experiences when she was in the Army. Her stories were impactful when dealing with emotional intelligence and self-awareness when she led teams through combat zones and oversees. I'm not the biggest fan of the underlying religious themes because they felt a bit pushy sometimes and there were some stories I rolled my eyes at because they came off as boastful but overall it's a good read on leadership skills.
September 16, 2020
The real-life experiences and leadership stories portrayed in “24/7: The First Person You Must Lead is YOU” by Brigadier General (Ret.) Rebecca Halstead is filled with humor, candor, and insights that capture one’s attention. This book is eye-opening and articulately well-written. It easily connects and inspires readers to approach leadership in a new prospective. Halstead delivered her humble messages in a way that as if she was having a private conversation with the reader or if the reader was there side by side during her journeys.
The book consists of three parts: five leadership fundamental truths; thirty leadership principles for daily living and leading; followed by her inspirational leadership philosophy for both military and corporate leaders.
The five leadership fundamental truths capture the author’s view in being a leader – it is a choice that requires a lot of discipline and courage to do the right thing, as well as having the responsibility to coach, teach, and mentor. One may suggest her greatest accomplishment in the military was being the first female general officer or her many other “first.” Though, “leaving a legacy of leaders who choose to lead with character and competence” (pg. 8) was the type of success she preferred. She continues to set an example, serving others, and to hold herself accountable. Would that make you want to re-evaluate your definition of success? How about the qualities that others want to see in a leader?
Halstead also shared many of her valuable lessons and wisdom on how to become a better leader through her military career, while addressing some of her challenges with gender and how women were transcended in the military. One of my favorite stories of hers was the cheeseburger story (pg. 196). On one occasion, her driver offered to pick up some lunch from Burger King for her. Halstead asked for two plain cheeseburgers and the driver confirmed the orders twice before heading out. The cheeseburger she received was just a piece of meat and a slice of cheese. What she had wanted was regular cheeseburger with condiments, nothing fancy from the menu. As a senior officer, she admitted it was her fault for not communicating effectively vice of blaming the driver for mixing up the order. Her “response-ability” (pg. 130) in this situation encouraged and inspired this soldier’s decision to volunteer to work for her again. Being authentic, approachable, and impactful are some of the greatest qualities one can have as a leader. Precise communication and forthcoming with your mistakes are as important especially when you are in a leadership role.
Other thought-provoking quotes –
“When you step out of your comfort zone, you grow as a leader” (pg. 71)
“Upholding the standards and holding yourself accountable are nonnegotiable if you want to be effective, inspirational, and influential leader.” (pg. 90)
“Sharing both the good and bad is important for learning and professional development, yours and those you lead. Sharing your mistakes may also prevent others from having to endure the same sort of mistakes later in their own lives.” (pg. 243)
“Being affective means choosing the right people, at the right time, and for the right mission. When we are effective, we put faces on the data and celebrate the outcome.” (pg. 257)
“Discovering and fulfilling your purpose is intimately aligned with the choices you make, the discipline you practice, the values you cherish, and the attitude with which you approach life’s shifting sands.” (pg. 294)
This book showcased Halstead’s patriotic love for her country; passion for her work; and her heart-wrenching candor that will inspire YOU to be a change agent. This is truly a refreshing read that reminds aspiring leaders the fundamentals of leadership, staying true to one self while upholding the standards. 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead is YOU is a book that you can refer back to over and over again. It is certainly relatable to all level of leaders in any organization, but more so for young officers and enlisted personnel in the military.
The book consists of three parts: five leadership fundamental truths; thirty leadership principles for daily living and leading; followed by her inspirational leadership philosophy for both military and corporate leaders.
The five leadership fundamental truths capture the author’s view in being a leader – it is a choice that requires a lot of discipline and courage to do the right thing, as well as having the responsibility to coach, teach, and mentor. One may suggest her greatest accomplishment in the military was being the first female general officer or her many other “first.” Though, “leaving a legacy of leaders who choose to lead with character and competence” (pg. 8) was the type of success she preferred. She continues to set an example, serving others, and to hold herself accountable. Would that make you want to re-evaluate your definition of success? How about the qualities that others want to see in a leader?
Halstead also shared many of her valuable lessons and wisdom on how to become a better leader through her military career, while addressing some of her challenges with gender and how women were transcended in the military. One of my favorite stories of hers was the cheeseburger story (pg. 196). On one occasion, her driver offered to pick up some lunch from Burger King for her. Halstead asked for two plain cheeseburgers and the driver confirmed the orders twice before heading out. The cheeseburger she received was just a piece of meat and a slice of cheese. What she had wanted was regular cheeseburger with condiments, nothing fancy from the menu. As a senior officer, she admitted it was her fault for not communicating effectively vice of blaming the driver for mixing up the order. Her “response-ability” (pg. 130) in this situation encouraged and inspired this soldier’s decision to volunteer to work for her again. Being authentic, approachable, and impactful are some of the greatest qualities one can have as a leader. Precise communication and forthcoming with your mistakes are as important especially when you are in a leadership role.
Other thought-provoking quotes –
“When you step out of your comfort zone, you grow as a leader” (pg. 71)
“Upholding the standards and holding yourself accountable are nonnegotiable if you want to be effective, inspirational, and influential leader.” (pg. 90)
“Sharing both the good and bad is important for learning and professional development, yours and those you lead. Sharing your mistakes may also prevent others from having to endure the same sort of mistakes later in their own lives.” (pg. 243)
“Being affective means choosing the right people, at the right time, and for the right mission. When we are effective, we put faces on the data and celebrate the outcome.” (pg. 257)
“Discovering and fulfilling your purpose is intimately aligned with the choices you make, the discipline you practice, the values you cherish, and the attitude with which you approach life’s shifting sands.” (pg. 294)
This book showcased Halstead’s patriotic love for her country; passion for her work; and her heart-wrenching candor that will inspire YOU to be a change agent. This is truly a refreshing read that reminds aspiring leaders the fundamentals of leadership, staying true to one self while upholding the standards. 24/7: The First Person You Must Lead is YOU is a book that you can refer back to over and over again. It is certainly relatable to all level of leaders in any organization, but more so for young officers and enlisted personnel in the military.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2016
This book was amazing! Great for anyone who is an aspiring or experienced leader. Even if you aren't or don't want to become a leader this book is still a must read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews