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No Time For Spectators: The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing

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Why are the best leaders the ones who are most adept at following? What should we expect of those who have the privilege of leading? And what may leaders expect of those who follow them? Drawing upon a military career spanning more than four decades, General Martin Dempsey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, examines the limits of loyalty , the necessity of sensible skepticism , and the value of responsible rebelliousness , and explains why we actually should sweat the small stuff . No Time for Spectators takes readers behind the closed doors of the Situation Room, onto the battlefields of Iraq, and to the East German border at the height of the Cold War. It contends that relationships between leaders and followers―employers and employees, politicians and constituents, coaches and athletes, teachers and students―are most productive when based on certain key mutual expectations. The book begins from the premise that life is not a spectator sport. Especially not today, especially not at a time when issues are so complex, information is so pervasive, scrutiny is so intense, and the stakes are so high. No Time for Spectators may not be the answer to all of our problems, but it is a clarion call for those who are actually interested in solving them.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2020

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Martin Dempsey

17 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,811 reviews790 followers
December 28, 2020
This short book is not a memoir but a lesson about leadership. General Martin Dempsey was the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2011-2015). Prior to that he was Chief of Staff of the Army.

The book is well written and easy to read. Each chapter is a lesson of a key point of leadership Dempsey wants to make. Dempsey tells one or more stories from his life to illustrate his lesson. He starts with the importance of character and moves into the responsibilities of following; then the responsibilities and limits on loyalty both up and down. The rest of the chapters cover lessons on key points of leadership. I found the book most inspiring. I also enjoyed Dempsey’s singing at the end of the book. He has a good voice.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and twenty-nine minutes. Dempsey does an excellent job narrating his own book.
32 reviews
April 29, 2020
Throughout a career, opportunities arise giving way to a discussion we will remember for the rest of our lives. It may be we fumbled into our supervisor’s office to ask for guidance, or dinner on a business trip at the airport awaiting a connecting flight, and our boss reveals many aspects we never knew that helped shape the person they are today. That is what Gen. Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff gives us with “No Time for Spectators: The Lessons that Mattered Most from West Point to the West Wing.” Having read it in one sitting, it was an instant page turner. An intimate, warm, candid look at both the good and the bad from over four and a half decades in uniform. Gen. Dempsey gives us the lessons from his days at West Point as an unlikely cadet, to every level of command, to his final days as a four star general serving the President of the United States-spending equal parts on the mentoring he received from both his seniors and subordinates. “There is no time for spectators” encourages each and every one of us to be men and women of character that can help shape the lives of those around us. A must read!!! 10/10! This one is staying on the shelf for future reference!
Profile Image for Rochelle Saldaña.
212 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2021
A fascinating story of a life well “felt.” I thoroughly enjoyed the stories that became life lessons throughout this book.
Profile Image for Allison.
338 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2020
I listened to the Audible version read by General Dempsey. Not only did I find his stories very interesting, but it helped me get a better grasp on some of the jobs done at various title levels in the State Department and Pentagon. Before I listened, I had purchased this book for my father for Father's Day as a gift. That was a great choice!
Profile Image for p8steve.
11 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2020
If youre looking for an in-depth book concerning leadership, this isnt it. Most topics covered are brief, never spanning longer than a few pages. It was great, however, to read stories about his life that all led to being Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Easy and quick read- recommend
Profile Image for Joshua Bowen.
110 reviews44 followers
February 6, 2022
Really fantastic stories.
Simple read, but meaningful in its message: be clear in Ho you are and how you lead (priorities) and get going on living them out. Nothing life-changing from the pages really, but an important reminder for all leaders on that message.
I think this can serve as a great model for others to follow in a way. What is your leader philosophy - how do you lead? What guides your actions, attitudes, and priorities as a leader? What has shaped those (stories of experiences to reveal how you got there)? This is GEN Dempsey’s leader philosophy in a way. Something all of us can and should aim to replicate in some way for ourselves.
Profile Image for Dale.
1,093 reviews
May 28, 2020
Another incredible leadership book from the man that has proven himself a leader and influencer. From his time as a dishwasher before West Point to advising President Obama, General Dempsey pulls from his experiences over a life time of service to the nation to provide bite sized vignettes on leadership and integrity. A quick and easy read that I am sure I will return to time and again for advise. Already highlighted and marked up it will be within easy reach at work.
Profile Image for Heather.
419 reviews
June 7, 2020
Wisdom from one of the greatest- teaching through powerful stories and experiences over a celebrated career of service. Includes wonderful tributes to some familiar names! Definitely recommended for leaders of all levels.
Profile Image for Andrew Carr.
481 reviews120 followers
June 18, 2020
While not the kind of book I'd normally read, I bought it as I had been pleasantly surprised by Dempsey's previous book 'Radical Inclusion' on leadership theory. This is a more traditional 'life lessons from a career in the military' book, but it's still charming and engaging.

Dempsey examines several useful principles such as 'hurry but don't be quick', 'the limits of loyalty', 'sensible skepticism' and 'responsible rebelliousness', providing both personal anecdote and broader contemporary context. While none are exactly new, there is a freshness and directness to Dempsey's approach.

Though he plays the straight man in the stories, many of the anecdotes he offers feature him being embarrassed, making a mistake or somehow falling short. The rest of the section then covers how he tried to address it and why it matters to get it right. As such, Dempsey comes across not as 'Former Chairman with distinguished career', but a successful but fallible uncle who is sharper than everyone else around him but is far too courteous to ever let it on.

It's easy to be dismissive of this genre of leadership texts, but Dempsey's Radical Inclusion is a genuinely thoughtful text. This is a useful compendium to it, and a humanising one at that. I listened to this as an audiobook, and it's probably the best way to consume this book, not least because it is read by Martin Dempsey himself. Which just adds to the charm.
1 review
May 12, 2020
Common Expectations Trump Great Expectations

What does it mean to be alive and how do we honor this phenomenon? In his new book, _No Time for Spectators_, General Marty Dempsey isn’t concerned with whether you are a leader or a follower; his concern is that, while alive, you live a “felt” life. Using stories and experiences from his own life, General Dempsey unpacks this four-letter word until it morphs into its predecessor, “care.” If we feel, that means we care. And caring is the catalyst that nullifies the deadly siren calls of the sidelines. “Observing units large and small over the years, I could tell when caring became confidence. And I could see when confidence created an environment where both leaders and followers knew it was not just acceptable but expected to challenge each other and existing policies, provided one did so for the good of all and the success of the organization.”

Life is not a spectator sport, and General Dempsey is at his best when flushing out moments of clarity where the finality of death informs just how serious the business of living is. Spoiler: living a felt life is not done in isolation.

When the abstract concept of death in the Vietnam War crystallizes into the burial of a soldier he actually knew (his boss’s son-in-law) and into the palpable grief of the family, Dempsey (a West Point cadet walking back from the burial) finds new significance in the floating blocks of ice on the Hudson. Water in its moving form is juxtaposed to water in its frozen form, just as a vibrant, young cadet is juxtaposed to a valiant, dead soldier. What does it mean? Never nothing.

Many years later while battling cancer, General Dempsey undergoes a similarly unsettling experience, this time from the opposite side of the metaphor. “When she came into the kitchen, I stood—or tried to stand—and found that I couldn’t. It was a strange sensation. I couldn’t tell if I was too weak to stand or couldn’t remember how. All I knew was that I couldn’t stand, and I didn’t know why. ... Is this what it feels like to be near death?”

General Dempsey’s message is that, despite the challenges of our times, we must avoid finding the sidelines more enticing than a life of engagement. And that life of engagement must be as critically concerned with HOW we achieve as WHAT we achieve. The more frequently we participate and welcome inclusion, as leaders and followers, the more successfully we’ll achieve better outcomes because an inclusive approach allows us to develop a set of common expectations that in turn allows us to claim a genuine stake in the outcome. Trusting followers to participate meaningfully in problem solving increases their trust in leadership. The alternative is a life half-frozen with experiences so little-felt that we no longer remember how we got there, or how to care. What does it mean? Never nothing.

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,/ Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” says Hamlet, the Shakespearean character best known for “hesitating.” General Dempsey, however, invites us to give up the ghost of an unfelt life by elucidating just what those vital things are in heaven and earth that continue to inform his choices, create meaning in his life, challenge his assumptions, and render the sidelines off-limits. His personal experiences are unique to him, but the lessons are accessible to all.

General Dempsey is a trained literary critic with a Master’s degree in English literature, pursued for the purpose of thinking better in order to create space to think differently and to hold space for how others think differently. Themes of connection and teamwork are woven seamlessly through nine chapters strategically jam-packed with memorable vignettes that speak volumes. And if connection and teamwork are the longitudinal warp of this particular fabric, “listening” is the latitudinal weft that places better outcomes within reach. He deftly frames the skill of listening as one of the lenses through which to view these nine aphorisms (life lessons explored in each chapter) when introducing a former boss, Mr. Martin, whose particular skill happened to be the fine art of tuning the radio. ‘”I have an ear for precision,” he told me, carefully turning the dial with only the first three fingers of his right hand.” Listening wasn’t a spectator sport for Mr. Martin. He was actively working to refine and clarify what he heard, literally tuning in as precisely as he could. General Dempsey adopts and adapts this activity to work metaphorically through such vital mindsets as being passionately curious, getting out of himself, exercising sensible skepticism, and never forgetting that character matters.

“I never did master the fine art of tuning that radio.” says a remarkably humble former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but the stories that unfold belie that assessment. _No Time for Spectators_ represents the fine art of tuning a life to a frequency “felt” for the enrichment of all.
Profile Image for Nick.
243 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
Dempsey organizes his leadership lessons in a unique way, providing topics and anecdotes rather than using a traditional autobiographical format or professing to have a unique leadership model. As such, he avoids the pitfall of providing the reader endless anecdotes that may seem insightful to a non-uniformed reader, but are generally mundane for those in uniform. Instead, Dempsey provides seemingly common-sense, yet very important, lessons on how to be an effective leader. He is not afraid to highlight some of his own mistakes at all points in his career while showing how he learned from them. Dempsey also notably avoids trying to score any political points (although some may see his examples of leadership as challenging public leaders who lack those qualities), as other generals have done regarding Bush's decision to invade Iraq and Obama's policies towards Iran and Syria. This decision serves Dempsey well as such efforts (such as in Mattis' recent biography) can be distracting and sometimes show a failure to understand issues beyond a view based on the military and the threat of war.

Dempsey also does a good job selecting leadership examples that would make this book engaging for somebody about to enter the military, or a general taking on a new position in the Pentagon. Although Dempsey does not provide a particular model of leadership or any deep insight, his success, good nature, and humble stories might just show us that models and those professing unique insight are generally overrated compared to being able to reflect on ones own experiences.
336 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2020
General Dempsey writes that “life is a journey that must be felt to be meaningful, that it will always surprise us, and that it is an opportunity to be experienced by participation, not by observation.” This book is more than that statement, but that clarity is why this book is so good. There is no time for spectators. He was not a spectator.

I believe this is a book that will benefit a person early in their career for lessons in leadership. I look back and see how his lessons, one in each chapter, would have been great perspective for me in my career. Intuitively, I got some of his lessons right and missed many others. And now, even with retired life as my career, I see that I don’t need to be a spectator going forward. I liked this book from the beginning to the end. It’s one of the best, if not the best, book on leadership I have read, and very motivating. Well done Martin Dempsey!
Profile Image for Kate.
12 reviews
May 29, 2020
I usually stick with fiction books...murder, romance and mystery. I started following Martin Dempsey on twitter. (One of the few people I follow on twitter) As a newer leader in the business world, I thought this would be a good book to read. I never thought I would finish in less than a week. Great book for all leaders and future leaders whether at home, work and throughout life. “Don’t hurry,” “sensible skepticism,” “lead up.” All words of advice that will help me grow as a leader. I most recently quoted NCIS Mike Franks rule #3 “don’t believe what you’re told...double check” at work. Sensible skepticism” will be my new phrase. I want to grow as a leader and grow my team to one day lead. Making sure they have all the resources they need, keeping calm under pressure, having that sense of sensible skepticism. A great read for everyone, not just leaders.
Profile Image for Douglas Meyer.
88 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2020
GEN Dempsey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Army, imparts timeless wisdom through down-t0-earth stories of his life of service. His accessible prose and engaging style makes this a very easy read. At just over 200-pages, it isn't too long of a read either. He breaks the book down by key lessons that he uses to frame his leadership theory/mantra, "No Time for Spectators." Each lesson/tenet comes with various stories/illustrations from across his time at USMA and various jobs throughout his years of service. I highly recommend this read for military and DoD leaders of all ranks/positions.
120 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2020
Excellent account from the former Chairman of Joint Chiefs.
Instead of many in this genre that is a memoir that disguieses itself as a leadership book, this really does focus on leadership essentials using stories from his life. Interestingly, he shows where these apply at all stages of his life--from being at West Point in the early 70s to being a Chairman of Joint Chiefs.

I also appreciate how his accounts are not all perfect, but they all give great lessons.
I find my favorites on being a follower, having character, and having moments of great clarity.

Overall, excellent book.
Profile Image for Allie.
1,063 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2020
Enjoyed this book far more than I hoped and drew a few leadership nuggets: 1) focus on relationships whose time investment you cannot control – once those are set, you participate virtually and then invest in the relationships you can control, 2) inclusive leaders encourage you to contribute even when a topic is out of your area of expertise, 3) it’s not just WHAT we accomplish but HOW, 4) character is revealed in the quiet moments when no one is watching, 5) everything we do should be to support trust, 6) loyalty has its limits when ethics are involved, and 7) “social media moves issues and swings attitudes at an unbelievable pace” and must be addressed immediately.
Profile Image for Dean Wilson.
13 reviews
July 10, 2022
I finished this book in a day. I was initially skeptical, I’ve read Mattis’ book, which got me into reading with his view that you’re functionally illiterate if you haven’t read hundreds of books, and therefore didn’t hold much hope for any other General.

This is a good book, with some decent takeaways. But I felt it could have added a little bit more. It felt like a wave top explanation of his key principles, which I felt could have been critiqued a little further. Some of the stories, I felt, lost the overall message or were tenuous.

However, don’t let that negativity prevent you from reading what is a good book on a high profile military leader’s view and experience of leadership.
Profile Image for Chris Hansen.
128 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2020
Mandatory Reading for every CEO
Dempsey puts to rest many of the cliches of management consulting wisdom touted by so called experts from top tier firms and businesses schools. Dempsey reminds us that we have to sweat the small stuff, character matters, loyalty is required and bidirectional, taking measures risk is necessary, and change is constant. He highlights the importance of training and accountability and that after actions reviews are indispensable. Corporate culture needs Dempsey’s practical wisdom now more than ever. This is leadership!
30 reviews
May 25, 2020
This book was much better than Radical Inclusion and highlights leadership lessons that can be applied broadly across multiple careers or interests. The lessons are each backed with personal stories from GEN Dempsey’s career, this personal touch makes the lessons relatable and for those of us in the military really demonstrates how they apply at multiple levels of responsibility.

I had a hard time putting this book down!
Profile Image for Hedro Hethcock.
7 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2020
Dempsey provides numerous leadership lessons via the art of storytelling making for an easy and entertaining read. More than just entertainment however, the sage advice within is timeless and very relevant in today’s chaotic and complex COVID-19 environment. NTFS is also apropos for navigating challenging issues of diversity, respect, and justice; the advice proffered encourages the reader to get off the sidelines and engage. A must for every leader, especially military members.
Profile Image for Jason.
Author 11 books28 followers
February 15, 2021
This book gets 5 stars for being one of the most readable leadership books I’ve ever read. Books on leadership are too often over philosophical, or just filled with catch phrases and bulleted to-do action list. General Dempsey uses the stories of his interesting—and wildly successful—career to demonstrate how to be a good follower, leader, and teammate. There are leadership lessons to be learned for all levels of leaders, on all matters of importance.
Profile Image for James H. Doty.
1 review2 followers
May 11, 2020
Perhaps the finest leadership book I have ever read A must read for all leaders, Civilian and Military alike An easy read with profound meaning and insights that can only come from a man born to lead. It not only gives lessons and examples on how to be a superb leader, it teaches lessons on how to live a better “felt life”. Don’t miss this book.
1 review2 followers
May 17, 2020
An absolutely wonderful book. I’ve been a student of leaderships for more than 20 years now, and I have always found books like No Time for Spectators to be among the best. People learn best through stories, and the reflections of senior leaders, looking back on an entire career, are some of the best, most informative stories out there. Highly recommended!
111 reviews
October 9, 2020
The general hopes his book is "not too self-aggrandizing." What a decent person. I could tell by the indistinct, black & white cover photo that this book lacked conceit and boastfulness.
Don't hurry - don't rush to judgment, sweat the small stuff, and develop sensible skepticism are timely themes.
Profile Image for Emily&Michael.
7 reviews
June 16, 2020
Excellent leadership advice.

GEN Dempsey distill a lifetime of leadership into principles applicable to anyone who must interact with and therefore, lead, other people. That is as very large group who could benefit from this book.
Profile Image for Kenzo Murray.
1 review
June 21, 2020
General Dempsey shares his invaluable opinion of vital characteristics for leadership spanning from the uniformed service to cashier. You will be more prepared to achieve your best self having read this book.
Profile Image for Thor Toms.
103 reviews
July 10, 2020
A nice short book with lots of interesting ideas. Each chapter is theme and Dempsey uses stories from his life to reinforce each value. The stories jump around in time which I found distracting, but the points made are well worth the effort.
Profile Image for Jens.
481 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2021
Solid book and fun to read with the usual stories about failures, which might surprise you for someone that eventually ends up on the highest levels. But "usual" is the key-word here. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that will particularly stick with me.
Profile Image for Steve Brown.
135 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2023
Really liked all of the lessons he shared. Lots of failures and successes and learnings from both. Appreciated that he used names when giving credit and omitted names when the story wasn't flattering.
Profile Image for Neil sullivan.
25 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2025
Great book on leadership characteristics and values. A book full of stories that lead to important lessons without any of the frills you find in other books.

Highly recommend to anyone in a leadership position.
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