Adapt or Die: 10th Anniversary Special Edition

by Rick Lynch, Mark Dagostino (Primary Contributor)

"If the idea of adaptive leadership didn't matter to you before the pandemic hit, it sure as hell should matter to you now." Your company needs you to lead. Your family needs you to lead. The world needs you to lead. So how do you lead when unforeseen circumstances come along and rip the rug out from under you? It's simple. You adapt. How? For one thing, you turn to the principles found in this book. Putting people first. Setting priorities. Achieving work-life balance. Mastering time management. Developing physical and spiritual fitness in order to build resiliency... Lieutenant General Rick Lynch developed a strikingly successful approach to supporting our troops and their families during his storied 35-year career in the Army, and spent the next ten years working directly with thousands of senior executives and their direct reports across Corporate America to make their companies-and their lives-stronger, too. In this 10th Anniversary Edition of Adapt or Die , Rick speaks from experience to explore the needs of corporate leaders with more specificity than ever, with a brand-new look at how individuals and companies alike can better adapt in a post-pandemic world-and how each of us can fearlessly prepare for whatever comes next. Are you prepared to adapt?

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

350 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dan Feliciano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines the characteristics of a true leader and subsequently why there are so few

I was a consultant to IMCOM when Gen Lynch took command. This book is the man and leader I met!

[Barry Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, clear principles on leadership from a leader proven in the fire of politics and war. In many ways affirming that care for people comes first though the decisions are often difficult.

[Carson Outlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild career. Ft. Hood family time and the Sons of Iraq program are the best examples of Lynch’s approach.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Adapt or Die: Battle-Tested Principles for Leaders, retired Lieutenant General Rick Lynch shares the wisdom he learned as a decorated officer and leader in the US Army. A graduate of West Point, with a Masters Degree from M.I.T., Lynch has had a distinguished career where he served in leadership in various capacities. Adapt or Die shares what he learned as he pursued excellence in leadership.

Adapt or DieThis book is a 'success memoir.' Lynch talks about moments he felt like quitting but didn't (like at West Point or MIT), his superior work ethic, the things he learned from good mentors (and a few bad leaders), how he responded to people's needs and concerns, the ways he implemented new technology, the way he crafted a 'family first culture,' and the role of his faith in his leadership. Lynch is vulnerable about where he struggled to control his anger, his sometimes faulting attempts at availability, and his desire to lead in ways that reflected his faith. He also talks about difficult and defining moments in his career (i.e. new roles, and new situations, losing soldiers under his charge, etc). But for the most part, this book is about wisdom hard-won throughout his illustrious military career.

This is a quick read with some good insights. Some of the chapters are punctuated by 'Lynch's Leadership Principles' (which are also collected in an appendix. Because Lynch is a Christian, he also shares Bible verses that inspire his leadership and shares some of his faith journey.

Personally I didn't resonate with Lynch's leadership sloganeering and have issues with the shallow way he appropriates scripture. Yet he was a successful military officer with a wealth of leadership experience. Most of it is of the variety of work-hard- don't-quit-and-treat-people-right variety. All good stuff. Lynch executed leadership well, but don't expect new insights. I give this three and a half stars.

Note: I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my Honest review

[Lee Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick lived the life he describes in "Adapt Or Die." It is written as a book on leadership, but is actually much more than that - it is a book on how to live. Rick desired to be a leader, and sought greater leadership responsibilities his entire career. Many people do not seek those responsibilities, and yet the principles for living a good life in a free country are the same, and can be boiled down to the Golden Rule: Do Unto Other As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. In "Adapt Or Die," Rick articulates the principles that guided his personal behavior, and they fall within the parameters of the Golden Rule. For example, he discusses how to say no to no - i.e. how to persevere against obstacles. Boiled down: be respectful, but persevere. Same on dealing with international cultures. Boiled down: be respectful and considerate, reach for understanding - and persevere. The message is clear and consistent across a range of personal experiences including meeting with Al Qaeda operatives bent on killing him. Rick's view is one of maintaining situational awareness (i.e. be smart and informed), know your opponent, seek out common ground, and be ready to strike if need be. Many of us are concerned that our country might have lost its way, and Rick seems to share that sentiment and addresses the issues subtly. Anyone desiring to be a better leader or a better person will do well to read and apply Rick's lessons on "Adapt Or Die."

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through the goodreads program.

A great text founded on the value laden leadership of a former 3 star general, who graduated from West Point. The book highlights various leadership actions that the general believes contributed to his success, and the value laden behaviors that contributed to those action.

The book was an easy read. Had I not had surgery and misplaced the book, it would have been completed in a matter of days.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very readable account of Rick Lynch's journey from his childhood through 35 years in the U S Army. In telling the story of that journey, he shares the leadership principles that he learned along the way. These leadership principles are equally applicable in the corporate environment.

[Martha Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a powerful book. Every obstacle can be an opportunitythe most important piece of furniture in our house is the mirror. everyday when you look in the mirror, the reflection looking back should be someone who is making a difference for the greater good. Someone who will do there very best in any particular day.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock-full of great advice on leadership and life, from a man who lives it everyday. This is a must read for everyone! Thank you, Lt Gen (Ret) Rick Lynch, for the words of wisdom and for your service.

I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.

[Lori Ben-ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This easy to read gem provides easy to implement objectives to become a more effective leader.

[Brent M · Rating 4 out of 5]

great insights about being a leader and developing your own leadership skills by a 3-star general that spent 35 years in the Army making the skills work as a leader