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Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women
Ask yourself honestly, is your professional life going according to plan? If you are not developing your leadership skills, there is an essential element missing from your efforts for success. "Leading from the Front" will show you how to start leading your life rather than allowing your life to lead you.
Many women have never received formal leadership training. They weren't taught to be decisive, commanding, and ready to take risks. But it's never too late to change. Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch weren't born leaders-they became leaders during their years in the U.S. Marine Corps, enduring some of the toughest training on earth. Now they pass the leadership know-how and experience from that training on to you.
Drawing on their years as Marine Corps officers and successful private consultants, Morgan and Lynch deliver 10 key practices to becoming a powerful leader. You'll improve your decision making, focus, and performance as you learn to Set an inspiring example Think fast on your feet Stop making excuses Take care of your team (so they'll take care of you) Respond without overreacting Stay cool while dealing with crises Have the courage to achieve your goals
Learn how to effectively take on any challenge that comes your way-with the confidence you need to lead like the toughest Marine, but with a woman's touch.
Many women have never received formal leadership training. They weren't taught to be decisive, commanding, and ready to take risks. But it's never too late to change. Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch weren't born leaders-they became leaders during their years in the U.S. Marine Corps, enduring some of the toughest training on earth. Now they pass the leadership know-how and experience from that training on to you.
Drawing on their years as Marine Corps officers and successful private consultants, Morgan and Lynch deliver 10 key practices to becoming a powerful leader. You'll improve your decision making, focus, and performance as you learn to Set an inspiring example Think fast on your feet Stop making excuses Take care of your team (so they'll take care of you) Respond without overreacting Stay cool while dealing with crises Have the courage to achieve your goals
Learn how to effectively take on any challenge that comes your way-with the confidence you need to lead like the toughest Marine, but with a woman's touch.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2006
41 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Angie Morgan
3 books18 followersAngie is a proven leader, successful entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and a sought-after guide who helps others become the best leaders they know.
Angie wasn’t born a leader. She became a leader after she graduated from the University of Michigan and earned her commission as a United States Marine Corps Officer, where she was one of only 1,000 women managers in an organization 175,000 strong. Angie endured some of the toughest training on earth to build her leadership and risk-taking skills, which she’s applied in her personal and professional life to achieve success. Today, she’s honored to share these exact same skills through her work as a keynote speaker, consultant, coach, and advisor inside the world’s top organizations.
After Angie left active duty in 2001, she rose through the ranks quickly as a pharmaceutical sales representative before transitioning out of corporate America to launch her consultancy, Lead Star, in 2004. Through her business, she’s been honored to partner with exceptional clients to include Google, Facebook, Oracle, Boston Scientific, Marathon Oil, Walmart, and many smaller – and equally impressive – small businesses and organizations.
Angie’s been a featured guest on CNN, FOX News, and CNBC. Her thought leadership has been published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Inc., and Entrepreneur. She’s the author of the New York Times Best-Selling SPARK, Leading from the Front, and the soon-to-be released Bet on You, which will be the game-changing book for professionals who are contemplating taking risks in their lives.
Angie has an MBA from the Ross School of Business. She’s an avid athlete who competes in marathons and triathlons … and is never one to turn down a push-up competition. She’s also the mom to two great boys and commits a tremendous amount of energy and time to being a super fan at their sporting events.
Angie wasn’t born a leader. She became a leader after she graduated from the University of Michigan and earned her commission as a United States Marine Corps Officer, where she was one of only 1,000 women managers in an organization 175,000 strong. Angie endured some of the toughest training on earth to build her leadership and risk-taking skills, which she’s applied in her personal and professional life to achieve success. Today, she’s honored to share these exact same skills through her work as a keynote speaker, consultant, coach, and advisor inside the world’s top organizations.
After Angie left active duty in 2001, she rose through the ranks quickly as a pharmaceutical sales representative before transitioning out of corporate America to launch her consultancy, Lead Star, in 2004. Through her business, she’s been honored to partner with exceptional clients to include Google, Facebook, Oracle, Boston Scientific, Marathon Oil, Walmart, and many smaller – and equally impressive – small businesses and organizations.
Angie’s been a featured guest on CNN, FOX News, and CNBC. Her thought leadership has been published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Inc., and Entrepreneur. She’s the author of the New York Times Best-Selling SPARK, Leading from the Front, and the soon-to-be released Bet on You, which will be the game-changing book for professionals who are contemplating taking risks in their lives.
Angie has an MBA from the Ross School of Business. She’s an avid athlete who competes in marathons and triathlons … and is never one to turn down a push-up competition. She’s also the mom to two great boys and commits a tremendous amount of energy and time to being a super fan at their sporting events.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 24, 2016
I read this book in a work book club and it was a mix bag of like vs. pull my hair out are you kidding me. I think the strategies/recommendations of the book are no different than any other leadership book, so if you're looking for a quick read then reading this book isn't horrible. But, if you are feminist you will find the blatant gender roles and stereotypical gendering of women peppered throughout this book. For example, don't cry because women are more emotional, or women don't negotiate their salaries like me do. WTF. There were glimmers of maybe shit for women is harder and then a few pages later it will undo itself. At any rate I would skip this book for maybe a Brene Brown book instead.
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April 4, 2025Book Review: Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch
Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch is a practical and empowering guide aimed at cultivating effective leadership skills among women. Published in 2017, the book is designed to equip women with the necessary tools and strategies to overcome barriers in leadership roles and to thrive in environments that often challenge their authority and capabilities. The authors, both experienced leaders and coaches, present a compelling narrative that blends personal anecdotes, research, and actionable advice, making it an essential read for aspiring women leaders.
Summary and Key Themes
No-Excuse Mindset: The core philosophy of the book revolves around adopting a no-excuse mindset. Morgan and Lynch argue that women must take ownership of their leadership journeys by dispelling self-limiting beliefs and societal stereotypes. The authors emphasize the importance of accountability and self-advocacy, encouraging readers to recognize their potential and to actively pursue leadership opportunities without hesitation.
Practical Leadership Tactics: The book delineates ten key practices that serve as foundational tactics for effective leadership. Each practice is backed by relevant anecdotes and examples from the authors’ experiences, illustrating how women can apply these principles in various professional contexts. These practices include enhancing decision-making, mastering effective communication, and fostering strong team dynamics, all of which are critical for successful leadership.
Empowerment through Personal Stories: Morgan and Lynch share personal stories and insights that resonate with readers, making the book relatable and engaging. By portraying their own journeys and the obstacles they faced, the authors inspire women to navigate their paths with confidence. The narrative style encourages readers to reflect on their experiences and provides a sense of camaraderie among women striving for leadership roles.
Collaboration and Networking: The authors highlight the significance of building supportive networks and collaborative relationships. They advocate for women to seek mentors, sponsors, and allies who can provide guidance and open doors to new opportunities. This emphasis on collaboration aligns with contemporary leadership philosophies that prioritize teamwork and shared success, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not merely an individual pursuit.
Call to Action: Beyond providing strategies, the book serves as a rallying cry for women to engage actively in their communities and workplaces. Morgan and Lynch urge readers to take initiative, lead by example, and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. This call to action underscores the authors’ belief that effective leadership extends beyond personal achievement to influence systemic change within organizations and society.
Critical Analysis
Leading From the Front excels in its practical application and motivational tone, making it a valuable resource for women at various stages of their careers. The authors’ approachable writing style and relatable anecdotes create a welcoming environment for readers, encouraging them to engage with the material actively. The structured format, with clearly defined practices and actionable takeaways, enhances the book’s usability, making it suitable for both individual reflection and group discussions in professional development settings.
However, while the book presents a wealth of strategies, it may benefit from a deeper exploration of the systemic barriers women face in leadership positions, particularly in male-dominated industries. A more comprehensive analysis of these challenges could provide additional context for the no-excuse mindset and bolster the authors’ claims about the necessity of personal agency in overcoming obstacles.
Conclusion
Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women is a compelling and empowering guide that serves as a clarion call for women seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch have successfully crafted a resource that combines personal stories, practical tactics, and a strong message of empowerment. This book is essential for women aspiring to take on leadership roles, as well as for organizations aiming to foster a more inclusive leadership culture. Through its actionable insights and motivational framework, Leading From the Front inspires readers to embrace leadership with confidence and purpose, ultimately contributing to a more equitable professional landscape.
Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch is a practical and empowering guide aimed at cultivating effective leadership skills among women. Published in 2017, the book is designed to equip women with the necessary tools and strategies to overcome barriers in leadership roles and to thrive in environments that often challenge their authority and capabilities. The authors, both experienced leaders and coaches, present a compelling narrative that blends personal anecdotes, research, and actionable advice, making it an essential read for aspiring women leaders.
Summary and Key Themes
No-Excuse Mindset: The core philosophy of the book revolves around adopting a no-excuse mindset. Morgan and Lynch argue that women must take ownership of their leadership journeys by dispelling self-limiting beliefs and societal stereotypes. The authors emphasize the importance of accountability and self-advocacy, encouraging readers to recognize their potential and to actively pursue leadership opportunities without hesitation.
Practical Leadership Tactics: The book delineates ten key practices that serve as foundational tactics for effective leadership. Each practice is backed by relevant anecdotes and examples from the authors’ experiences, illustrating how women can apply these principles in various professional contexts. These practices include enhancing decision-making, mastering effective communication, and fostering strong team dynamics, all of which are critical for successful leadership.
Empowerment through Personal Stories: Morgan and Lynch share personal stories and insights that resonate with readers, making the book relatable and engaging. By portraying their own journeys and the obstacles they faced, the authors inspire women to navigate their paths with confidence. The narrative style encourages readers to reflect on their experiences and provides a sense of camaraderie among women striving for leadership roles.
Collaboration and Networking: The authors highlight the significance of building supportive networks and collaborative relationships. They advocate for women to seek mentors, sponsors, and allies who can provide guidance and open doors to new opportunities. This emphasis on collaboration aligns with contemporary leadership philosophies that prioritize teamwork and shared success, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not merely an individual pursuit.
Call to Action: Beyond providing strategies, the book serves as a rallying cry for women to engage actively in their communities and workplaces. Morgan and Lynch urge readers to take initiative, lead by example, and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. This call to action underscores the authors’ belief that effective leadership extends beyond personal achievement to influence systemic change within organizations and society.
Critical Analysis
Leading From the Front excels in its practical application and motivational tone, making it a valuable resource for women at various stages of their careers. The authors’ approachable writing style and relatable anecdotes create a welcoming environment for readers, encouraging them to engage with the material actively. The structured format, with clearly defined practices and actionable takeaways, enhances the book’s usability, making it suitable for both individual reflection and group discussions in professional development settings.
However, while the book presents a wealth of strategies, it may benefit from a deeper exploration of the systemic barriers women face in leadership positions, particularly in male-dominated industries. A more comprehensive analysis of these challenges could provide additional context for the no-excuse mindset and bolster the authors’ claims about the necessity of personal agency in overcoming obstacles.
Conclusion
Leading From the Front: No-Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women is a compelling and empowering guide that serves as a clarion call for women seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch have successfully crafted a resource that combines personal stories, practical tactics, and a strong message of empowerment. This book is essential for women aspiring to take on leadership roles, as well as for organizations aiming to foster a more inclusive leadership culture. Through its actionable insights and motivational framework, Leading From the Front inspires readers to embrace leadership with confidence and purpose, ultimately contributing to a more equitable professional landscape.
March 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Well, all but 1 chapter, but I will get to that in a moment. The authors are 2 women who became friends during officer training for the Marines. They took the lessons they learned there and applied them to life in the private sector after leaving teh military.
These are the main points of their advice:
1. Meet and exceed the standards you ask from others - Lead from the front.
You are more likely to be seen as a competent leader if you are also able to accomplish the feats you ask of your team.
2. Make Timely decisions. Find the 80% Solutions
If you wait until you have ALL of the possible data, the decision may come too late. Act when you are mostly sure of what needs to happen.
3. Take responsibility before you start to place blame
Taking accountability for the results of your and your teams' actions is vital. It prevents the delay of finger-pointing and allows you to move more quickly to resolution.
4. True Leaders Devote themselves to service. Take Care of those you Lead.
Being a servant leader is the best way to inspire your team to success and innovation.
5. Think before you act. Especially before you over react
Your reaction should match the severity of the action. You want to react in a way that will get the best results.
6. When faced with a crisis: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
- Aviate: Keep business moving forward
- Navigate: act to move through the crisis to resulotion
- Communicate: Alert all concerned parties to what happened.
7. Courage + Initiative + Perseverance + Integrity = Success
Keep at it and don't let yourself get discouraged or tempted to cut corners. You can do it!
8. Don't cry over something that won't cry over you.
Hold you emotions in check as they could derail your teams' faith in your ability to lead.
9. Say you're sorry only when you are at fault.
Do not apologize for external issues. Only apologize for what was directly your fault.
10. Always Lead as you are.
You have to be your authentic self. Do not try to mimic others or change your own personality. Instead, focus on the actions to improve and use your own strengths to change them.
I very much disliked the section about crying. I think showing actual emotion is a humanizing event when so many people tend to see Leadership as impersonal.
Despite that one section, I did have a lot of take aways that will help me to continue to grow as a leader.
These are the main points of their advice:
1. Meet and exceed the standards you ask from others - Lead from the front.
You are more likely to be seen as a competent leader if you are also able to accomplish the feats you ask of your team.
2. Make Timely decisions. Find the 80% Solutions
If you wait until you have ALL of the possible data, the decision may come too late. Act when you are mostly sure of what needs to happen.
3. Take responsibility before you start to place blame
Taking accountability for the results of your and your teams' actions is vital. It prevents the delay of finger-pointing and allows you to move more quickly to resolution.
4. True Leaders Devote themselves to service. Take Care of those you Lead.
Being a servant leader is the best way to inspire your team to success and innovation.
5. Think before you act. Especially before you over react
Your reaction should match the severity of the action. You want to react in a way that will get the best results.
6. When faced with a crisis: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
- Aviate: Keep business moving forward
- Navigate: act to move through the crisis to resulotion
- Communicate: Alert all concerned parties to what happened.
7. Courage + Initiative + Perseverance + Integrity = Success
Keep at it and don't let yourself get discouraged or tempted to cut corners. You can do it!
8. Don't cry over something that won't cry over you.
Hold you emotions in check as they could derail your teams' faith in your ability to lead.
9. Say you're sorry only when you are at fault.
Do not apologize for external issues. Only apologize for what was directly your fault.
10. Always Lead as you are.
You have to be your authentic self. Do not try to mimic others or change your own personality. Instead, focus on the actions to improve and use your own strengths to change them.
I very much disliked the section about crying. I think showing actual emotion is a humanizing event when so many people tend to see Leadership as impersonal.
Despite that one section, I did have a lot of take aways that will help me to continue to grow as a leader.
January 20, 2018
This wasn’t a bad read. Both authors are female and discuss various leadership principles that they had learned both as officers in the U.S. Marine Corps and successful business leaders. While there are certainly much better leadership books out there, there were several important takeaways that I can incorporate into my life they were:
1) A good idea today is better than a great idea tomorrow.
2) Don’t ask for forgiveness unless its your fault (really got a lot out of the chapter dedicated to this phrase.
3) Don’t cry over something that won’t cry over you.
I appreciate both authors’ insights and experiences. This book is helpful for both women and men.
1) A good idea today is better than a great idea tomorrow.
2) Don’t ask for forgiveness unless its your fault (really got a lot out of the chapter dedicated to this phrase.
3) Don’t cry over something that won’t cry over you.
I appreciate both authors’ insights and experiences. This book is helpful for both women and men.
January 17, 2018
Accessible leadership / self-help book with good examples. “Leading from the front” used in the (positive) sense of “going to the head of the class.” Be a leader at any level by “striving to be your best at any task you undertake”; leaders as “keepers of the standards.” Their Ten Principles felt generally familiar to me.
Co-authored by Brookland Dist Supervisor Courtney Lynch
Co-authored by Brookland Dist Supervisor Courtney Lynch
March 3, 2018
Most of the book felt pretty condescending. They also seemed to focus on low hanging fruit, so maybe that's why it felt so condescending - I've read a lot of personal development type books and what was included in this book didn't really enlighten me. An entire chapter on not crying at work was the final straw for me.
November 11, 2019
While reading this, I also met with a group of women and shared my thoughts. I know that it helped me look at my actions a bit and put my ego aside in many situations. While there are a few parts I disagree with or feel that they could have said it better, overall the messages are clear and helpful and you can bring them to your work life or personal life.
November 29, 2021
Not the best or worst self improvement book I've read. About half the tips are useful and interesting. Half were not be useful to me. I don't think any of it was ground breaking, however if you haven't read other self-improvement books this is a fine place to start. It's quite approachable and a fairly fast read.
January 31, 2018
Good read. Enjoyed their illustrations from their time in the Corp. Some great thoughts on leadership and very easy to read. Being decisive and “not crying over something that can’t cry over you.”
April 9, 2018
Great Book on Leadership!
I liked the practical information. All of this is helpful whether you are in the professional field or you have kids.
I liked the practical information. All of this is helpful whether you are in the professional field or you have kids.
March 15, 2019
Read this book as part of a book club with my work. Enjoyed this book.
August 8, 2022
a 5 star book, by a 5 star leader!
January 17, 2023
I think this is a good book to refer back to when you think your leadership skills are lacking to help get some ideas or perspectives on improving.
January 18, 2021
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Go with your best assessment right off the bat and move on.
2. Timely decisions are proactive; they help you move forward. Procrastinating only puts you in a reactive mode in which you give up opportunities to lead your life.
3. My taking responsibility upfront created a climate of trust so that everyone under my command felt comfortable offering suggestions for improvement without fear of sanctions.
4. Being practical can often be more productive.
5. When subordinates feel that they receive no respect or loyalty from those in charge, the organization’s morale and culture are bound to suffer.
6. Coddling is about pampering and indulging; care-taking is about determining what your team needs and then helping get it for themselves so that they can perform at their best.
7. To be most effective, you need to balance the needs of others with your own needs.
8. Your reputation for being even-tempered will encourage complete disclosure. It will also attract followers. Overreacting to situations damages your credibility and reduces the confidence others have in you. Emotionality will overshadow your talents and abilities. It is an acknowledgment of responsibility, not an excuse for poor performance.
9. Spend more time suggesting solutions or ways to correct the error than apologizing for your role in causing the problem. Women often feel guilty for situations in which they have little or no involvement or responsibility. They lose sight of where their responsibility begins or ends. Feedback is more useful when you learn steps that you can take to build specific skills; it’s less valuable when you’re told to somehow alter your personality.
10. To be effective, you need to work on enhancing your strengths and improving your weaknesses.
1. Go with your best assessment right off the bat and move on.
2. Timely decisions are proactive; they help you move forward. Procrastinating only puts you in a reactive mode in which you give up opportunities to lead your life.
3. My taking responsibility upfront created a climate of trust so that everyone under my command felt comfortable offering suggestions for improvement without fear of sanctions.
4. Being practical can often be more productive.
5. When subordinates feel that they receive no respect or loyalty from those in charge, the organization’s morale and culture are bound to suffer.
6. Coddling is about pampering and indulging; care-taking is about determining what your team needs and then helping get it for themselves so that they can perform at their best.
7. To be most effective, you need to balance the needs of others with your own needs.
8. Your reputation for being even-tempered will encourage complete disclosure. It will also attract followers. Overreacting to situations damages your credibility and reduces the confidence others have in you. Emotionality will overshadow your talents and abilities. It is an acknowledgment of responsibility, not an excuse for poor performance.
9. Spend more time suggesting solutions or ways to correct the error than apologizing for your role in causing the problem. Women often feel guilty for situations in which they have little or no involvement or responsibility. They lose sight of where their responsibility begins or ends. Feedback is more useful when you learn steps that you can take to build specific skills; it’s less valuable when you’re told to somehow alter your personality.
10. To be effective, you need to work on enhancing your strengths and improving your weaknesses.
March 10, 2008
This book provides excellent insight into the leadership qualities that are born from military training, and particularly that of the Marine Corps. The authors combine their reflections and paths to the Marines, and expound on their experiences and how those translated to civilian success. It is an inspiring read for women who have an interest in the military as well as those just looking to get ahead in the world on their own terms.
January 9, 2009
I was in the library looking for the books for my plane ride, this one sounded so much out of my usual comfort zone that I decided to give it a shot. Surprisingly most of the points in the book are really relevant and even though they started from very different background than me, they seemed to come to pretty much the same conclusion. Nice read, well written and mostly: it is one of the first leadership books I can actually relate to.
September 27, 2012
This book looked so promising but was in fact very disappointing. It focused on several leadership tips and then told related stories by two former female marines. Nothing earth-shattering. Don't let them see you cry - except in dire situations (death). Learn to speak up. Work on your strengths and weaknesses. Be yourself. Quit saying "I'm sorry." This woman leader/reader (me) is beyond these trite words of advice. Big yawn.
January 11, 2017
I have read quite a few leadership books as of late and this one really stuck out as being exceptionally helpful. I don't think it says anything terribly different from other books of its kind but it's the way in which these ideas are presented that drives the points home. I love that this book is written for women by women and, because of this, it focuses on some of the issues that are unique to women in leadership roles.
October 8, 2012
This was an excellent book! It taught me a lot about leadership, and specifically about leadership as a female professional. I'm very glad that I chose this book for my required reading assignment that semester. I plan to read this again within the next few years.
October 16, 2014
One of the best practical leadership books I have read, not for women only. Being able to lead as a woman in the Marines is the ultimate test on leadership and the lessons are invaluable and at the same time easy to grasp and inspiring.
September 24, 2015
يستحق قرءاة الفهرس فقط ويغلق للأبد!
مضيعة للوقت لا يوجد به نصائح او استراتيجيات لأرض الواقع عدا الموجودة على الفهرس
اما المتن ملي بالترهات وغالباً يتحدث عن تجربة الكاتبة في القيادة في المعسكرات والبحرية وعن تجاربها آنذاك والأمور التي مرت بها.
مضيعة للوقت لا يوجد به نصائح او استراتيجيات لأرض الواقع عدا الموجودة على الفهرس
اما المتن ملي بالترهات وغالباً يتحدث عن تجربة الكاتبة في القيادة في المعسكرات والبحرية وعن تجاربها آنذاك والأمور التي مرت بها.
November 23, 2015
It started out great but by the end it seemed to fizzle. It wasn't so much about leadership as about women working in a men's world. I especially disliked how much time was spent of tears. It's human. Sometimes they happen. You dust yourself off and move on.
January 12, 2020
If I could make this as "read" as well as give it zero stars, I would. Tactics for women who are content and feel no need to question their place as defined by men and the patriarchy is how it should read.
Currently reading
February 12, 2010A must read for any woman in the corporate world. Also, their weekly newsletter that I get by email is great. I look forward to reading it as soon as it's delivered mid-morning every Monday.
November 29, 2008
This is the best leadership book I have read. Great lessons to learn.
January 11, 2012
It seemed a bit too pro military to me but I valued the lessons learned and could see how this can truly help women in leadership
February 10, 2012
Good book, had some easy to understand/apply principles about women and how to be/become a leader. It was an easy read (on the flip side it wasn't written super well, but that's OK!).
July 16, 2012
Lots of exercises in it that I would probably benefit from, but the Library wants it back and I'm too busy to spend 3 days soul searching to determine what kind of leader I am.
January 9, 2016
Great book for any woman who wants to be a leader or who wants to hone their leadership skills.
July 3, 2007
reading this for a discussion group. the examples are simple, but the theories are sound.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews