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No Excuse Leadership: Lessons from the U.S. Army's Elite Rangers
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304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2004
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86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 16, 2025
This book is well written and no nonsense. It moved well, kept to the subjects as outlined in the table of contents and the information was laid out clearly.
I liked this book because it gave me some insight to the shortcomings of the management style at my previous job. The book gave me a pretty clear idea of what "good" looks like and my employer's management was anything BUT good. The book also helped me feel like my judgement about my employer's management was correct and help combat that "gas lighting" feeling I (and my colleagues) had. The management was busy patting themselves on the back and broadcasting everywhere through every outlet they could find how great they were/are, while we were all miserable and being burdened with more and more work with less and less compensation or leadership support.
I liked this book because it gave me some insight to the shortcomings of the management style at my previous job. The book gave me a pretty clear idea of what "good" looks like and my employer's management was anything BUT good. The book also helped me feel like my judgement about my employer's management was correct and help combat that "gas lighting" feeling I (and my colleagues) had. The management was busy patting themselves on the back and broadcasting everywhere through every outlet they could find how great they were/are, while we were all miserable and being burdened with more and more work with less and less compensation or leadership support.
October 2, 2022
I usually don't like leadership books. They state obvious in a very wordy manner. It's like a contest - who can use more words to deliver simplest messages.
Or else they are lists of rules. Do this and then magic happens. It does not, really.
But somehow this book at this time resonated. I needed that message of hardship and perseverance at this particular time in my life.
At least for the first half of the book. As usual, the book could have been much shorter and less repetitive. But a good read nonetheless. At least it was then.
Or else they are lists of rules. Do this and then magic happens. It does not, really.
But somehow this book at this time resonated. I needed that message of hardship and perseverance at this particular time in my life.
At least for the first half of the book. As usual, the book could have been much shorter and less repetitive. But a good read nonetheless. At least it was then.
August 2, 2021
Take ownership
June 12, 2010
This book is based on lessons learned from the US Army’s elite leadership school. For many officers, after graduating from West Point, Ranger school becomes the biggest challenge that they will ever face. Anyone who wants to rise through the ranks, have priority for choice of career direction, or earn the respect of officers and subordinates, must be Ranger qualified, or “tabbed out”. To don the Ranger tag speaks volumes in the military community. Many attempt going through the school, but few from that number survive the 61 days of physical and mental challenges.
Ranger school is made up of several stages with one purpose in mind; produce the best leaders possible in the shortest amount of time. The first week is relentless physical exercise with tests that require candidates to meet the standard in order to stay in the program. It is a ‘put out or get out’ mentality among the instructors, where excuses are a sure way to get a candidate “recycled” to another program. While exposed to different terrain or environments throughout, the Ranger candidate must successfully pass 5 patrols that he leads to earn the tab. Mistakes, lack of discipline, lack of attention to detail, or not accomplishing the objective when in command, lead to minuses (major and minor) or worse, a “no-go” for the mission. Achieving the objective, being disciplined, and portraying the characteristics of a leader will earn a candidate pluses (major and minor) that may offset any minus mark, or earn him a “go” for the mission. Ranger candidates sleep an average of 2-3 hours a night; hump 15-20 miles a day with 80 pound rucksacks, deprived of food, cold, and constantly being monitored for the most minor indiscretion by the Ranger Instructors.
Rangers learn to make decisions under duress and do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission with no excuses. They learn that they are accountable for their own actions and to blame others, or anything other than themselves, is a cop-out. Rangers also learn to work as a team and to do their duty as a team member to the best of their ability. Sometimes, even when they are not leading a patrol, Rangers must step up their responsibilities to support the patrol leader. Essentially through their trials and tribulations at Ranger school, they have a foundation to excel in extreme conditions and persevere despite the odds against them. A true leader in the army with a Ranger tab has the mental toughness, and a no excuse attitude, that will allow him to prevail in his mission, whatever it may be.
Ranger school is made up of several stages with one purpose in mind; produce the best leaders possible in the shortest amount of time. The first week is relentless physical exercise with tests that require candidates to meet the standard in order to stay in the program. It is a ‘put out or get out’ mentality among the instructors, where excuses are a sure way to get a candidate “recycled” to another program. While exposed to different terrain or environments throughout, the Ranger candidate must successfully pass 5 patrols that he leads to earn the tab. Mistakes, lack of discipline, lack of attention to detail, or not accomplishing the objective when in command, lead to minuses (major and minor) or worse, a “no-go” for the mission. Achieving the objective, being disciplined, and portraying the characteristics of a leader will earn a candidate pluses (major and minor) that may offset any minus mark, or earn him a “go” for the mission. Ranger candidates sleep an average of 2-3 hours a night; hump 15-20 miles a day with 80 pound rucksacks, deprived of food, cold, and constantly being monitored for the most minor indiscretion by the Ranger Instructors.
Rangers learn to make decisions under duress and do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission with no excuses. They learn that they are accountable for their own actions and to blame others, or anything other than themselves, is a cop-out. Rangers also learn to work as a team and to do their duty as a team member to the best of their ability. Sometimes, even when they are not leading a patrol, Rangers must step up their responsibilities to support the patrol leader. Essentially through their trials and tribulations at Ranger school, they have a foundation to excel in extreme conditions and persevere despite the odds against them. A true leader in the army with a Ranger tab has the mental toughness, and a no excuse attitude, that will allow him to prevail in his mission, whatever it may be.
March 29, 2009
I have to say this book is one of the top books on my list. It is a must read for everybody. The focus is leadership and juts doing it. I took more notes in this book than any other I've ever read, here's one:
"You don't have to ask permission to succeed!"
WOW, what a statement. I'll write a blog on this one ;) This book is in my top 5 of must reads for anybody looking to get into business or be part of any type of team setting (even if you are the only on on the team).
"You don't have to ask permission to succeed!"
WOW, what a statement. I'll write a blog on this one ;) This book is in my top 5 of must reads for anybody looking to get into business or be part of any type of team setting (even if you are the only on on the team).
January 8, 2017
US Army Rangers at Fort Benning go through rigorous training that lasts 61 days of only getting 2 hours sleep per night, they trek throgh jungles, freezing cold temperatures, little food and carry heavy backpacks, "No matter how... many others suffer from the same or worse ailments, it is our own suffering that concerns us."
The army Ranger goes on to explain that those who graduated Ranger school, showed one main character feature... they were selfless.
The army Ranger goes on to explain that those who graduated Ranger school, showed one main character feature... they were selfless.
January 7, 2017
Somewhat relevant to the real world as well as the military. Basic concepts. You need to experience some of this in order to truly understand .... The concept of "you're going to get wet" only made sense to me as a former infantryman who experienced the suck.
And I can only apply it in my life as I experience the business world every day.
It won't make sense to you unless you've experienced it. The concepts may be useless to you if you don't understand the obstacles the book talks about.
And I can only apply it in my life as I experience the business world every day.
It won't make sense to you unless you've experienced it. The concepts may be useless to you if you don't understand the obstacles the book talks about.
April 13, 2010
Great book about setting high goals and persevering to acheive them. I don't know if this would be enjoyable for anyone not interested in the military or prior service. I found the Ranger stories fascinating and inspiring. I had no idea what these men go through to earn their tab, what an incredible challenge.
December 19, 2012
I think everyone needs to read this book....No Excuses! Great read and I'm reading it a second time to truly absorb the message. I think the reason I really enjoyed this book was becasue I was raised by a Marine so I could relate to the message. This probably isn't for everyone...and it's definetely not a "touchy-feely" type of book. For me it was perfect!!!!
March 29, 2014
Excellent book, having been through ranger school made it easier for me to relate to the stories, I'm not sure if they would make as much sense to a non-Ranger.
February 17, 2016
A good tale of Ranger stories.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews