The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink

Book Review Written By: Patryk Oklejewicz

About the Author:

Jocko Willink is a former Navy S.E.A.L officer who served for 20 years, from 1990 until 2010. He played a prominent role in the 2006 operations within Ramadi, Iraq within S.E.A.L. Team 3. Jocko has been awarded both Silver and Bronze Stars for his service. Aside from his service, Jocko is an accomplished author, writing many books about discipline, leadership, and his general life philosophies. He owns a successful supplement company and currently works for his own consulting firm named Echelon Front.

What I think:

This book is one of great importance to me. It discusses important leadership traits and the “dichotomy” of being a leader, as the title implies. Jocko discusses the two sides of being a leader in a very “easy-to-read” manner: the appropriate times to be stern and commanding within a leadership role and when to be more down to earth on a team level.

I love this book because of its simple comprehensibility. Jocko will give a leadership example and show a situation of how he used his thinking process in his various military adventures and how he applies the same principles to civilian business life. This format continues throughout every chapter of the book to form an easy selection of character traits a leader should exude. This is definitely a must-read for any entrepreneur or anyone with ambition to better their communication skills within the workplace and the general maze of life.

During this time of isolation, I think it’s important to self reflect and develop as a person utilizing books such as this, so if you’re looking to learn from a seasoned businessman and American hero, this is the book for you!