The Courage to Take Command: Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer

POWERFUL LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM A TRAILBLAZING FEMALE COLONEL IN THE U.S. ARMY When Jill Morgenthaler arrived at boot camp in 1975 as part of the inaugural class of women in the Army, she was one of 83 female cadets . . . on a base of 50,000 men. So she knows a thing or two about conquering obstacles. In The Courage to Take Command, Colonel Morgenthaler provides invaluable leadership lessons drawn from her three decades of military service--from her first days in ROTC to combat in some of the world's most dangerous war zones. Ironically, the military taught her that leadership isn’t about "command and control." Rather, it requires a fine balance of reason and emotion, distance and familiarity, hard and soft power. Learn how to lead your team to success by: Being true to your vision--but being open to new ideas Tackling obstacles head-on--but using finesse to arrive at solutions Focusing on the mission--while protecting your people Projecting strong leadership presence--but serving every member of your team, especially the weakest and most vulnerable Maintaining team spirit--but refusing to tolerate mediocrity Accepting and embracing your fears--but never letting them control you Always having a plan--but also trusting your gut Expressing a healthy self-confidence--with a side of humility It took both a spine of steel and a smart sense of people for Morgenthaler to get where she did. Now she draws on the wisdom garnered from her experience to help you develop an authentic brand of leadership and succeed at all levels of any organization. The Courage to Take Command provides the strategies and tactics you need to follow through with your leadership vision, inspire your team, and execute your mission—even when the odds may seem overwhelming. HARD-EARNED LESSIONS FROM THE FRONT LINES OF LEADERSHIP "Colonel Morgenthaler has devoted her life to helping others be all they can be. In this book, she shares her lessons learned and offers deeply wise advice for effective leadership at any level." -- Congresswoman and Lieutenant Colonel Tammy Duckworth "With honesty and humor, Colonel Morgenthaler shares secrets to inclusive leadership, proving that the best leaders leave no one behind. A book for both women and men who face the challenge of being in the minority, whatever that may represent, while leading others." -- Pat Harris, global chief diversity officer of McDonald's Corporation and author of None of Us Is as Good as All of Us "Colonel Morgenthaler's journey in facing fears, obstacles, and Saddam Hussein is a wonderful roadmap for anyone striving to lead. The Courage to Take Command cuts straight to the chase on what you need to do to make the most of the leadership opportunities that come your way." -- Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, U.S. Army (ret.) "An indispensable primer that clearly shows leaders and anyone who aspires to lead, particularly those belonging to any minority group, how to turn obstacles into opportunities." -- Lori L. Parker, president of American Steelworks, Inc.