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Leadership is Language

summary ofLeadership is LanguageBook by L. David Marquet

16 min
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You’ll learn

  • The importance of giving people a voice
  • The concept of bluework and redwork
  • How to organize your team’s time more efficiently
  • About the balance of learning and achieving goals

first KEY POINT

Repeating actions, same old results

In 2015, El Faro, a ship with a crew of 33 Mariners, sank. Before the ship set sail, meteorologists had already predicted a hurricane. Still, the captain decided to take a direct route that turned out to be the most exposed to the storm. He made this decision without a discussion with his team.The captain’s qualification wasn’t the issue, as he had ten years of experience. The crew also met all Coast Guard and International Maritime Organisation requirements.The problem was that they were operating based on an outdated leadership playbook, which led to many mistakes that began with yielding to the time pressure.Sometimes, you can’t control the established rules, but you can change how you speak to your team members and the words you use.

Leadership is a language hidden in communication.

As captain of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Santa Fe, David Marquet had to learn a new leadership style to lead his team if he wanted a successful tenure.In a bid to find a working system, he discovered that all human activity consists of two parts: thinking and doing. Thinking is examining available data to interpret the world, while doing is a physical reaction to our surroundings. Using both in balance results in a desirable outcome.So, what proportion of thinking and doing is necessary for a successful project? Continue to discover more about this and more.

second KEY POINT

A variety of opinions makes problem-solving easier

We often continue with a plan even when it doesn’t look like it will yield a desirable result. This phenomenon is called “Obeying the Clock.” Although we feel pressured to get work done in the allotted time, it also creates focus and makes us perform better.

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first KEY POINT

Thinking and acting are not mutually exclusive

second KEY POINT

A mistake is not a death sentence, but a necessary part of learning

third KEY POINT

Good leaders do not impose their ideas on their team members

fourth KEY POINT

Everyone commits to follow through after brainstorming

fifth KEY POINT

Celebrate every task completion

sixth KEY POINT

Choosing to work hard makes everyone better

seventh KEY POINT

Set goals, but stay flexible for better options

eighth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

L. David Marquet is a U.S. Navy captain and best-selling author. His leadership model helped make the submarine USS Santa Fe the most successful in the country.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t about?

Leadership is Language, authored by David Marquet, explores how the language we use in organizational contexts can profoundly influence team dynamics and effectiveness. Marquet emphasizes how shifting from authoritative language to inclusive communication fosters empowerment and engagement among team members.

What are the key takeaways from Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t?

Key takeaways from Leadership is Language include the importance of empowering language that encourages collaboration, the impact of environment on communication, and how leaders should use language to foster trust and psychological safety. Marquet presents actionable insights to create a more effective communication culture within teams.

Is Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t worth reading?

Yes, Leadership is Language is highly regarded for its practical insights on effective communication in leadership. Many readers appreciate the way it challenges traditional leadership paradigms and provides tools for fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

How many pages is Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t and when was it published?

Leadership is Language consists of approximately 240 pages and was published in March 2020. This length makes it a manageable read for those interested in enhancing their understanding of leadership communication.

Who is the author of Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say — and What You Don’t?

The author of Leadership is Language is David Marquet, a former Navy captain turned leadership consultant. Marquet's unique experiences in leadership inform the principles he shares, making it an insightful read for both aspiring and seasoned leaders.