The Wisdom of the Bullfrog Summary

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." Admiral William H. McRaven's teachings offer timeless lessons for anyone seeking to lead with honor and purpose.

1. Honor Above All Else: Death Before Dishonor

Being an honorable leader means doing the right thing for the right reasons, even when it's hard. Honor forms the foundation of respect and loyalty—qualities essential for strong leadership. Without honor, trust erodes, and leaders fail their teams.

Admiral McRaven emphasizes the importance of having a personal and professional code of conduct to guide decisions, especially during challenging times. This keeps leaders grounded and aligned with the values of their organization and team. The U.S. Military Academy’s Cadet Honor Code—"A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do"—serves as a benchmark. This code has cultivated generations of principled leaders.

McRaven refutes the idea that it’s hard to know the right thing to do. Challenges arise from executing what one knows to be right, not from uncertainty. When mistakes occur, leaders must acknowledge them swiftly and reaffirm their commitment to integrity.

Examples

• Marine Sergeant John Basilone’s honorable service during WWII earned him both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
• The Cadet Honor Code serves as a moral compass for future military leaders.
• Admiral McRaven himself insists on honoring commitments, even when performing under pressure.

2. Bold Risks Lead to Greatness: Who Dares Wins

Success favors those willing to step out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks. Bold leadership requires a mindset open to opportunities, coupled with a disciplined approach to preparation.

McRaven shares the story of David Stirling, founder of the British SAS (Special Air Service), whose "Who Dares Wins" ethos epitomizes daring leadership. Stirling led commando raids in WWII against formidable German forces, proving the merit of courage paired with planning. Leaders must not only dare but also ensure every plausible contingency is thought through.

McRaven recounts Operation Neptune’s Spear, the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound, as a moment when courage and preparation intersected. SEALs trained meticulously, eliminating unknowns to ensure their bold mission’s success. This combination of daring and preparation distinguishes great leaders from average ones.

Examples

• David Stirling’s daring raids reshaped the British SAS’s approach to warfare.
• The meticulous 75% planning during the three weeks leading up to the bin Laden raid.
• Leaders in industries like business and sports thrive by embracing risk but also preparing for it.

3. Stay Connected: A Shepherd Should Smell Like His Sheep

Great leaders don’t isolate themselves; they immerse themselves in the lives of their teams. By sharing the challenges and camaraderie of their teams, leaders can build trust and better understand the needs of their people.

McRaven recalls his time aboard the USS Ouellet, where he worked alongside sailors and learned their stories, struggles, and values. He discovered that leadership requires shared experiences and empathy, as these help leaders make better decisions for their teams. Leaders who demonstrate humility and willingness to get their hands dirty earn authentic respect from their teams.

Leadership guru Pope Francis’s quote, "A shepherd should smell like his sheep," encapsulates this message. When leaders stay close to their people, they can make informed decisions and uplift team morale.

Examples

• McRaven’s mentorship under a sailor named Ricky, who guided him during those formative weeks aboard the USS Ouellet.
• Officers who worked alongside their sailors in the scorching boiler room gained greater respect.
• Listening to team feedback often yields solutions leaders may overlook on their own.

4. The Golden Rule of Communication: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Clear, consistent communication can be the difference between success and failure in leadership. Teams work best when everyone understands not just their roles, but the reasoning behind leadership decisions.

During SEAL Ambush Drills in training, McRaven learned firsthand the danger of poor communication. When he devised a brilliant counter-strategy but failed to convey his thinking to his team, it resulted in chaos and distrust. This failure taught him the irreplaceable importance of keeping his team informed every step of the way.

Effective communication goes both ways. Leaders must ensure their message is understood and encourage feedback from their team. Establishing robust communication channels strengthens alignment, trust, and the organization’s collective purpose.

Examples

• Miscommunication during McRaven’s Ambush Drill led his team to think he’d abandoned them.
• Companies emphasize "all-hands" meetings to align employees.
• Proactively addressing misunderstandings can prevent major organizational missteps.

5. Courage to Stand Your Ground: Before the Long Green Table

Moral courage defines great leaders. They must be willing to stand firm when faced with ethical challenges, even at personal or professional risk.

The story of General Billy Mitchell, who advocated for a unified air force despite forceful opposition, exemplifies this principle. Though court-martialed for exposing flaws in America’s national defense, Mitchell’s vision ultimately shaped modern aerial warfare. Leaders must be ready to answer for their decisions and justify their actions as moral, legal, and ethical.

McRaven argues that if you cannot defend your decisions in front of a board of your peers, those decisions need reevaluation. This ethos keeps leaders accountable and integrity-driven.

Examples

• General Mitchell’s controversial stance paved the way for the U.S. Air Force.
• Whistleblowers who expose corporate wrongdoing take significant risks for ethical principles.
• McRaven’s focus on accountability kept him trusted and respected during his military service.

6. Humility Keeps Leaders Grounded

No leader is infallible. Admitting mistakes and striving to learn from them fosters respect and continuous growth.

McRaven acknowledges that even after nearly 40 years of leadership, he is not beyond learning. This willingness to accept feedback—be it from students, peers, or subordinates—enhances his credibility as a leader. Humility builds connections and avoids the pitfalls of arrogance.

Examples

• McRaven’s admission of failure during the Ambush Drill demonstrated vulnerability.
• Leaders who openly prioritize ongoing education often earn employee admiration.
• Successful CEOs credit their teams rather than themselves for achievements.

7. Preparation Is the Backbone of Success

Boldness without planning leads to chaos. Great leaders anticipate challenges and prepare accordingly, ensuring team readiness.

Operation Neptune’s Spear required three weeks of intense preparation. Every contingency was anticipated and practiced. Careful planning not only increased the mission’s probability of success but also united the team with shared clarity.

Examples

• SEALs spent 75% of their time planning for the bin Laden raid.
• Rigorous rehearsal drills during SEAL training ensure muscle memory in critical situations.
• Entrepreneurs vetting risks early in ventures avoid more significant setbacks later.

8. Teach Through Action, Not Only Words

Leaders inspire when they set an example. Walking the talk ensures that their values resonate authentically with their team.

McRaven worked alongside his sailors, sweeping decks and turning wrenches. This interaction showed that he didn’t think himself above their labor and valued their hard work. Actions like this build rapport and improve morale.

Examples

• McRaven earning respect aboard the USS Ouellet.
• CEOs volunteering alongside their employees during company events.
• Parents who model ethics rather than merely preaching them create lasting lessons for children.

9. Leadership Is About Service

Ultimately, leadership is not about wielding power but serving those you lead. Effective leaders prioritize their teams’ welfare and growth, using their positions to create opportunities for others.

McRaven underscores that leadership is demanding but fulfilling. Every new interaction presents a chance to grow and serve better.

Examples

• McRaven’s long service as Bull Frog exemplifying dedication to his team.
• Teachers who invest extra time helping struggling students succeed.
• Managers who support employee career development see lasting loyalty.

Takeaways

1. Adopt a personal code of conduct that emphasizes integrity, and let it guide your actions consistently.
2. Communicate clearly with your team, ensuring everyone understands shared goals and decisions.
3. Stay connected with those you lead by sharing their challenges and valuing their contributions.