First Fast Fearless: How To Lead Like a Navy SEAL

Having both a military and business background, this book really resonated with me. In fact, “First Fast Fearless: How To Lead Like a Navy SEAL” by Brian “Iron Ed” Hiner was one of the most enjoyable leadership books I’ve read in a long time. Enjoyable to read because of the interesting stories Hiner shared from his time as a SEAL, and enjoyable for the rich content and leadership advice he imparts to his readers.

 

The book does an excellent job of taking military SEAL leadership concepts and adapting them to what Hiner even calls the “real world” or more accurately, the world of civilians. (I happen to agree that military life, while different, and during war – very different, is very “real”) Hiner is far from an academic in some ivory tower when it comes to leadership. He writes about what has worked for some of the most highly trained warriors in history, and even goes as far as pointing out what even the SEALs could do better in a a few situations. His voice and experiences should be listened to.

 

“First Fast Fearless,” despite the title, is hardly a book of cliché hoorah and kill em all and let God sort em out maxims. It’s a true book of leadership principles that can and should be applied by anyone in a leadership position, regardless the setting. He describes what leadership truly is, the essence of brotherhood and why it’s important to leadership, and the concept of battle rhythm and leading. These leadership principles are woven around the concept that leadership must be able to deal with VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Chaos, and Ambiguity). This makes sense, because it is in times of stress and difficulty that leadership is most important.

 

When I served, I had some outstanding leaders, and some that didn’t quite measure up. I would have liked serving under Hiner, as he knows what it takes to lead effectively. He also knows what it takes to train and develop successful leaders, and if you follow his guidance as set forth in this book, you will join the ranks of those successful leaders. Regardless of the organization you belong to, or how many you lead, this book’s advice on leadership will help you become the leader you desire to be.

 

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