In Extremis Leadership: Leading as If Your Life Depended on It

In one of the most inventive and original looks at leadership, Col. Kolditz cuts to the heart of what followers want and need from their leaders. Through an examination of riveting life-or-death situations, compelling stories of SWAT teams, Army soldiers, sky divers, and other are used to reveal the vital leadership lessons that apply equally in the mundane halls of administration and workaday life. Napoleon may have said that "Leaders are dealers in hope," but Kolditz shows us why they must be--and how they can provide it. The insights are practical, the point of view is creative, and the book is a real page-turner.

I had the good fortune to attend a presentation by Col Tom Kolditz on the subject of "In Extremis Leadership". Col Kolditz kept the entire audience riveted for the entire hour-and-a-half that he was with us. He clearly knows this subject matter in-and-out. Leadership is not merely a theoretical matter with him: he has led men in Harm's Way as a combat veteran. He has also made Leadership a matter of academic study, and teaches as a Professor at one of the world's premiere schools for producing Leaders, the US Military Academy at West Point. (and everything in this paragraph you can learn from the fly-leaf) What makes this book unique is that it deeply resonates immediately with anyone who does lead people into Harm's Way -- police chiefs, fire chiefs, Xtreme sports captains, or in my case as a leader of Guardian Angels volunteers. It *is* different to leading a company or business during times when nobody can get hurt. The priorities *are* different and the way that these priorities are addressed *are* different, both for the leader and for those who are led. And what is presented in the book by way of counsel or advice is immediately useful and extremely practical. A very hi signal-to-noise ratio: not much guff, just good stuff. As a presenter, the Colonel comes across as genuine, an unusual mix between a scholar and a professional soldier -- and definitely not Gung-Ho. The book reads exactly the way the Colonel comes across in real life. After the seminar, I had the presence of mind to ask the Colonel to sign my copy of his book. It is a keeper.

This book is not only a riviting read, but the principles of leadership are brought to light in the arena of in extremis which is compelling and informative. The interviews and reports from soilders in combat, fire fighters, free fall jumpers, FBI SWAT teams and even a father caught on the horns of a dilema with his 18 year old daughter bring clarity to the message. It's leadership principles are applicable to all walks of life. I wish I had this information years ago. It is so cogent. Roland Peck, Business Owner.

In Extremis Leadership is a great read! If you have leadership responsibilities, or are in a position to influence people, this book will help you think in new ways about the subject - regardless of whether you are actually leading people in life and death situations. I highly recommend reading Tom Kolditz' latest contribution to the art and science of leadership.

My team and I recently had the opportunity to hear Colonel Kolditz speak at the 2007 Water Rescue Conference. We were so impressed with his presentation that we ordered a few copies for the team when we got back. Once I picked this book up, I found it hard to put down. It is by far the best leadership book I have ever read. I have read dozens of them and picked up some leadership tools from each, but none compare to the valuable lessons to be learned in this book. It made me cognizant of countless improvements that I could make in relation to the way I lead my people. Unfortunately in the public safety business you have to be prepared to deal with internal tragedy. The chapter in this book that covers what to do when internal tragedy strikes will leave leaders prepared for the unthinkable.