About the Book
What does it take to be a great leader? In a word- character. This unique book by decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran Donovan Campbell, the New York Times bestselling author of Joker One, draws on his years of training and combat experience to reveal the specific virtues that underpin all effective leadership—and how anyone can stand up, serve others, and get the job done by bringing out the best in a team.
The Leader’s Code is not a book of esoteric secrets, but a practical action plan that can be applied to any situation in which exemplary leadership is required—at home, in the workplace, and in our everyday lives. Moreover, The Leader’s Code unpacks the military servant-leader model—one that demands that a leader take care of his mission first, his team second, and himself a distant third—and explains why this concept of self-sacrifice inspires teams in any context and is so needed in today’s world. Focusing on the development of character as the foundation of servant-leadership, Campbell identifies its six key attributes- humility, excellence, kindness, discipline, courage, and wisdom. Then, through techniques and anecdotes from his time in the Corps, as well as telling examples from history, Scripture, and the annals of American business, he shows us how to develop those attributes and harness them in order to take the helm with confidence, conviction, and a passion to bring out the best in others.
Being a leader is about more than having followers. It is about being worthy of being followed, about earning the right to have others listen to what we say because they respect the character revealed by what we do. True leaders, Campbell argues, define missions, set achievable goals, and maintain the highest possible ethical standards. They foster compassion for others, even as they pursue excellence for themselves. Perhaps most important, they know how to self-correct. Campbell’s exploration of these vital qualities is wide-ranging, as he takes us from the boardrooms of the world’s most successful companies to the Infantry Officer Course, the intense twelve-week training gauntlet that Marines use to measure their commitment to their cause. And he demonstrates how to apply the concept of an after-action report, commonly employed in the military, to benefit our personal and professional lives.
With faith in our political and business leaders at an all-time low, America is in the midst of a leadership crisis. Yet public opinion polls show that there is one institution that still commands widespread respect and admiration- the United States military. The Leader’s Code shows that building character the way Marines do can be a model for individual success—and a way forward for our nation..
About the Author :
Donovan Campbell is a management and technology consultant and the bestselling author of Joker One- A Marine Platoon's Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood. He graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Business School, finished first in his class at the Marines’ basic officer course, and served three combat deployments. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and a Bronze Star with Valor for his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. After his combat tours he returned to Dallas, where he is now a consultant with Credera, a rapidly growing management and technology consulting company. He has lectured at Harvard Business School, the Air Force Academy, PepsiCo, and the Barbara Bush Celebration of Reading. He lives in Dallas with his wife and daughters.
Review :
Advance praise for The Leader’s Code
“A refreshing model for leadership, offering convincing principles and motivating examples that are sure to make a difference in a leader’s personal and professional life. I can’t remember a leadership book that has had more influence on my thinking.”—Steve Reinemund, dean of business, Wake Forest University, and retired chairman and CEO, PepsiCo
“Donovan Campbell has written a superb, thoughtful, all-encompassing examination of leadership and leaders. His key lessons, easily understood and well articulated, are applicable at home, within the community, and to professionals in all walks of life. The Leader’s Code is an important book for anyone concerned about today’s leadership crisis in our country and in our communities.”—General Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret.), 33rd Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps
“Donovan Campbell nails it as he speaks to our country’s need for leadership at every level: at home, in the marketplace, in education, in government, and in the military. The Leader’s Code is a clear call to be focused on the right mission, in the right way, and at the right time. This is a thoughtful book that will keep you awake at night and challenge you to dream in the daytime!”—Dennis Rainey, president and CEO, FamilyLife
“Each of us is a leader—whether we are leading a complex organization or simply our own life. Donovan Campbell provides a brilliant recipe of simple yet key ingredients gleaned from his experiences in the military to remind us that true leadership is about honor—through our personal character and how we serve others. Campbell’s stories of his own experiences and the experiences of others who have lived this code made for an inspiring read. I couldn’t put the book down.”—Betsy Myers, author of Take the Lead
“Against the chaotic backdrop of a nation struggling to make sense of shootings, scandals, and a malaise of political vision, Captain Donovan Campbell offers a compelling and necessary way ahead in The Leader’s Code. This is a textbook in real character-based leadership—leading by serving. Campbell reminds us of the importance of mission by highlighting time-tested military virtues and how they can be instilled in our own leadership journey. This inspirational work will be the benchmark for every leader to follow.”—Colonel (Ret.) Dave Mead, director of military ministry, The Navigators
