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Conquering Crisis
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Conquering Crisis

Ten Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them

Admiral William H. McRaven
Grand Central, 2025
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9

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In this compelling memoir, retired Admiral William H. McRaven blends personal experience with historic case studies – from Apollo 13 to the fall of Kabul – to offer a battle-tested guide to crisis leadership. He outlines the importance of truthful reporting, decisive action, multiple contingency plans, and sustained morale. Drawing on his Navy SEAL career, leadership of US Special Ops, and experience with global crises, McRaven underscores the value of trusted advisers, clear guidance, and steady control in navigating turbulent times. McRaven illustrates his practical insights with inspiring anecdotes that are often instructive as well. 

Summary

Crises bring disruption, high stakes, limited resources, and public scrutiny.

The Apollo 13 mission to the moon vividly illustrated the hallmarks of a crisis: chaos, tight resources, heavy potential losses, and rapt media attention. The three Apollo astronauts experienced a crisis when an oxygen tank exploded, forcing them into their smaller lunar module. The astronauts and NASA’s team in Houston faced an unprecedented, seemingly intractable problem, which they miraculously resolved using the materials on board the spacecraft.

Leading through such moments demands more than routine management. It tests your judgment. It also drains morale, pressures decision-making, and exposes systemic flaws. Effective crisis leadership follows these five phases.

  • Assess the situation.
  • Report with precision.
  • Contain the threat.
  • Shape the momentum.
  • Manage long-term recovery.

All five phases depend on clear communication, honest reporting, time management, trusted advice, and steady morale.

Confusion, assumptions, and incomplete information often distort the first reports about a crisis.

Historical...

About the Author

Four-star admiral William H. McRaven served 37 years as a Navy SEAL and retired as leader of US Special Operations Forces. He also served as chancellor of the University of Texas System. He is also the author of Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World, The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well-Lived, and Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations.

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    C. J. 2 weeks ago
    "Crises have their own tempo. Take control, or risk having events overtake you." Sometimes you may not be the leader, but someone has to be in charge or risk things blowing up further. Build trust and confidence by stepping up!