Leadership in the Shadows: Special Operations Soldier

SGM Lamb, for those that dont know, was a member of one of the premier military units in the world. He started his career as a regular soldier and worked his way up through the the ranks to join the best of the best. He's seen leaders at all levels and knows what he's talking about. He's seen leadership not only in peacetime training, but also in the heat of battle. As a former Army infantry officer and current federal agent, I recognized and understood a lot of what SGM Lamb spoke about in this book. Ive seen good leaders and bad leaders in both the Army and federal law enforcement and SGM Lamb hits the nail on the head on the differences between them in this book. Having former military experience, I found this book to be more of a refresher in leadership, however I believe it would be eye opening for someone with non-military experience. One of the greatest shocks for me in transitioning from Army life to civilian life was coping with the lack of good leadership role models. In the Army, there was always some amazing great squared away leader to model yourself after. At my current agency, there is literally no one that I feel I can aspire to be like or emulate. SGM Lamb outlines some of the reasons and issues that good leadership is lacking in many organizations and also puts forth some good ideas to create an environment that fosters good leadership at all levels. This book is written in a plain and straightforward manner, exactly as I would expect from a former SGM. Its easy to understand and a fast read. I finished most of it in a few hours over just two days laying on the beach. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a leadership refresher or anyone who is inexperienced and wants to learn what good leadership principles. Even as civilian, SGM Lamb continues to lead from the front. Thanks again SGM.

This book could have been called "Leadership Lessons from Warriors", because that's exactly what it is. Without a doubt, the US Military provides some of the finest leadership training in the world. I know this because I have had the privilege to serve as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer.The fact is that I had learned 80% of the information contained in this book before - and that's a very, very good thing. If you've never served in the military, then you might be surprised to learn that its leadership is not just full of a bunch of over-the-top football coach stereotypes. By not means are all military leaders are good at what they do, but I truly believe the military leadership style that is taught in schools and practiced by top-notch NCO's and Officers is best style of leadership you can find.In this book, SGM Lamb lays out the style of leadership I'm talking about. He also draws on his vast experience to provide real-world examples and aids to guide you in your understanding of how to best lead your team. And don't think for a second that this warrior style of leadership should be limited to battlefield use; it is of equal value on the fireground, in the boardroom, or at the dinner table. Anywhere you have a team to lead, you have an opportunity to apply SGM Lamb's principles and advice.I mentioned before that I already had been exposed to about 80% of this material, but if I had only paid for the 20% I hadn't seen before, it still would have been well worth the money. There were lots of snippets and resources from SGM Lamb that I really appreciated like some his checklists and his description of warrior-like leaders.If you're interested in learning about how to better lead you team, no matter how it's organized or what it's tasked with, then you won't be wasting your time with Leadership in the Shadows. I highly recommend this book to all leaders and and would-be leaders out there.Josh BalesHead Instructor, Appalachian Tactical Academyhttp://appalachiantacticalacademy.com

One of the best books I have ever read on leadership. As one who has suffered from poor leadership in both the military and civilian world.This book was very refreshing to read. Mr.Lamb puts everything into easy to understand layman's terms. All of his lessons can be applied to any aspect of ones life. If I was still serving I would have this book as required reading for subordinates. Do yourself a favor and read this book and learn. I am already applying Mr.Lambs lessons at my job.

Possibly I am biased as a Veteran, but Kyle's thoughts are indeed excellent, not unique, but, unique in that they are in print at all. His approach and thoughts are timeless for those that care to hear them. His ideas are grounded in fact and results, so, sadly they will most likely be ignored. However, for those open minded enough to read and heed, you will find yourself with an enviable, high performance team that is fully capable, and willing to dominate your competition.

I really enjoyed Lamb's book and took many notes from it. I am a LEO who was recently promoted to Sergeant about 8 months ago and found the Lamb's book and one other I have read recently from military professionals has given me more food for thought than a two week supervisor school I just attended. Thank you for writing this book, SGM Lamb!

Excellent book and should be mandatory reading for all supervisors. Initial listened to the book on Audible, then bought the hard copy to be able to reference back to it over time.

This is a great book to read if you were just promoted to a sergeant position or supervisor role in the private sector. This book should be given to one that promotes to that level.

Outstanding book on leadership. I purchased it for a different take. I am a fire lieutenant and my chief really pushes for us to develop our leadership skills. I have read several fire service related books on leadership so I thought I would look out side for a different perspective. I was very impressed and have even suggested it for our chief to read. Awesome book, you will not be disappointed.