It’s the Same, but It’s Different
When it comes to leadership, Extreme Ownership stands out as a game-changer. It’s all about taking full responsibility for your actions and outcomes—no excuses, no blaming others. And when you pair it with the Laws of Combat, it becomes a practical guide for tackling challenges and winning, no matter your circumstances—or your gender.
Let’s be honest—men and women often face very different challenges in life, especially in the workplace. But here’s the thing: while the experiences are different, the principles—especially Extreme Ownership—apply the same.
Your Problems Aren’t Unique
A few years ago, I had a conversation with Jocko Willink and was asked about catering content to women, specifically working mothers who I knew (from experience) were feeling completely overwhelmed. I talked about how hard it is to juggle work, family, and everything else, and how women in leadership face some unique challenges. Jocko’s response was simple: “The principles are the same.”
At first, I was a little annoyed. It felt like he was brushing off the reality of what women face in the workplace. But after sitting with it for a while, I realized he wasn’t dismissing the challenges. Instead, he was saying that the solution lies in applying these principles, even to situations that feel unique.
That was a turning point for me. I realized the Laws of Combat—Cover and Move, Simple, Prioritize and Execute, and Decentralized Command—aren’t just rules for the battlefield. They’re tools I could use to navigate the complexities of my own life and leadership challenges… whether in business or at home.
The Principles Work for Everyone
At the heart of it all is the mindset of Extreme Ownership—owning your actions, your decisions, and ultimately, your success. Applying these principles doesn’t mean pretending the challenges women face don’t exist. It’s about using the same framework to tackle those challenges head-on.
Yes, women in leadership often deal with things like balancing work and family, fighting against gender bias, or advocating for equal opportunities. But the way forward—the way to solve these problems—is rooted in the same principles that help anyone lead effectively.
Conclusion
Men and women may have different experiences, but the answer lies in adopting the mindset of Extreme Ownership and using the Laws of Combat to navigate through the chaos. These principles aren’t about ignoring our differences—they’re about finding a common language and approach to lead with resilience, integrity, and accountability. No matter the challenge, Extreme Ownership equips us all—women and men alike—to step up, take control, and lead effectively. To learn more about how to apply EO to solve your unique challenges, join our monthly, free online Women’s Assembly. A community of women working together to support each other in all aspects of life.
