Adapt or Die

Leadership Principles from an American General

by: Lt Gen (Ret) Rick Lynch, Mark Dagostino

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441244659

  Pub. Date

  Oct 2013

  SRP

  $15.00

  Buy

About

The world needs you to lead.
And in order to lead, you need to adapt.

Sharing stories from the front and insights born from overcoming adversity on the battlefield and in the boardroom, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch offers nine impactful leadership principles to help you develop your own effective, flexible leadership style. From earning respect and working effectively with diverse teams to adapting to new technology and laying a foundation of trust built upon integrity, these principles are what separate the leader who is merely equipped and the leader who excels.

Are you ready to start your training?


"A superb book by a thoughtful, courageous, and authentic leader. As wise, practical, and inspiring as any I have ever seen."--Gen. (Ret.) Fred M. Franks, U.S. Army

"I have worked with Rick in helping take care of our soldiers and their families during these difficult times, and the leadership principles listed in this book are an invaluable guide on how to accomplish that goal. Those principles apply not only in the military but also in corporate America, in academia, and even in the entertainment industry."--Gary Sinise, actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation

"One of the most positive, candid, and encouraging books I've read on leadership in recent years. Truly an invaluable resource for those wanting to take their effectiveness as great, adaptive leaders to the next level."--Chaplain Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Doug Carver, Twenty-Second Army Chief of Chaplains


Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch has commanded at all levels of the Army, from company to Corps to commander of all U.S. Army installations. He spent a total of over thirty months in Iraq, including fifteen months as one of the leaders of the 2007 surge, and is now president and CEO of R Lynch Enterprises. He and his wife, Sarah, live in Texas.

Mark Dagostino is a New York Times bestselling coauthor and former senior writer for People magazine. He wrote Courage to Stand with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and is the coauthor of Rudy: My Story with Notre Dame legend Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger. He lives in New Hampshire.

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Endorsements

"'Change, adapt, and find new opportunities.' That is how Rick Lynch commanded in Iraq during the surge. But it could be any of us leaders anywhere: We all have to adapt. This is a superb book on leadership written by a thoughtful, courageous, and authentic leader himself. As wise, practical, and inspiring as any I have ever seen."

Gen. Fred M. Franks, U.S. Army (retired)

"General Lynch's book Adapt or Die is a wonderful reflection of the importance of truly caring for people in a very emotional and deeply connected way. I have worked with Rick in helping take care of our soldiers and their families during these difficult times, and the leadership principles listed in this book are an invaluable guide on how to accomplish that goal. Those principles apply not only in the military, but also in corporate America, in academia, and even in the entertainment industry."

Gary Sinise, actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation

"General Lynch is a great American hero. He's led our troops in battle and he's managed the bases for thousands of military families around the world. He's got insights into leadership and taking care of people that are great lessons for leaders of any organization. He makes a compelling case for leaders to constantly improve and adapt their organizations; it's really all about people. Lynch's mantra of 'touching lives and making a difference' should speak to leaders of all types of organizations. A must-read for any student of leaders."

Craig Boyan, president and COO, HEB

"This book deserves a place on the shelf of contemporary leadership tomes. A personal tour through an exciting life as a soldier, it will provoke an interesting self-analysis in those who have led or want to lead."

Lt. Gen. Walter F. Ulmer Jr., U.S. Army (retired); former president and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership

"Adapt or Die is an inspiring story of the lessons learned about faith, life, and leadership from one of America's great soldiers. General Lynch's enduring principles and practical insights will help people from all walks of life turn work and family obstacles into opportunities for success."

Chet Edwards, former U.S. Congressman, Texas 17th District, 1991-2010

"General Lynch offers a rare and powerful perspective on leadership. Not only is he is a proven leader through his experiences as a U.S. Army general, but he is a natural leader from his innate understanding of and care for people."

Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO, RE2, Inc.

"Rick personifies what leadership is all about. He has a way of communicating how to lead through strength, compassion, and most of all integrity! No matter if you lead a corporation, a small business, a nonprofit, or an academic institution, Rick's principles will guide you to success."

Doug Harward, CEO and founder, TrainingIndustry.com

"Hard-hitting, straightforward Rick Lynch captures a lifetime of lessons learned from a very distinguished military career--invaluable for corporate and military leaders alike."

Gen. Ben Griffin, U.S. Army (retired)

"With boldness and candor, Rick Lynch relates his own experiences from a distinguished U.S. Army career to illustrate essential leadership principles for all of us. General Lynch is an authentic American hero, yet he writes with a common touch. He demonstrates a deep understanding of how to be a leader and to live a full, balanced life."

James D. Spaniolo, president, University of Texas at Arlington

"Leadership is what we desperately need, yet it's not an innate trait. Fortunately, it can be learned, and we have Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch to teach us. From the heartland of America to the distant ramparts of Iraq, Lynch knows the importance of leadership and wants to share his gift with others. This book is more than the fascinating journey of an accomplished American patriot. It is a guide for all of us on how to lead and how to live."

Dr. J. D. Crouch II, former assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor

"I personally have experienced the wonderful impact of Rick and these stories. He will touch all of your emotions. Most important, you will leave feeling more prepared and motivated to lead yourself, your team, and your organization."

Al Triunfo, vice president, sales and operations, MEDA Pharmaceuticals

"Adapt or Die is an invaluable addition to a leadership library and can truly help people who strive to be leaders in the godly way. General Lynch shows us how he leaned on God throughout his career, especially in difficult circumstances, and how that relationship was a source of strength for him. I wish I could have read this book forty years ago."

Dan Wallrath, president/founder, Operation Finally Home

"This book deserves a look as an example of how one aggressive general officer sees his profession, himself, and his responsibilities. It is a candid, straightforward review of the challenge and response of a military leader in today's complex environment."

Brig. Gen. John C. (Doc) Bahnsen, U.S. Army (retired)

"General Lynch gives pragmatic examples of how investing in and trusting your employees can and does lead to significant productivity and morale changes. Adapt or Die is a must-read for anyone who has been blessed with people responsibility or for those who aspire to lead effectively."

Bob Jansen, president and CEO, Zensights

"Managers, pastors, military leaders, educators, and anyone seeking to lead well will find great help in the pages of this book. General Lynch has earned the right to be heard and listening to his instruction and stories will lock fresh new leadership lessons in your heart."

Rev. Kevin G. Harney, pastor, leadership trainer, and author of Reckless Faith and The Organic Outreach Series.  (www.kevingharney.com and @KevinGHarney)

"An inspiring book by one of our nation's premier strategic and spiritual leaders. Having achieved success as a military professional at every level of the Army's organizational structure, General Rick Lynch's valuable and practical leadership principles captured in this volume should be required reading for any organization's entire management team--no matter the position or level. Quite simply, this might be one of the most positive, candid, and encouraging books I've read on leadership in recent years. Truly an invaluable resource for those wanting to take their effectiveness as great, adaptive leaders to the next level."

Chaplain (Major General) Doug Carver, USA-Ret 22nd Army Chief of Chaplains

Praise for Lt. General Rick Lynch

"Rick Lynch was one of the most effective leaders that I encountered in seven years in Iraq and leading the United States Army. Focused on excellence and on achieving broader organizational goals, Rick used his skills to lead change and confront some of the toughest challenges facing the Army."--Gen. George Casey, Army Chief of Staff, (2007-2011)

"Rick Lynch is a true leader and motivator. Every speaker needs to prepare for his or her remarks; Rick's preparation is his life's story. His leadership background is an excellent foundation for speaking to any audience."--Bill Burton, Vice President of Meetings & Events, InterContinental Hotels Group, IHG

"In working with Rick Lynch closely for more than three years, I saw a leader who had a vision and who knew exactly what he wanted. I was most impressed with how easy it was for him to make his vision clear to those around him, but more important, he made us understand and embrace it to the extent that, in many ways, his aspirations became ours. That vision, that philosophy was simple...God, family, career. Lynch never strayed from that. Lynch was a great example to us."--SFC Ronnie L. Glynn

"Rick Lynch is the greatest leader I have known. He is always learning, always reading, always teaching, and always sharing leadership. He puts God first, family second, and, as he would say, everything else falls into the proper place. I am confident that his amazing leadership stems from this attitude. Rick Lynch is the leader that you want to follow and you strive to emulate, and you feel absolutely disheartened when you let him down."--Brian Lawless, Executive Officer, Fort Hood, TX, Officer Training Command/Army Test and Evaluation Command

"Even as an organizational leader, Rick Lynch did not lose his connection with the junior individuals in the organization. He spent a large portion of his time out of the office and interacting with frontline leaders, gathering information, developing leaders, and communicating the mission/vision. This inspired the staff, as they felt Lynch's trust in their competence to perform, and junior leaders felt connected and a valued member of the team."--LTC Chris Warner

"Managers, pastors, military leaders, educators, and anyone seeking to lead well will find great help in the pages of this book. General Lynch has earned the right to be heard and listening to his instruction and stories will lock fresh new leadership lessons in your heart."--Rev. Kevin G. Harney, pastor, leadership trainer, and author of Reckless Faith and The Organic Outreach Serie

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