Introduction to Leadership McRaven Paper

Introduction to Leadership McRaven Paper

Provide an abstract and synthesis of the lessons offered by William McRaven. What were the central themes present in this book?

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral William Harry McRaven wrote a book titled “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World”. In the book, he highlights several lessons that he learned from his days as a trainee and throughout his career. These lessons include forming discipline through small actions as soon as one wakes up, like making the bed. The second lesson is seeking help when facing adversity or, rather, having a strong support system, and the third lesson is judging people based on their heart as opposed to their race, sex, and other physical attributes. Further lessons that McRaven talks about include getting over being a victim or failure (he labels it being a sugar cookie), not being afraid of what comes after failing (he refers to them as circuses), being brave and taking risks and not backing down from what one thinks could harm them. Moreover, McRaven also talks about being strong when one is in a dark place, how to keep oneself going, especially when things seem hopeless, and lastly, yet importantly, never quitting.

The textbook discusses how we all lead ourselves. Provide multiple examples of when William McRaven exhibits this leadership trait—Cite McRaven’s book and page number when providing your examples. Discuss Leadership’s relation to Self-Leadership.

In the first chapter, William McRaven talks about how accomplishing small tasks helps one have the confidence and motivation to complete challenging and bigger tasks. Accordingly, the author talks about how waking up and making the bed perfectly every morning sets a precedent for how one will conduct themselves all day (McRaven 2017, p. 10). By ignoring this simple task or doing it carelessly, one exhibits an unmotivated attitude and lacks the determination to conquer all they set out to do that day. Besides, making sure that even the small tasks are done perfectly helps one build discipline. Intrinsic motivation, determination, and discipline are some of the traits of leaders. A second example of the author exhibiting the ability to lead himself is by recognizing that he was not invincible and that he needed help to conquer the challenges that they faced at the training camp (McRaven 2017, p. 16). Good leaders recognize that they are not capable of doing everything by themselves. As such, they delegate roles or share responsibilities with others. Further, a person who is able to work effectively in a team has the potential to be a good leader.

A third instance where the author exhibited self-leading capabilities is by accepting that life is unfair and that sometimes, no matter what one does, one can find oneself as a failure. In the fourth chapter, the author writes about how instructors would go out of their way to find mistakes that were not even there so that they could punish the trainees. Accordingly, the punishment was referred to as “sugar cookie,” which essentially was dipping oneself in water and then rolling around on the beach till the whole body was covered in sand. Subsequently, one had to spend a whole day covered in the sand, with it rubbing against every crook and crevice in the body (McRaven 2017, p. 30). The lesson here was that sometimes life is unfair no matter how hard one tries, and one might never get what one wants despite trying one’s best. However, the author explains that one should accept this fact and bounce back. McRaven argues that when he became a sugar cookie during his training days, he was able to overlook how unfair the punishment was by accepting the fact that life is unfair, just as he quotes at the beginning of the chapter, “life’s not fair- drive on” (McRaven 2017, p. 28). This is a self-leading trait where one accepts that everything will not work out, but one has to get back up and move forward.

Discuss the importance of supporting those on your team when they are “weak.” Discuss the importance of having a strong network of people who support you. Why is it important to support others in general?

In chapter two, William McRaven narrates how they were put in groups in training and were supposed to overcome obstacles together, like carrying a heavy raft everywhere they went. This included running up and down the dunes of Colorado, from the barracks to the highways, and paddling it north to south and back of the coastline. This happened over several days, and sometimes, one of the members would be sick or overly exhausted. On such days, the author explains how the other team member would pick up the slack on his behalf. Later, when another team member was in the same unfortunate situation, the others would pick up the slack for them (McRaven 2017, p. 16). It is crucial to support those who are “weak” in the team because individuals find themselves in similar situations and need help. Suppose one were to act contrastingly and let those who are weak put in the work as everyone else; they could get sicker, or they could cause a loss because their work won’t be up to par.

A strong support system is crucial because, as mentioned above, everyone needs help sometimes. The author writes about an unfortunate incident he went through after a parachuting accident that left him severely injured, and he had to be bedridden for two months. Accordingly, William McRaven had always wanted to be a Navy Seal, and when the accident happened, his dream seemed like it was gone (McRaven 2017, p. 17). He explains how he felt defeated. However, he had a strong support system comprising his wife, boss, and friends who were there for and helped him get back on his feet (McRaven 2017, pg. 19). Without people to help him through the tough time, the probability that the outcome could have been negative is significant.

It is important to support others because, as much as people want to believe that they can overcome anything, this is not always the case. Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while. To elaborate further, social capital not only results in economic prosperity but also has been linked to positive health outcomes (Pitas & Ehmer, 2020, p. 942). Social capital essentially is the value placed on the network of relationships among people, for example, family, friends, and co-workers. Therefore, having a strong support system means they have a high value in social capital and, therefore, a high probability of overcoming challenges like health issues.

Using the textbook as a reference, discuss the relationships among age, gender, cultural differences, and self-leadership. According to McRaven (cite his book here), why is it important to not judge someone only by their appearance? By their stature? By the way, do they talk? By how fast do they run?

When it comes to Leadership, there is a disproportionate occupation by people of specific social groups, specifically men who are white. The reason for this imbalance has been attributed to various factors, some of them including gender, age, and cultural differences. According to Neck, Manz & Houghton, (2019, p. 349), research indicates that younger people are attributed to be goal-oriented because they are trying to create identities for themselves. This is opposed to older people who are attributed to having already accomplished a lot, which makes them not so driven. The authors also argue that cultural differences also have an impact on a person’s self-leadership. These variations are linked to people’s experiences with cultural dimensions like individualism or collectivism, masculinity, and power, which then influence their self-leadership. Notably, the author states that there is a difference in self-leadership between men and women.

McRaven (2017) uses two experiences that taught him not to judge people’s abilities based on their size, race, appearance, or wealth. In the first story, McRaven narrates how, before becoming a trainee, he misjudges an individual based on their physical appearance. Accordingly, when McRaven visited a SEAL training facility, he ran into a frail-looking man, Norris. McRaven thought there was no way this weak man was making it into Navy SEAL (McRaven 2017 p. 26). However, shortly afterward, McRaven was embarrassed to find out that this particular individual was among the most respected and honored SEALS in their history. In his early days, Norris was also judged on his appearance, saying that he was physically weak, too small and thin. However, Norris rose to the challenge and became the hero that he was.

The second story is about a trainee who, like Norris, did not meet the physical requirements of a Navy SEAL. On this occasion, it involved surfing through eight-foot-high waves. Based on his height, many, even the instructor, doubted whether the trainee would survive the obstacle. However, when McRaven finished his swim, he found that the trainee had already finished and was almost in the lead position (McRaven, 2017, p. 24). McRaven was not surprised about the outcome because he had learned earlier that determination and grit were always more important than race, money, physical appearance, or talent.

Discuss how you deal with adversity. How can you foster the attitude that McRaven mentions in yourself and others?

            In most cases when I have been faced with adversity, I prefer to deal with it on my own in fear of burdening other people, who could also be dealing with their own problems. However, it depends on the kind of adversity it is, for example, if am going through financial troubles, I find ways to get myself out of the situation. Contrastingly, in difficult adversity, like going through grief, I always seek help whenever I need it because it can be very overwhelming. On page 58 of his book, William McRaven (2017) uses the quote, “If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in the mud,” which means that when one is faced with adversity, one should hold one firmly to hope. I hope it will help you foster a positive attitude that everything will get better soon. By being hopeful and positive, one becomes a source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to those around them who are suffering as well.

Discuss what a sugar cookie is. Hint* It is not a confection made with sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Make sure to cite McRaven’s book when answering this question. What does McRaven mean when he says, “If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie.” What failures have you experienced? What did you learn from this experience?

            In his training camp, McRaven narrates how they had to be punished, sometimes even for nonexistent mistakes, by having to jump in the ocean and then rolling around in the sand that one was fully covered by sand. Subsequently, one had to spend the whole day covered in the sand, which was termed a “sugar cookie” (McRaven, 2017, p. 30). However, in the book, McRaven uses the term as a metaphor to explain that sometimes, no matter what one does, no matter how hard one works or does everything right, one will end up as a sugar cookie. In simpler terms, sometimes people lose or fail (McRaven, 2017, p. 32). McRaven explains that life is unfair and that once in a while, people lose despite their best efforts.

One failure I had to overcome was in high school when I participated in a science competition that I really wanted to win. I sacrificed my summer break and spent time preparing for this competition. I did my best but ended up taking fourth place in the competition. The failure broke my heart because I believed I would win, and not doing so convinced me that maybe I was not as good as I thought. However, I soon accepted my loss and stopped pitying myself. I realized life is like that, and sometimes, I might lose despite my best efforts. This realization made me stronger and prepared me for the failures that I have encountered since then.

Discuss how the BUDS student beat the Slide for Life Record. Make sure to cite McRaven’s book when answering this question. How does this action relate to the topics discussed in Chapter 5 of your textbook?

            After failing to finish the slide of life obstacle course in good time, McRaven realized that the only way he could beat the course was by taking a risk. Initially, McRaven used the safe strategy to navigate nylon rope, which meant that he would take longer to finish the course (McRaven, 2017, p. 42). However, the risky method, which was going head first, guaranteed one to succeed but could also end badly if one fell because the head would be the first to get hit. Nevertheless, the next time he took the obstacle, McRaven was able to overcome his fear of failing and being injured by pushing his fears aside and having faith in his abilities to complete the obstacle successfully.

Discuss McRaven’s philosophy, “Don’t back down from the sharks?” Make sure to cite his book when answering this question. How does this philosophy relate to the topic of Locus of Control discussed in your textbook?

            On page 48 of his book, McRaven (2017) narrates an experience where he and his partner, Marc Thomas, had to swim across waters that had sharks in order to overcome an obstacle. Despite the knowledge and fear of the sharks, these two did not back down and continued swimming. Eventually, they made it across the waters. When he said, “Don’t back down from the sharks,” McRaven meant that when trying to accomplish goals, one will encounter many obstacles trying to stop them in their tracks. However, one cannot let these obstacles win. Besides, one should not let anything or anyone stand in the way of them accomplishing their goals. The term is yet another metaphor that McRaven uses to define various obstacles, including people an individual faces on their path to achieving what they set out to. McRaven further explains that once one backs down, they let the sharks define the path they take and end up living on someone’s terms, such as being ruled by tyrants.

Moreover, Neck, Manz, & Houghton (2019) state that an internal Locus of Control is crucial for self-leadership. Essentially, Locus of Control is a psychological theory that defines how strongly individuals believe they are in control of their lives. Accordingly, the internal Locus of Focus is when people believe that only they are responsible for how their lives go, as opposed to luck or fate, in the extremal locus of control. McRaven’s philosophy relates to Locus of Control in that people with an internal Locus of Control will fight back when faced with obstacles. However, this will not be the case for those with external Locus of Control because they would think that these obstacles are fate or luck and that their efforts are fruitless.

What is McRaven’s central theme in Chapter 10 of his book? How does this theme relate to the material in Chapter 3 of your textbook?

The core theme of chapter 10 of Mcraven’s book is never quitting and remaining steadfast in one’s journey to accomplishing goals. This theme relates to chapter three of Neck, Manz, & Houghton (2019), which highlights various strategies that can be used to overcome challenges one faces. On page 94, the textbook explains how eliminating negative cues that could increase the probability of giving up is important in overcoming roadblocks. Further, the textbook also states the importance of using positive cues, like things that make it easier to accomplish a goal. For example, when exercising, a person who likes riding bicycles can incorporate bike riding into their exercise plan. All these efforts contribute towards making sure one finishes their goal.

 References

McRaven, A. W. H. (2017). Make your bed: Little things that can change your life… and maybe the world. Hachette UK.

Neck, C. P., Manz, C. C., & Houghton, J. D. (2019). Self-leadership: The definitive guide to personal excellence. Sage Publications.

Pitas, N., & Ehmer, C. (2020). Social Capital in the Response to COVID-19. American Journal of Health Promotion, 34(8), 942-944.

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The ability to author a well-written reflection paper is a staple of undergraduate work. By mid-semester, you are to read the book Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And maybe the world. Craft a reflection paper using the following guidelines.

Your paper should be written according to APA 6 guidelines and include an abstract and cover page with the assignment title, your name, date, university name, school name, course number, and professor. See figure 1 below. Your paper should be no less than eight pages in length, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and include a reference page. There is no penalty for writing more than the required page count. Do not plagiarize, as each submitted paper will be scanned through iThenticate plagiarism software. An in-text citation should follow references from the course textbook. Each page should be numbered at the center and bottom of each page. Your cover page and reference pages do not count towards the total page count.

William Harry McRaven is a retired United States Navy admiral who last served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command from August 8, 2011, to August 28, 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he was the chancellor of The University of Texas System. Admiral McRaven is credited for organizing and overseeing the execution of Operation Neptune Spear, the special operations raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011. Osama bin Laden financed and supported the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. McRaven later gained internet fame during a 2014 commencement speech at The University of Texas. Please see the link below.

https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs&t=13s

Read the book Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by retired U.S. Navy Admiral William Harry McRaven.

Write a seven-page paper and answer the following questions. Each section of your paper should be labeled with the corresponding question in bold.

Provide an abstract and synthesis of the lessons offered by William McRaven. What were the central themes present in this book?
The textbook discusses how we all lead ourselves. Provide multiple examples of when William McRaven exhibits this leadership trait—Cite McRaven’s book and page number when providing your examples. Discuss Leadership’s relation to Self-Leadership. Make sure to cite the textbook when defining Leadership.
Discuss the importance of supporting those on your team when they are “weak.” Discuss the importance of having a strong network of people who support you. Why is it important to support others in general? Make sure to cite McRaven’s book when sourcing your examples.
Using the textbook as a reference, discuss the relationships among age, gender, cultural differences, and self-leadership. According to McRaven (cite his book here), why is it important to not judge someone only by their appearance? By their stature? By the way, do they talk? By how fast do they run?
Discuss how you deal with adversity. How can you foster the attitude that McRaven mentions in yourself and others?
Discuss what a sugar cookie is. Hint* It is not a confection made with sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Make sure to cite McRaven’s book when answering this question. What does McRaven mean when he says, “If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie.” What failures have you experienced? What did you learn from this experience?
Discuss how the BUDS student beat the Slide for Life Record. Make sure to cite McRaven’s book when answering this question. How does this action relate to the topics discussed in Chapter 5 of your textbook? Make sure to cite the textbook when answering this question.
Discuss McRaven’s philosophy, “Don’t back down from the sharks?” Make sure to cite his book when answering this question. How does this philosophy relate to the topic of Locus of Control discussed in your textbook? Make sure to cite the textbook and McRaven’s book when answering this question.
What is McRaven’s central theme in Chapter 10 of his book? How does this theme relate to the material in Chapter 3 of your textbook?