Breaching the Summit: Leadership Lessons from the U.S. Military's Best

A unique anthology of leadership lessons written by six former senior enlisted advisors to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“Six outstanding American military leaders served our nation admirably and now share their life experiences and the leadership lessons they learned. This book is a must-read for all service members—both enlisted and officer—aspiring to be successful leaders in uniform and beyond. Thank you to each of the authors for selflessly sharing their experiences and insights on leadership and life.”
— Gen. Frank J. Grass, U.S. Army (retired)
27th Chief of the National Guard Bureau (2012–2016)

Breaching the Summit brings together the stories of six former senior enlisted advisors to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Each tells in their own words how they got their start, how mentors encouraged them along the way, and how they eventually became the highest-ranking enlisted member in their respective service.

With invaluable lessons this is a book for junior service members, senior enlisted leaders, officers, and leaders in civilian life.

Includes contributions by:

Ken Preston, 13th Sergeant Major of the Army (retired)
Mike Barrett, 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (retired)
Rick West, 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (retired)
James Roy, 16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (retired)
Denise Jelinski-Hall, 3rd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the National Guard Bureau (retired)
Skip Bowen, 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (retired)

Table of Contents

Foreword
Editor's Note
Kenneth O. Preston, 13th Sergeant Major of the Army
Soldier for Life
An Ideal Command Climate
The Promotion Process
Growing Leaders
Learning from Failure
11 Principles of Leadership
Be Ready for Opportunities
Transitioning
Micheal P. Barrett, 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
What Got Me Here
Checklists and Habits
Character
Cultivate Your People
Optimal Combat Readiness
Give Your All
Transitioning
Rick D. West, 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
A Strong Work Ethic
The Navy is a Team Sport
Attention to Detail
Personal Growth
Effective Communication
Attitude is Everything
Rely on Family
Transitioning
James A. Roy, 16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Where I Came From
High Expectations
Trust and Autonomy
Strengthen Your Family
Care at a Personal Level
Joint and Coalition Forces
Lead by Example
Transitioning
Denise M. Jelinski-Hall, 3rd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the National Guard Bureau
Life on the Prairie
Trust Your Intuition
Embrace Challenges and Take Risks
Moving On after Mistakes
Positive Attitude
Be Ready
Take Care of Your People
Recognize Accomplishments
Expectations and Accountability
A Man's World
Have Faith
Transitioning
Charles W. "Skip" Bowen, 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
Future Guardian
Lead Boldly
Lead by Example
Situational Awareness
Leadership and Risk Management
Communicate Effectively
Tenacity
Transitioning
Afterword