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What Others Think of Take Your Lead
“Take Your Lead is 50% common-sense, 50% hard-earned wisdom of proven leaders – and 100% inspiration. In their down-to-earth manner, veterans Richard & Brian Dillard remind us of the centrality of leadership in every organization and the high payoff that comes with getting it as right as possible."
General Stanley A. McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.); Former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan; Bestselling Author of Team of Teams and My Share of the Task; Founder of the McChrystal Group, a leadership consulting firm
“In Take Your Lead, the authors deliver a refreshingly practical and engaging guide to leadership that champions personal authenticity and intentional organizational culture. Unlike strategy-heavy volumes that often miss the mark for leaders working “in the trenches,” this book is packed with actionable insights, real-world tactics, and proven techniques that can be applied in any environment—from the boardroom to the front lines. “With clarity, candor, and a touch of humor, the Dillard's break down complex leadership concepts into relatable, easy-to-apply lessons. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this book offers a transformative learning experience that’s as enjoyable as it is enlightening.”
Mike Ettore, Founder, Fidelis Leadership Group; Former C-Level Executive at Kforce; Retired Marine Corps Infantry Officer and Decorated Combat Leader
“As an educator, leader, and project manager, I felt deeply honored to review this work before its release. Richard’s insights are both timely and timeless—his words inspired me on multiple levels. The diagrams, illustrative examples, and personal narratives are not only engaging but also deeply practical. This book is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to build resilient, empathetic leadership and team culture. I’m grateful for Richard’s voice in this space—it has strengthened my own connection to purpose and the work I’ve been called to do.
Dr. Elwanda M. Bennett, MEDP, PMP
"Richard and Brian have done a masterful job of not only laying out concepts on organizational behavior, leadership development and business management, but specific next steps we can take as individual contributors to shape them directly and dramatically. This is a wonderful handbook for anyone seeking to positively influence their organization by intentionally and courageously growing a leader of it."
John O’Leary, #1Bestselling Author of On Fire and In Awe; Subject of the Major Motion Picture SOUL ON FIRE
"Take Your Lead is a timely affirmation of what true leaders already know: that leadership is not a performance of authority but a posture of service. Richard and Dr. Brian Dillard remind us that the most enduring influence flows not from control, but from character—rooted in humility, accountability, and the quiet strength of those who lead from within. Their Leadership Enrichment LIFE-cycle (LEL-c) offers a profound structure for becoming the kind of leader others want to follow—not because you demand it, but because you demonstrate it. This book is a call back to the essence of Servant Leadership: to elevate others, build culture, and transform organizations through presence, purpose, and personal responsibility. It is a vital guide for any leader ready to trade ego for impact."
Dave Guerra, Strategist | Founder of The Superperformance Movement; Author of Superperformance, The Superperforming CEO, and Cruciform Wisdom
"A Bold Call to Authentic Leadership! Take Your Lead by Richard S. Dillard and Dr. Brian G. Dillard is a powerful guide for leaders ready to grow, adapt, and lead with purpose. Blending personal experience with practical tools, the authors introduce the “Leadership Platform”—a dynamic framework rooted in introspection, emotional intelligence, and moral authority. This book challenges readers to embrace discomfort through “non-neutral learning” and commit to meaningful, lasting leadership transformation. A must-read for those serious about evolving both personally and organizationally.
Cynthia J. Martin, Organizational Transformation and Performance
"This book is not for the faint of heart! If you’re looking for a light read that won’t challenge your illusions of yourself, then look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you want something that can help you become the leader you really want to be, then dive in! This book will present you with timeless truths and hard-won expertise that are sure to challenge any self-deception or illusions you have as a leader and enable you to perceive the reality. It will also give you tools and a method to move forward to where you truly want to be as a leader and a human being. If you do nothing more than read it and think about the ideas presented, it will be valuable, but for those who put into practice the ideas presented, the benefits can be beyond counting."
Dr. Dan O'Connor, Research Director in Defense & Space; PhD in Values-Driven Leadership, Benedictine University
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr D and it is clear that the concepts contained and explained in these pages are not just an intellectual exercise… he practices what he preaches. In the following chapters, you’ll find many ideas to challenge your conceptions of leadership. The authors also provide many thought exercises to “make real” the concepts they explore. If you find yourself stuck, or questioning the next step on your leadership journey, this book is for you. As the Dillard brothers suggest… just start!”
Kevin Kennedy, Lieutenant General, USAF (Retired)
"An Exceptional Book on Leadership. Blends leadership and management into a coherent discipline that, if followed, should lead to success in any organization. I only wish this had been available to read when I was transitioning from the Army to industry!"