40 years ago, a young man embarked on a journey, which has led him to this book. Within it, there is a collection of experiences that give examples of leadership at its most critical point. Rear Admiral Slavonic began his Navy career at the very bottom rank, a Seaman Recruit and by applying some of the same principles, you will read about in this book-he retired as a Rear Admiral after a 34-year career. In the pages of this book, you will find something that is critical to success in life-a philosophy of leadership that you can take for your own. By reading each chapter, giving thought to what you’ve read and applying what you’ve learned in action; a discerning reader will gain a thorough understanding of what real leaders are made of-and in the learning can become one too. This book provides the reader with a collection of highly successful real-world leaders detailing their own sound fundamental principles on how to lead, what to do as a leader and most importantly-how not to lose sight of the objective of the mission. Corporate America and leaders (or those who want to become more effective leaders) of businesses of all sizes and kinds can learn much from the experiences and guidance shared in this book. Those who contributed to this book would rightly be on a Who’s Who list of our nation’s most highly honored and decorated military leaders; two-, three- and four-star Generals, Admirals, Captains and Colonels, war heroes and two Medal of Honor recipients-they know what it takes to lead and to succeed. About Greg Slavonic: Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, U.S. Navy (Ret) most recently served as the U.S. Navy’s Deputy to the Chief of Information in Washington, D.C., and Director of Public Affairs (Reserve) from June 2001 to 2005. In June 2004, Slavonic deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom II. Assigned to the Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) staff in Baghdad, Iraq, he served as the senior strategic communications and public affairs officer for Commanding General for MNF-I. He was the first U.S. Navy flag officer assigned to MNF-I and the highest-ranking public affairs officer in Iraq. In November 1990, Slavonic deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was assigned to the staff of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf at U.S. Central Command. He earned a BS degree from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. His military decorations include Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation, plus numerous other service and campaign medals. He has three children and two grandchildren and resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Molly.