Gus Lee - The Courage Playbook

—Ben Bainnational security professional

“Gus Lee knocks it out of the park and makes a difference with The Courage Playbook , which gives us tools to improve effectiveness in leading and in life. In Step Three, he strips bare common human inhibitors to leadership and gives us a practical way to defeat them. I witnessed Gus apply these principles, know that they came from the school of hard reality, and that they actually work. In my career and interface with Gus, I've used his applications to promote my ability and that of others to be self‐examining leaders in a guided personal journey of reflection and improvement.”

—Tom RozmanPast Director, Collective Training Directorate, Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, US Army Training and Doctrine Command; past Director Central Region, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

“Gus Lee has penned a road map for those of us striving to overcome our compulsive tendency to prefer faux self‐preservation over courageous moral action. The 3 NOs helped me more clearly understand the compounding effects of my self‐deception and better equipped me to take ownership for the quality of my relationships. I remain grateful for the ways in which the practical lessons that constitute The Courage Playbook continue to unfold in my personal and professional life.”

—Major Chip Huth30 years, Kansas City Missouri Police Department

“Informed, honed, intentional and deliberately acquired courage, which Gus Lee presents in The Courage Playbook , walked me through meaningful exercises that led to my making serious decisions and direction changes with clarity and precision. Gus describes how courage can be developed, sharpened, and used to raise decisions and people to greater heights and avoid reckless actions that in truth are not courage. He writes with clarity, wit, wisdom and research and lives the way he writes. Down to earth, boots‐on‐the‐ground illustrations make concepts come alive and applicable. The Courage Playbook is readable, poignant, and practical.”

—Dick Stenbakken, EdD, MDiv, MEd, MAChaplain (Colonel) US Army, Retired Director of Family Life Ministries

“The Assessment tools helped me get a bead on behaviors that were controlling me—I was trapped without joy. Step Two actions equipped me to stop my self‐lying, sharp self‐interest, blaming and anger, with huge benefits to my company. Steps Three and Four are saving my marriage and our daughter from constantly seeking approval of others. Thank you for the immediate action steps and the fundamental planning truths in Step Five. Sharing your work and experience with others is producing blessings.”

—Rock AdamsPresident, Rock Hard, Inc.

“Several years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Gus Lee. The Courage Playbook and other Gus Lee books represent what is possible in our lives when we commit to practice, experience, learn, overcome, and share our big life lessons. Gus has faced substantial challenges, refused to quit or give in to an easier path and remained resolute to a higher calling and purpose. Gus is the real deal; he shows up every day as a respected moral and courageous teacher and leader. This book lays down a very effective road map that we can use to create a more positive and intentional way in our own lives and model to strangers and to those we love and care about. It equips us to face difficulties and opportunities, to make the conscious choice to not become bitter but better. Using Unconditional Positive Respect and seeking the Highest Moral Action, we steadily become more courageous in every part of our lives. This is Gus's gift to us. His life story, experience, and wisdom have greatly impacted my life. Implementing the insights and practices shared in The Courage Playbook will challenge and reward you with the ability to experience a more inspired life. Enjoy the journey!”

—Rob KnauerVistage Worldwide, Chicago Chair, leads high‐performing CEO Peer Advisory Boards; CEO, Black Ocean Advisors, Inc.

“ The Courage Playbook uniquely provides the structure to help those aspiring to become their best self. Gus created the tools for anyone to grow in self‐awareness and understanding on a journey to become a better follower and leader with intent and practice. I found the book's assessments challenging and had to talk with family and others to ensure I was being honest with myself. The Courage Playbook is well worth revisiting with changing professional and personal challenges. It joins a short list of books that add value with each reread and periodic reevaluation and refocusing to update our best practices, which I now do as I systematically develop and coach leaders to be their best.”

—Scott TessmerRetired Naval Officer

“I appreciate the introspective tools Gus uses in The Courage Playbook , especially the Three NOs. They are a living checklist for me to mentally review before tough conversations, when I've been blindsided, and when I automatically react out of fear. Remembering to show unconditional respect, to not let fear control me, and to remember that I can choose courageous actions to do the right thing are but samples of the essential tools Gus equips us with in his new book.”

—William A. SalmonFire Captain (Ret.), Poudre Fire Authority

“During my 23 years as an NFL side judge, including three Super Bowls and more than a dozen playoff games, I encountered innumerable challenges. The NFL is a high‐stakes enterprise where officials' mistakes garner considerable scrutiny and criticism. I wish that I had The Courage Playbook to guide me during my career. Gus Lee's principles and lessons would have given me even more confidence to act with courage, confidence, and clarity. In retirement, I am still a husband, father, and grandfather. I teach at the college level, volunteer with the police and serve on our city's parks, beaches and recreation commission. The Courage Playbook is my blueprint for doing what is right in every sphere, thus strengthening me to make a greater difference for my family and communities. What a gift!”

—Dr. Laird HayesNFL Side Judge, known for making the biggest call in Super Bowl history (SB XLVI)

GUS LEE

Copyright © 2022 by Gus Lee. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.

Published simultaneously in Canada.

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Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.