RADICAL INCLUSION by GEN Martin E. Dempsey and Ori Brafman
Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)
In Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About
Leadership, General Martin Dempsey and co-author Ori Brafman deliver a fresh,
thought-provoking perspective on leadership in the modern era. Rooted in lessons from
GEN Dempsey’s military career and Brafman’s expertise in organizational dynamics, the
book challenges traditional notions of control and power, offering instead a roadmap for
navigating the complexities of leadership in an increasingly interconnected and
scrutinized world. The central theme of the book is the idea of “Radical Inclusion,” which
advocates for an instinctual embrace of inclusivity. GEN Dempsey and Brafman argue
that the fear of losing control—common in today’s fast-paced, information-saturated
environment—often leads leaders toward exclusion. However, exclusion only breeds
mistrust, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. To succeed, leaders must actively
cultivate trust by including diverse perspectives and voices, even when doing so feels
counterintuitive or uncomfortable. The authors introduce the concept of the “Era of the
Digital Echo,” illustrating how the internet and social media amplify and distort
information. This phenomenon, they contend, makes facts vulnerable and undermines
the trust essential to effective leadership. Leaders must address this challenge by being
transparent, communicative, and empathetic, working to restore faith in their leadership
amid swirling doubts and misinformation.
Perhaps the most counterintuitive yet powerful idea presented is the notion of
“Relinquishing Control to Preserve Power.” GEN Dempsey and Brafman argue that the
traditional link between control and power is obsolete. In today’s hyperconnected
environment, leaders who hoard control risk alienating their teams and stifling
innovation. Instead, effective leaders share control, fostering collaboration and
empowering their teams to take ownership of outcomes. The authors reinforce this
principle through compelling stories, such as the Burning Man festival’s reliance on
communal responsibility and a young lieutenant’s surprising encounter during the Cold
War.
What makes Radical Inclusion especially impactful is its ability to connect high-level
leadership concepts to relatable, real-world examples. From the Situation Room to a
Berkeley vegan’s confrontation, the anecdotes breathe life into the principles, making
them memorable and actionable. The book’s conversational tone, infused with humor
and humility, ensures that the lessons resonate with readers across diverse sectors,
including business, academia, government, and beyond.
At its heart, Radical Inclusion is a call for leaders to rethink their approach to power,
trust, and influence. The authors convincingly argue that leadership in the 21st century
is less about asserting control and more about cultivating trust, empowering others, and
embracing the complexity of our interconnected world.
YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: True power in leadership lies not in control but in trust
and inclusion. By embracing diverse perspectives and sharing authority, leaders can
build stronger, more resilient teams that thrive in the face of today’s challenges.
ISBN: 13:9781939714107