This book is a standout. Truly. I read it while sitting on my boat in Florida, and it was the perfect companion for moments of quiet reflection and introspection. General Stan McChrystal, with his coauthor Anna Butrico, delivers something unique: a practical, almost stoic approach to understanding and managing risk.
The core idea that certainty and certitude are illusions hit me like a wave. McChrystal doesn’t focus on predicting the unpredictable. Instead, he lays out a framework for controlling what can be controlled, even in the face of chaos. His ten dimensions of control—woven through real-world examples from military campaigns to pandemic responses—are a masterclass in preparedness and adaptability.
One part that resonated deeply was the use of the pandemic as a case study. It made me reflect on some of the predictions I made during that time. Many were eerily accurate, but this book made me realize I could have pushed my thinking further and earlier. It’s a humbling lesson in hindsight and one I’ll carry forward.
McChrystal’s style is grounded yet visionary. He doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of risk but offers tools to navigate it with clarity and confidence. The exercises and strategies he presents aren’t just theoretical—they’re actionable. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a business, or steering a ship (literally or figuratively), his insights are invaluable.
Risk: A User’s Guide is more than a book. It’s a mindset shift. For anyone who wants to build resilience, understand control, and move beyond the illusion of certainty, this is a must-read. I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone serious about mastering risk in their life or work.