This volume describes how extreme life-and-death leadership skills can benefit leaders in any setting. Using lessons drawn from observing and participating in these extreme contexts, as well as interviews with leaders and followers, Kolditz details key characteristics, how they can be applied to situations in everyday life, developing them in others, how emotions play a role in situations, and coping with the tragedy of death in an organization. Case studies of some are included, such as the chapter on the US Military Academy parachute team. The conclusion presents brief biographies of leaders and followers who influenced the development of the concept of the book. Kolditz (behavioral sciences and leadership, United States Military Academy at West Point) is a colonel who has served in military tactical command and technical staff assignments and as an analyst at the Pentagon. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)