The invaluable, battle-hardened principles of leadership from a career of high-stakes decision making, close calls, and bravery that defied all odds.

Every day, as part of a daily debriefing, Air Force pilots report their “near-hits”: the number of death-defying close calls they had that day and how they managed to get out of them—so that, when faced with similar situations, younger pilots can learn from their experience. Because in an extreme environment where every mission—and every mistake—could be your last, every lesson is invaluable.

In Lessons From 5,000 Feet, retired helicopter pilot and Air Force Brigadier General Nehemia Dagan distills all that he has learned about leadership and decision making from commanding hundreds of combat and support missions throughout his 38-year career. From gripping accounts of top-secret operations to powerful behind-the-scenes leadership challenges, Dagan’s 120 riveting chapters reveal how true leadership can create a lasting, positive, life-changing impact in combat situations, in business, and in life.

A unique and empowering voice in leadership both in and out of the military, Dagan dares readers, just like he dares his subordinates, to think outside of what they know. Or, as Dagan puts it: “The unit’s accomplishments don’t belong to the commanding officer; it’s the people who earn the praise, and it’s the people who should reap the rewards. It’s the commander’s job to get them there.”