In the existential struggle for independence, leadership ceases to be merely a position and becomes a matter of survival. Leading military experts and combat officers (Oleh Boiko, Mykhailo Drapatyi, Hennadii Verkholantsev, Mykhailo Tsymbal, Viktor Shydliukh) present the publication "Military Leadership Manual" — a practical toolkit that prepares human consciousness for the challenges of modernity. The presentation will take place on April 16 at Vezha na Pochaini. The book was published by "Koleso Zhyttia". The event is supported by the Lyudyna Dyvo Svitu project.
We live in an environment where the old model of peaceful life no longer works. Decisions need to be made quickly, responsibility shared, and trust built consciously. The book systematically explains:
- how the role of leader and team changes;
- how their interaction is built;
- what makes a unit resilient in critical conditions.
This is not a dry textbook or a collection of statutes, but a manifesto of the transition from an "army of orders" to an "army of leaders," where the Human-Warrior is at the center. The publication shows the living experience of war — with specific decisions, mistakes, and consequences.
The book is structured as a dynamic dialogue. Thanks to an extensive system of QR codes, the reader gains access to the "live" experience of those who directly shape modern leadership practice. This creates a unique sense of direct conversation, where each piece of advice is supported by the practice of combat operations.
Although the book is written by military personnel, its principles are a universal practical guide for business and organizational leaders. At its core is the idea that true influence is based on trust, character, and competence, not bureaucratic control.
Why the book is valuable for civilian leaders and CEOs
- trust saves time: in conditions of chaos, the speed of decision-making is crucial, and trust allows these decisions to be delegated to the lowest level;
- culture of responsibility: forging team strength by transforming experience into victory;
- humanity in chaos: transitioning to a "gardener-leader" model that fosters an environment where everyone is valued and cared for.
Oleh Boiko (Friend "Case"), military leadership researcher: "The Ukrainian nation has survived hundreds of years of fierce struggle for existence. The book is a modern experience of outstanding military leaders of Ukraine, enshrined in text, to strengthen the spirit of future generations of leaders. It is for those who mentally consider themselves Warriors.
This book is about the lessons learned and implemented from the experience of outstanding Ukrainian combat leadership. It is dedicated to all living and fallen military leaders whom others have always followed and are now consciously following, not by order or because responsibility has been "reinforced" by someone. We have learned and are still learning lessons about the manifestation of outstanding combat leadership by Ukrainians in the struggle for their values. We must implement them into education or training systems, decision-making culture, thinking, and self-development."
Hennadii Verkholantsev (Friend "Healer"), leadership coaching researcher: "The publication is based on the idea that leadership is not a position, but influence based on trust, character, and competence. Despite the military context, it is a practical guide for both military personnel and business leaders, because the principles described in the book are universal. The military leadership model described in the book is devoid of bureaucratic "command and control." Emphasis is placed on humanity, empathy, and understanding of psychology. This makes the book a powerful tool for any leader who seeks to create a highly effective team."
"The 'Manual' clearly articulates: trust saves time. In modern combat, the speed of decision-making is crucial, and trust allows these decisions to be delegated to the lowest level."
Mykhailo Tsymbal, military leadership researcher and lecturer: "In the chaos of today's war, there is a demand for the transformation of the military organizational culture of the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Manual we have developed is a guide for the formation and development of a new generation of adaptive, humane officer-leaders who acquire the ability to purposefully influence the worldview of subordinates and improve methods of performing tasks to increase Ukraine's defense capability and achieve comprehensive superiority over the enemy.
The most important basic step in the transformation of our army should be the transition from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset with a state-humanistic value orientation."
"The Manual" proposes a paradigm shift: a leader does not just give instructions, but purposefully influences the worldview of subordinates, developing adaptability and team resilience. This makes the publication indispensable for any leader who seeks to build a highly effective team in a crisis.
"There are texts that add strength – to a person and a team. Real experience forever lives in them. It becomes an effective tool for ensuring necessary transformations and achieving desired results. Thanks to such texts, quality initiative is usually born and team strength is forged. Before us is a book that we have long lacked. A text that we finally have! With experience, spirit, and a powerful toolkit for establishing a culture of responsible leadership in the Ukrainian army" – military chaplain, writer, leadership researcher Andriy Zelinsky.
"Here, in war, it is little and far from the most important thing to simply "bear the name" of a commander or boast of a rank on a shoulder strap... Success will be where the commander has his own code and is a professional, and these are already direct signs of a leader. A leader is to fight... A leader is to lead... A leader is to win! This book tells how to achieve this," – Hero of Ukraine Vadym Sukharevsky.
Presentation participants:
- Oleh Boiko (Friend "Case") — military leadership researcher;
- Hennadii Verkholantsev (Friend "Healer") — leadership coaching researcher;
- Serhiy Alymov (Friend "Thunder") — entrepreneur, volunteer, military leadership lecturer.
Moderator — Inessa Kravchenko, Ph.D. in Philology, publisher of "Koleso Zhyttia", co-owner of an investment holding, patron.
Media partners: Dilova Stolytsia, Mind.ua Oboz.ua, UNN, Focus
Lyudyna Dyvo Svitu is an informal research and educational platform about human development and the culture of dignified coexistence. We unleash human potential through meanings, dialogue, creativity, and action. We combine philosophy, art, music, psychology, bodily and spiritual practices, creating events, courses, books, and transformative spaces — online and offline.
Date: April 16, 18:00
Location: "VEZHA na Pochaini" (Kyiv, Stepan Bandera Ave., 23, GORODOK GALLERY shopping mall, 3rd floor)
Registration: https://secure.wayforpay.com/donate/nastanova
Buy the book: https://koleso.life/catalog/1/4820