234: Jocko Willink - Why Discipline Equals Freedom

The Learning Leader Show "As the leader, you are responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in your organization." Show Notes: Commonalities of leaders who sustain excellence: Humility Constantly looking to improve Learning Willing and able to take criticism Incredible story of a mutiny within the ranks because of a platoon commander's ego Way Of The Warrior Kid - The message for children Be humble Don't give up Work hard Ramadi -- The epicenter, insurgency in Iraq The confusion/fog of war A firefight... Between friendly forces: Who's at fault? Jocko took ownership - "As the leader, I'm responsible for everything that happens on that field. It wasn't your fault, it's mine." "If you make a mistake, you must own it." Owning the mistakes created confidence and trust with Jocko's boss How do you handle a bad boss? Make them look good Ask for feedback, advice, ask for their approval, build them up Isn't that manipulation? "Yes..." "It's not just what you preach, it's what you tolerate." Decentralized command -- Empowering junior leaders to make important decisions. Front line leaders must be empowered. Why? Speed Being empowered as a quarterback to call an audible -- Why this was an optimal way for us to attack a defense and ultimately win games. The coaches needed to trust and empower me to do this Are leaders born or made? Characteristics of great leaders? They take complex things and simplify them They are articulate They are loud (seems strange, but it's true for military leaders and a quarterback) How much can you learn? You must detach emotion, and be decisive. Why wake up at 4:30 am? "It is time for me to own, it's before everyone else is awake" Favorite part of work? - Podcasting and working with companies How has Jocko created this lifestyle? -- Many years of consistent, sustained work "Discipline Equals Freedom." His discipline for many years has helped him create a lifestyle that he loves "It's not just what you preach. It's what you tolerate." Social Media: Read: Extreme Ownership See why over 150,000 people follow Jocko on Twitter: @jockowillink Connect with me on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group: The Learning Leader Community To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12