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
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To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12

234: Jocko Willink - Why Discipline Equals Freedom

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk