DeepSummary
Jocko Willink and Dave Burke discuss how leaders should handle when subordinates resist or question their plans. They argue that resistance is not necessarily disrespectful, but may indicate that the subordinate cares, has thought deeply about the issue, or has additional insights. Rather than getting defensive, leaders should welcome this feedback and be open to modifying plans based on it.
They emphasize the importance of actively listening, checking one's ego, and not mandating plans from a place of arrogance. A leader who is open to input and willing to iterate plans based on new information builds trust and respect with the team. In contrast, a leader who shuts down dissent breeds an unproductive and toxic environment.
Willink and Burke advise reframing situations from different perspectives, even when things are going well. Practicing this mental exercise helps leaders stay adaptable and open-minded, rather than getting locked into a single viewpoint. Iterative decision-making based on new information is presented as a valuable leadership approach.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Leaders should welcome resistance and questioning from subordinates, not view it as disrespect.
- Active listening, putting aside ego, and incorporating new insights builds trust and respect.
- Reframe situations from multiple perspectives, even when things are going well.
- Use an iterative decision-making process that evolves as new information arises.
- Build relationships proactively before crises necessitate them.
- Present ideas as open for input and iteration, not as infallible mandates.
- Reframing perspectives is a skill that requires ongoing practice across all areas.
- An open, adaptive mindset is valuable not just during struggles, but at all times.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Don't wait until you have an emergency to develop relationships. I don't want to call Dave. Dave is my neighbor. He moves in next to me and the first time I go visit him is when I've got a freaking fire. I don't want that. That's not cool. I want to build a relationship beforehand.“ by Jocko Willink
- “You have to practice detaching. You have to practice reframing and redefining. And you need to practice it with everything that you do and everything that you say.“ by Jocko Willink
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Episode Information
Jocko Podcast
Jocko DEFCOR Network
5/24/24
Subordinate's resistance to your plan. Is that disrespectful?
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