

268: You Make a Difference... But Only if You MAKE A DIFFERENCE. With Leif Babin.
Feb 10, 2021
Leif Babin, a retired Navy SEAL and author, joins to discuss the transformative power of leadership at all levels. He emphasizes the importance of initiative and the 80% decision-making rule for effective leadership. The conversation explores historical military examples that showcase the impact of empowered team dynamics and strategic surprise in decision-making. Babin also touches on the essence of trust within teams, the psychological impact of combat, and how small actions can lead to significant changes in both personal and professional spheres.
02:45:51
Corporal York's Heroism
- Alvin York, a WWI corporal, captured 132 German prisoners and significantly impacted the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
- His initiative and marksmanship created a gap in German defenses, contributing to the offensive's success.
The Power of Initiative
- York's initiative in WWI, a time of stricter obedience, highlights the importance of empowered leadership.
- His actions demonstrate how lower-ranking individuals can significantly impact outcomes.
Sergeant Hannigan's Audacity
- Sergeant Henry Hannigan, disguised as a rebel, infiltrated a Haitian rebel camp and killed the leader, Charlemagne Peralte.
- This bold move shattered the rebel resistance and earned Hannigan the Medal of Honor.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Reflecting on Emotional Public Speaking Moments
01:24 • 2min
Leadership Lessons from History
03:41 • 29min
Empowered Leadership: Taking Initiative
33:05 • 7min
A Bold Ambush: The Story of Sergeant Hannigan's Daring Tactics
39:46 • 4min
Strategic Surprise in Military Decision-Making
43:40 • 12min
The Essence of Leadership: Trusting Your Team
55:30 • 2min
Lessons in Military Leadership
57:08 • 30min
The Shot that Changed D-Day
01:27:31 • 16min
Courage Under Fire: Leadership in Combat
01:43:05 • 31min
Explosive Memories: The Pineapple Grenade Chronicles
02:14:12 • 9min
Leadership in Action: The Legacy of Corporal Tully
02:23:08 • 6min
The Power of Action: Start Small for Big Changes
02:28:59 • 3min
Consistency and Community in Fitness
02:31:53 • 14min

#39118
Panzer Battles
A Study of the Employment of Armor in the Second World War


Friedrich Wilhelm von Mellenthin
Panzer Battles provides a detailed account of the major armored campaigns of World War II from the German perspective.
It covers operations in Poland, France, North Africa, and Russia, offering insights into tactics, logistics, and the strategic decisions made during the war.
The book is notable for its operational and tactical analysis, though some historians have criticized its portrayal of Soviet forces.

#12311
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Reveries on the Art of War


Maurice de Saxe
Written in just thirteen days, *Reveries on the Art of War* by Maurice de Saxe is a seminal work that introduced numerous innovations in military tactics, training, and technology.
It includes discussions on establishing field camps, advancing weapon technology, and understanding soldier motivations.
The book remains influential in modern military theory and history.
#28354
The Cold Evaluation of Protocols
null


Jocko Willink

#575
• Mentioned in 32 episodes
About Face
The Odyssey of an American Warrior


Colonel David Hackworth
About Face is a compelling memoir by Colonel David Hackworth, detailing his experiences in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Hackworth's candid account offers a critical perspective on military leadership and policy, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers on the ground.
The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of combat and its insightful analysis of military strategy and politics.
It also provides a personal reflection on the psychological toll of war and the importance of soldier welfare.
Hackworth's writing style is direct and engaging, making the book accessible to a wide audience.

#49
• Mentioned in 151 episodes
Extreme ownership
How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win


Leif Babin


Jocko Willink
This book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin focuses on the principle of 'Extreme Ownership,' where leaders take full responsibility for their actions and decisions.
The authors use their experiences in the U.S.
Navy SEALs to illustrate how this mindset can lead to success in any organization.
The book covers various principles such as believing in the mission, checking ego, and leading by example.
It emphasizes that leaders must own all failures, develop plans to overcome them, and ensure their teams are well-conditioned and aligned with the mission.
The authors also stress the importance of humility, discipline, and effective communication in leadership.

#361
• Mentioned in 45 episodes
Leadership Strategy and Tactics
Field Manual


Jocko Willink
This book provides a direct, situational, and pragmatic how-to guide for leaders.
It mixes stories from Jocko Willink's military career and consulting business with practical advice on leadership.
The book covers topics such as decentralizing command, building team pride, celebrating successes, and delivering truthful criticism.
It aims to help leaders understand and apply leadership principles in a real-world context.

#600
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
Mikey and the Dragons


Jocko Willink
Mikey and the Dragons is a timeless tale by Jocko Willink that follows the story of Little Mikey, a boy who is scared of everything from creepy crawlies under the rug to monsters in his closet.
When Mikey finds an old book about a young prince who volunteers to protect his king-less kingdom from hordes of dragons, he begins to learn that his fears are not as big as they seem.
The book, told in rhyming verse and illustrated with big, bold, and beautiful full-color pictures, helps children overcome their fears and tap into their inner bravery.
It is relatable, inspiring, and perfect for young readers to enjoy alone or with their parents.

#290
• Mentioned in 51 episodes
Way of the Warrior Kid
From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way


Jon Bozak


Jocko Willink
In 'Way of the Warrior Kid', Marc, who had a terrible fifth-grade year, is helped by his uncle Jake, a retired Navy SEAL.
Uncle Jake devises a plan to turn Marc into a warrior by focusing on physical fitness, healthy eating, and academic improvement.
The book emphasizes the importance of physical activity, mental sharpness, and hard work, all illustrated with comic-style art by Jon Bozak.
It is the first installment in a series aimed at inspiring young readers to overcome their challenges.

#264
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
Discipline Equals Freedom
Field Manual


Jocko Willink
In 'Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual', Jocko Willink outlines the importance of discipline in achieving success and freedom in all aspects of life.
Born from his experiences in the Navy SEALs, the book provides strategies and tactics for overcoming weakness, procrastination, and fear.
It includes specific physical training workouts for different levels of athletes, as well as recommendations for optimal sleep habits and food intake.
The book emphasizes the internal force of discipline, starting with simple actions like waking up early and extending to controlling emotions, making good decisions, and facing fears.
Willink argues that discipline is the core principle that leads to strength, health, intelligence, and ultimately, freedom.

#217
• Mentioned in 62 episodes
The Dichotomy of Leadership
Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win


Leif Babin


Jocko Willink
In this book, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin delve into the most challenging aspect of leading people: the dichotomy of leadership.
They explain that effective leadership requires finding a balance between forces that pull leaders in opposite directions.
Drawing from their combat experiences and leadership consulting work, the authors provide dynamic examples and practical advice on how to apply these leadership concepts in various contexts, including the battlefield, business, and personal life.

#13643
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Squad Leader Makes the Difference
Readings on Combat at the Squad Level Volume I


Lieutenant M.M. Obalde


Lieutenant A.M. Otero
This publication focuses on the impact of effective squad leaders in military operations, highlighting their role in shaping the outcome of battles and campaigns.
It emphasizes the importance of bold and imaginative leadership in achieving success.

#1517
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Final Spin


Jocko Willink
Final Spin is a story about Johnny, a young man stuck in a dead-end life, who takes drastic measures to save his brother Arty's laundromat, the one thing that brings Arty happiness.
The novel explores themes of love, brotherhood, and sacrifice as Johnny navigates the consequences of his actions.

#1
• Mentioned in 868 episodes
1984

George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
0:00:00 - Opening
0:05:14 - The Squad Leader Makes a Difference.
2:23:38 - Final Thoughts
2:29:48 - How to stay on THE PATH.
2:44:11 - Closing Gratitude.
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