Jocko Podcast Jocko Underground: Teamwork (Cover and Move) Does NOT Always Work.
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Jan 5, 2026 The discussion dives into when traditional teamwork approaches can backfire, highlighting the dangers of overprotecting teammates. Jocko emphasizes the need for direct communication, offering strategies for addressing poor behavior in a team setting. They also explore the balance of allowing individuals to face the consequences of their actions while weighing their overall impact on the team. Household dynamics, like sharing chores, make for a relatable tangent, adding humor to the serious topic. Insights on personal challenges in career paths round out the conversation.
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Principles Can Be Damaging When Extreme
- Any leadership principle taken to an extreme becomes harmful and counterproductive.
- Cover and move can fail when it prevents others from learning or removes their accountability.
Use Escalating Counseling Before Letting Failure Happen
- Ask earnest, clarifying questions to help someone see how they're perceived before escalating.
- If indirect coaching fails, increase directness and initiate formal counseling to protect the team.
A Blunt Warning That Came True
- Jocko describes telling someone plainly that continued behavior will get them fired and later it happened.
- That blunt warning helped illustrate that reality sometimes triggers self-correction by the person.
