633: General Stanley McChrystal - In Pursuit of Greatness, High Standards, The Ranger Effect, Self-Discipline, White-Water Rafting, Obsession, & Making Choices That Define Your Life (On Character)
Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and author, shares insights on leadership and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and independent thought, warning against complacency. McChrystal discusses the 'Ranger Effect,' which highlights high standards and accountability in teams. He explores the power of obsession in achieving greatness, often at the cost of work-life balance. Additionally, he reflects on the role of family in shaping character and the need for meaningful dialogues in a disjointed society.
01:02:43
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Impact of McChrystal's Mother
Stanley McChrystal shares how his mother, a strong and ambitious woman, shaped his early life before her untimely death when he was 16.
Her influence in politics and civil rights fostered his values and sense of purpose during his challenging upbringing.
insights INSIGHT
Value of Open Dialogue & Character
Genuine dialogue with others who hold different views helps us question our own beliefs and see multiple perspectives.
America's exceptionalism depends on our current actions, not just its founding history.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Write Your Obituary Exercise
Write your own obituary to clarify the person and leader you want to be remembered as.
Let this vision guide your daily choices and behaviors to align with your values.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Team of Teams', General Stanley McChrystal and his co-authors share insights on how to lead organizations effectively in a complex and rapidly changing world. Drawing from McChrystal's experiences commanding the Joint Special Operations Task Force in Iraq, the book highlights the need to move from traditional hierarchical structures to a more decentralized 'team of teams' approach. This involves fostering common purpose, shared consciousness, empowered execution, and trust among team members. The book uses historical and contemporary examples, including military and business scenarios, to illustrate how this approach can enhance organizational adaptability and success.
This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire 1 person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world have the hustle and grit to deliver. Go to www.InsightGlobal.com/LearningLeader
Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general. Stan is the former commander of the nation’s premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (also known as JSOC). His command included more than 150,000 troops from 45 allied countries. Since he retired from the Army, Stan has written multiple best-selling books including, Team of Teams, and most recently, On Character.
The most crucial discipline is to think for yourself. To a sad degree, we’re lazy. People comment on things they haven’t watched or read, but have seen comments by others who align with their political party. They aren’t thinking for themselves (this is why it’s almost impossible to align completely with one political party for me). If you find yourself saying “I just do” or “that’s what I heard,” that’s not thinking.
Being Obsessed – “I am convinced that few truly great achievements are reached by individuals with an impressive work-life balance, and the price of greatness, in a word, isgreat. In the end, I’m an advocate for obsession."
The Ranger Effect – The value of unwavering standards.Created near the end of Vietnam when the Army had lowered its standards. They created 2 units of Rangers to raise the standard. It permeated the entire Army. How does a leader do this in Corporate America? Clearly establish expectations. You cannot have a “say-do” gap. The leader must demonstrate the values on a constant basis. BE what you want. Discipline to hold people accountable.
“My major takeaway at almost 70 years old is conclusive. I wish I’d thought more, been more contemplative about my convictions, and been more deliberate about the person I sought to be.”
Stan's mom — she died on New Year’s Day 1971 at age 45. Stan was 16. Had 6 kids. Mary Bright McChrystal. Writes about her in the civil rights chapter.
“I accept no belief or claim to truth automatically or unconditionally.”
White Water Rafting – When the subject of America’s involvement in Afghanistan arises, Stan is frequently asked, what he might do differently if given the chance to do it all over again. Answer: “Go white water rafting.”
In Patient Pursuit of Greatness – In the spring of 2012, Stan was teaching a leadership class at Yale. That’s when he met their football coach, Tony Reno: “Not many things materially affect my trajectory. But this time was different. What was different? Coach Reno.”
Choosing to Lead – Leadership is not a title or position. It’s a choice.
“Embrace the suck” – “Why suck a little, when you can suck a lot?”
Eat one meal a day. It’s built on being undisciplined with food. If you only eat dinner, you can eat a lot for that one meal.
Self-Discipline - Most important attribute for a leader.
Wife Annie - Dependent on her. Kind, thoughtful, caring.
Life/Career Advice: Have the discipline to decide want you want to be. Be intentional. LISTEN: Don’t just talk. Be respectful. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try it, get back up. Try again.
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk 
