Topics discussed include maneuver warfare, being a rebel, disarming with words, dealing with leaders who preach but don't practice ownership, and sliding into old habits.
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Quick takeaways
The concept of surfaces and gaps allows for rapid exploitation and economy of force in military operations.
Mission tactics empower subordinates and enable faster decision-making and action on the ground.
Determining and communicating the main effort provides direction and prevents dissipation of efforts in operations.
Choosing wisely selected objectives is crucial to the success of military operations.
Maintaining a reserve allows for flexibility and exploitation of opportunities in warfare.
Deep dives
Surfaces and Gaps
The concept of surfaces and gaps involves pitting strength against the enemy's weakness and seeking out vulnerable points in their defenses. This approach allows for economy of force and rapid exploitation. By attacking through gaps and avoiding surfaces, commanders can achieve direction, fluidity, and speed in their operations. It is important for leaders to train their subordinates to operate as a team and trust them to make decisions based on the overall mission. Additionally, the concept of surfaces and gaps requires decentralized command and the ability to deal with surprises on the battlefield.
Mission Tactics
Mission tactics involve assigning a clear mission to subordinates and allowing them to determine how to achieve it. This empowerment of subordinates enables faster decision-making and action on the ground. The responsibility falls on the senior commander to provide a clear mission, trust their subordinates, and create an environment that promotes initiative and innovation. The use of mission tactics also provides flexibility and adaptability, allowing for faster responses to changing circumstances.
Main Effort
The main effort is the focused and prioritized objective that drives the overall operation. It is crucial for commanders to determine the main effort and communicate it clearly to all units involved. It provides direction, fluidity, and prevents the dissipation of efforts. The main effort should be directed against the enemy's weaknesses, rather than their strong points. It requires courage and moral character to select and trust the main effort, as it places responsibility and accountability on the commander.
The Concept of the Objective
The objective in military operations is the physical target or action that is essential to the success of the overall plan. While terrain can play a role in achieving the objective, the primary focus should always be on neutralizing and destroying the enemy. It is important to wisely select objectives that are either useful to oneself or detrimental to the enemy. Poorly selected objectives can result in unnecessary loss of life and resources.
The Concept of the Reserve
The concept of the reserve emphasizes the importance of maintaining forces in reserve to provide additional strength and flexibility during operations. A reserve allows for the exploitation of opportunities and the ability to respond to enemy actions. By keeping a reserve intact while the enemy has committed theirs, one can gain a significant advantage. The reserve is a crucial component of achieving economy of force and maintaining strategic balance.
Overcoming Hesitation and Taking Action
The key to staying committed to life change is to overcome the moment of hesitation. In that moment, between the acting of a dreadful thing and the first motion, lies the battle. Hesitation is the enemy. Take action and move forward without waiting or hesitating.
Building Relationships and Using Positive Reinforcement
Treating people well and building strong relationships is crucial in staying committed to life change. Using positive reinforcement, respect, and building trust will strengthen the team and create a supportive environment.
Balancing Firmness and Compassion
Balancing firmness and compassion is important in staying committed to life change. Avoiding extremes of being too harsh or too lenient is key. Providing consequences when necessary, but also offering support and guidance to help individuals stay on track.
Dealing with Leaders Who Don't Practice Ownership
When faced with a leader who preaches ownership but does not practice it, the best course of action is to take ownership oneself. By stepping up and leading, even if it is not explicitly expected, one can seize the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and make things happen. However, it is crucial to avoid letting ego get in the way and to give credit to the superior, ensuring that one's actions are seen as a genuine desire to contribute and not as a threat to their leadership position.
Disarming People with Words
Disarming people with words involves understanding the context and adapting accordingly. When dealing with individuals with big egos, sidestepping their ego and offering compliments or asking for their assistance can help establish a positive rapport. If someone is over-aggressive, being more accepting can diffuse tension, while reassuring and open-mindedness can help calm nervous or hostile individuals. Simple phrases like 'That's a good idea' or 'I like that' can disarm people and create a more open and productive conversation.
0:00:00 - Opening 1:13:23 - Cool Interwebs Stuff and Onnit Stuff 1:15:19 - Random Working out talk 1:26:05 - Thoughts on UFC McGreggor VS Diaz and Jiu Jitsu 1:33:40 - Jocko being a Rebel VS Rule-followers 1:43:40 - Dealing with a Leader who Preaches, but does not Practice ownership. 1:47:24 - The Art of Disarming People with Words. 1:53:48 - People who Lead from an emotional/unbalanced place. How to improve. 2:01:10 - "You get more bees with honey." 2:05:23 - Sliding into old bad habits.
