Jocko Podcast 12: What Made Jocko, When to Quit, Mistakes & Trust, Fitness for Military, Switching On & Off
Mar 2, 2016
auto_awesome
Jocko, host of the podcast, shares his background and the influences that shaped his commando mindset. They discuss brutal punishments in Japanese POW camps, the horrors of slavery, and the importance of finding hope in difficult times. They also cover recovering from mistakes, the significance of transparency as a leader, and the physical demands of rucking in the military. The chapter ends with insights on strategic decision-making, emotional balance, and using anger to improve performance.
Leaders should take ownership of their mistakes and be honest, avoiding excuses and blame shifting.
Regaining trust requires consistent actions and follow-through, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Rucking, or carrying a weighted backpack, is an effective fitness method that simulates military training and builds endurance and mental toughness.
Joining the military is often more suitable for young individuals without attachments or responsibilities, due to the demanding and spartan lifestyle.
Deep dives
Ownership and honesty are key to recovering from mistakes
When a leader makes a mistake, it is important for them to take ownership and be honest about it. Making excuses or blaming others will only erode trust further. By admitting their mistake and taking full responsibility, leaders can start to regain trust and respect from their team.
Admitting mistakes and taking ownership helps rebuild trust
Regaining trust begins with admitting mistakes and taking full ownership. When a leader is open and honest about their errors, it shows vulnerability and a willingness to learn and grow. This transparency helps rebuild trust among team members, who appreciate the leader's authenticity and accountability.
Avoid making excuses and blame-shifting
One common mistake leaders make when trying to recover from a mistake is making excuses or shifting blame onto others. This approach only undermines trust and damages relationships. Leaders should focus on taking responsibility for their actions and working towards solutions, rather than deflecting blame.
Rebuilding trust requires consistent action and follow-through
To fully regain trust, leaders must not only admit their mistakes but also demonstrate consistent actions and follow-through. Words alone are not enough. By consistently being honest, transparent, and accountable, leaders can rebuild trust over time and demonstrate their commitment to growth and improvement.
Benefits of Rucking as Fitness
Rucking, the act of wearing a backpack with weight and walking long distances, is an effective fitness method. It not only works your cardiovascular system but also strengthens muscles in your back and feet. Rucking simulates military training and helps build endurance and mental toughness. It requires a special type of fitness regimen to get used to and prepare for long ruck marches. While other exercises like squats and sprints can be beneficial, rucking should be the foundation for preparing for this unique form of exercise.
Military as a Young Man's Game
Joining the military is often considered a young man's game due to the lifestyle it entails. Being in the military involves extensive travel, risking one's life, and living in a comparatively spartan environment. The lack of creature comforts and the need to fulfill military responsibilities make it more suitable for individuals without attachments or responsibilities. While the military benefits from individuals who are mature and experienced, being young and having an obedient nature can often better align with the demands of military life.
Knowing When to Quit or Disengage
In various aspects of life, including combat, athletics, and daily challenges, it's important to know when to disengage or change tactics. Rather than quitting, it's about making strategic assessments and deciding whether to continue with an unwinnable situation or disengage temporarily to find a new approach. Continuing to persist without adapting can lead to frustration, fruitless efforts, and defeat. By detaching emotionally, assessing risks, rewards, and long-term impacts, one can make logical decisions about when to adjust strategies and improve chances of success.
0:00:00 - 0:04:03 - What made Jocko Jocko 0:04:03 - "The Forgotten Highlander" Book review 1:04:33 - Jocko won't complain about anything ever again. 1:11:49 - Mistakes by Leaders and re-gaining trust. 1:19:43 - Workouts for Special Forces selection. 1:26:32 - Is the Military a "Young Man's Game"? 1:31:55 - When to cut your losses. When to decide to cut bait. 1:43:03 - Substituting anger for aggression. 2:04:00 - Switching BEAST MODE on and off.
