Show Notes
US Navy submarine captain and author David Marquet discusses leadership lessons from turning the USS Santa Fe from worst to best, focusing on “pushing authority to information” rather than pushing information up a hierarchy. Marquet critiques industrial-age leadership language that seeks obedience and creates “bobblehead” agreement, arguing that real engagement comes from giving people decision-making authority,
He also explains “distancing,” as a leadership and decision-making tool: viewing oneself from a third-person, from a different time, and/or from a different place to reduce ego and defensiveness over previous decisions.
A thoroughly fascinating chat with a very talented and fun individual.
External Links for items referenced in the conversation: David’s 3 books can be found here: Turn the Ship Around (+ workbook), Leadership is Language, and Distancing Here are two of many of David's talks to be found on YouTube: What is leadership? and Turn the Ship Around at the World Web Forum Here's the YouTube video of David rating submarine movies for how realistic they portray life under the waves. David talks about advice given to him by Simon Sinek Some of Jono's other skecthes references in this podcast include: Solvitor Ambulando (it is solved by walking); 9 windows (problem solving tool); Anchors and Tugboats (self-talk) David talks about ultra-runner extraordinaire Courtney Dauwalter
Summary 00:00 From Cold War Kid to Submariner 03:02 Life Aboard a High-Performing Sub 03:53 The Arbitrary Officer Divide 04:40 Student Not "Expert" 05:51 Words That Kill Curiosity 08:44 What Leadership Was Taught 12:37 Pushing Authority to Information 16:03 Submarine Leave Approval Hack 20:02 Authority in Everyday Workplaces 21:59 Bias for Action and Excellence 22:46 Distancing to Decide Better 25:41 Put Them In Your Chair 26:12 Distancing In Space & Time 27:45 Inviting Feedback Culture 28:52 Nine Windows Thinking Tool 30:25 You Can Do It Self Talk 32:28 Regret Proof Decisions 38:04 Journaling Into A Book 39:41 Be Your Own Coach 45:50 Team Reviews Without Defensiveness 47:19 Live Big Bold Lives 48:14 Submarine Movies And Ambiguity 50:55 Wrap Up
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