Submarine Lessons for Business Leadership

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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