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:
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