Explaining the Why to Your Kids with Jocko Willink

Jocko Willink

Jocko Willink is a decorated, retired U.S. Navy Seal Officer, the author of several books, two of which include Extreme Ownership and Dichotomy of Leadership. He is the co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach.

Jocko has spent twenty years in the U.S. Navy Seal Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As Commander of SEAL Team 3’s Task Unit “Bruiser” during the Battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the ready-first brigade of the U.S. Army’s first armored division to bring stability to the violent war-torn city. Task Unit “Bruiser” became the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraqi war.

Jocko returned from Iraq to serve as an officer in charge of training for all West Coast SEAL teams. There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.

During his career, Jocko Willink was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and numerous other personal and unit awards. In 2010, he retired from the Navy and launched Echelon Front with Leif Babin, where he teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win. Clients include individuals, teams, companies, and organizations across a wide range of industries and fields.

Today, we are going to be talking about how Jocko takes charge of his team and family by applying the same tools in both aspects of his life. He’s also going to be talking about why it’s critical to distance yourself from chaos, mayhem, and our own emotions to make rational decisions. He’s going to talk about how even though you may not know the right course of action for your kids, you shouldn’t force decisions on them. Finally, Jocko says you must explain to your kids the why behind everything you ask of them.

What You’ll Learn: 

[7:38]

Jocko talks about his childhood.

[8:06]

Jocko talks about why he chose to join the SEAL teams.

[8:25]

Jocko talks about his biggest takeaway from BUD/S training.

[9:37]

Jocko talks about what his family looks like.

[10:08]

Jocko talks about the biggest differences between raising boys versus girls.

[11:25]

Jocko talks about how he translates leadership skills into fatherhood.

[13:24]

Jocko talks about discipline.

[15:24]

Jocko talks about how he detaches from emotion with his kids.

[19:03]

Jocko talks about recognizing your children’s limitations.

[21:14]

Jocko talks about how to understand the balance between directing your kids versus pushing them into something.

[24:08]

Jocko talks about how he connects pain with fun when it comes to sports.

[24:49]

Jocko talks about how he connects joy with suffering when it comes to chores, homework, etc.

[31:54]

Jocko talks about how he deals with ego in his family.

[39:43]

Jocko talks about his view on Participation Trophies.

[40:50]

Jocko shares with us the most valuable lessons he’s learned in marriage.

[47:30]

Jocko talks about how he’s able to balance his work with his family.