Principles from Jocko Wilink
The Cup-cake approach of decision-making
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
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On Principles Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
"In uncertain times, make small decisions very quickly and then adjust.”— Jocko Willink
Jocko Willink is a former Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and renowned leadership consultant. He gained widespread recognition for his military service and leadership principles, particularly after co-authoring the book "Extreme Ownership" with Leif Babin. This book delves into the leadership and combat lessons learned during his time as a Navy SEAL and has been widely embraced in the business and leadership world.
Willink served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEALs and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He participated in various military campaigns, including the Iraq War, where he was involved in some of the most intense and high-stakes combat situations.
Jocko is known for his "Extreme Ownership" philosophy, which emphasizes taking full responsibility for one's actions and decisions, both in combat and in business. He believes that leaders are responsible for the success or failure of their teams and that effective leadership is critical for achieving any mission.
During Jocko Willink's first deployment as a Navy SEAL, his team found themselves navigating the desolate Iraqi desert on a mission that was shrouded in uncertainty. Their objective was to locate and dismantle a notorious terrorist organization that had proved to be as elusive as the shifting sands themselves.
One fateful day, they received an enigmatic tip that pointed them toward an isolated building amid the barren landscape. Fueled by adrenaline and a palpable sense of urgency, they swiftly stormed into the structure. What they found, however, was far from what they had expected. The building was filled with goats, not the terrorists they had been chasing. It became immediately clear that this was not their intended target.
Undeterred by this initial setback, Jocko's platoon pressed on. They moved towards another building that loomed on the horizon. As they entered, the scene was starkly different. Inside, they discovered a startling sight – it was full of women, children, and an intricate maze of stairs as if they had inadvertently stumbled into the intricate heart of a labyrinth.
Lost and facing a complex and unfamiliar situation, Jocko leaned on his training and the principles that had guided him thus far. He embraced an iterative decision-making process, a hallmark of his leadership style. This process entailed seeking immediate feedback and being prepared to adjust the course swiftly.
Amid the uncertainty, he assessed the situation, gathering insights and intelligence from his team. With the knowledge at hand, they adapted, navigating the building with the precision and agility that marked their training. They proceeded with caution and respect for the inhabitants, ensuring their safety while gathering valuable information.
Jocko's ability to steer his platoon through the labyrinthine challenges of that day illustrated the power of making rapid, calculated decisions and adjusting when faced with the unexpected. This adaptability and readiness to iterate are qualities that transcend the battlefield and are valuable in any context, be it in the chaos of conflict or the complexities of everyday life. It's a testament to the value of leadership forged in the crucible of the most challenging circumstances.
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Question to Ponder
In a rapidly changing world, how can making swift, adaptable decisions, even on a small scale, help you navigate uncertainty and reach your goals?
Call to Action
In your personal or business life, you are constantly faced with uncertainties that require you to make decisions. For instance, If you are an entrepreneur taking on a large and ambitious project such as building your company, how can you approach it to increase your chances of success?
Welcome to the Cupcake approach used by Intercom’s team.
There are two ways to approach building something new, much like baking a wedding cake. The traditional method involves meticulously focusing on individual components, often delivering the finished product only at the very end. You wait to get feedback until the cake is fully iced, leaving you with limited room for improvements. The alternative approach is akin to starting with a cupcake. You create a small, quick version, allowing you to learn fast, discover preferences, and troubleshoot early. It's about fast-forwarding the feedback loop.
This concept highlights the vital importance of obtaining feedback at each iteration. Every piece must deliver value on its own and contribute to both the customer and the business. Remember, sometimes that little cupcake is all you need, and starting small can be a path to success.
Here is a framework inspired by Jocko’s and Intercom’s teachings that can help you complete a project successfully, ship a product, handle a tough situation, or anything that requires a decision:
Detach Yourself Emotionally: Approach your goals and projects with an open mind, ready to adapt and change course.
Learn by Making, Not Talking: Discussing and debating ideas or overanalyzing data can slow your progress. Instead, lean towards making and prototyping. Think of painters and photographers; they don't spend excessive time deliberating; they create. Approach your projects with the same attitude. know how good or bad this idea can be before you have to convince more people.
Keep Your Ego in Check: Be willing to admit when something isn't working as expected, and don't let pride hinder your progress.
Make Small Decisions: Instead of aiming for grand, complex solutions right away, start with the smallest possible version of your plan. Ask whether a decision is reversible or not. If it's reversible, consider biasing toward making and shipping. Remember, the goal is to learn, so moving forward is often more valuable than perfection.
Hear the Feedback: Encourage open communication and feedback within your team or organization. Create a culture where every voice is valued.
Make Adjustments: When you receive feedback and observe results, be ready to adjust your approach. Be agile and willing to pivot when necessary.
By adopting these strategies, you'll accelerate progress, stimulate innovation, and optimize resource utilization in your projects.
Video of the Week
Jocko’s advice on how the New Leader should approach their team
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 105 - The First 100 with Antton Pena, the Co-founder Flock Insurance
Episode 106 - The First 100 with Artem Harutyunyan, the Co-founder of Bardeen.ai
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