(Leif Babin, George Risko, Carlos Climent, and Jocko Willink; photo credit: George Risko) |
So how did Extreme Ownership change my life and allow me to “dominate my battlefield”? As a former Marine, I was familiar with many of the principles discussed in the book. But what hooked me is the way the Jocko and Leif related the information to everyday life. I found it just brilliant and, best of all, simple—which makes it really effective. Extreme Ownership advises us to: cover and move, to keep it simple, to prioritize and execute, and use decentralized command. And, nope, I am not going to further explain. The explanations are in the book, and I absolutely do want you to read it— particularly if you want to master the art of teamwork. Or learn how to empower your subordinates for optimum performance. The book also covers how to break things down so everyone understands your intent as well as how to effectively prioritize parts of critical missions and projects.
After I read the book, I began implementing the principles in my work and home life. It took some effort to identify all the places I could apply my new philosophy, but I got a great response from both my colleagues and my family. In fact, in regards to encouraging my team, I immediately saw how utilizing the core principles created common ground and language, and the knowledge we are all pushing hard to “get after it” as a unit. That is an invaluable part of being a team. So I began recommending the book. I started passing out the book at work (support from my supervisor was huge), and making new Extreme Ownership fans—fans I could engage in conversation with about what they were getting from the book.
My interest, and my team’s response, soon had me tuning in to Jocko Willink’s Jocko Podcast (available on YouTube, iTunes most digital media outlets). It was on the podcast I first heard they were having a Muster in San Diego. I started thinking the Muster would be an excellent opportunity to achieve a deeper understanding of the principles, which I could then bring back to the agency. So I wrote a proposal.
I explained to my chain of command, with the assistance of my supervisor, the costs and the intended outcome, and up the chain it went. Everyone was most patient with the bombardment of video clips and conversations about “the plan.” But, more importantly, they were supportive. We were fortunate enough to facilitate a presentation to our agency leadership, and presented each of them with their own copy of Extreme Ownership, and that did the trick.
Soon we were up at zero dark 30 for a flight to San Diego. As soon as we checked in, I let my curiosity take over; and we did a little recon on the facility. We ended up being caught by none other than Jocko and Leif. They were great about our snooping, thankfully, and seemed eager to get started.
(Jocko Willink and George Risko; photo credit: George Risko) |
- Cover and Move
- Simple
- Prioritize and Execute
- Decentralized Command
I have been very blessed, personally, and professionally, since starting this journey into the world of Extreme Ownership, and as much as the book Extreme Ownership has changed my way of thinking, the Muster was really the kicker that changed my life. Now, without spoiling the book, let me tell you what I learned:
- It really is about relationships. The fact that Jocko and his team are still teammates long after their military careers speaks volumes. The team at Echelon Front (Leif and Jocko’s company) is genuine; they are a family, they are real people using the principles of Extreme Ownership to solve real problems. Their principles are applicable in every situation because taking ownership in your relationship opens communication and builds trust. That’s the foundation upon which great relationships are built.
- The team at Echelon Front remain available. You can interact with them on social media, at events and during the podcast (the books covered on the podcast alone make up an awesome reading list—especially on leadership), and I cannot express enough the value of the podcast. Extreme Ownership is the textbook, if you will, and all the other contact opportunities dive deeper into different aspects which bring you right back to those laws of combat.
- Challenges, there are a few. Some folks deride the book as being too military. Not so. Sure, the principles were learned there; but the value and effectiveness of the book go far beyond their military application. I believe if those detractors took time to actually read the book, they’d find it’s full of plain common sense and personal responsibility.
Respectfully Submitted,
George Risko
Proud Plank Owner Muster Class 001
George Risko is the Fire Training Officer for the Florida Forest Service and a member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. All expressions are that of the author.
Carlos Climent is the Training Coordinator for the Florida Forest Service.
1 comment:
Hi. My son attended the event in 2016.
Where in San Diego was it held please.
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