Lessons from Jocko Willink’s “Leadership Strategy and Tactics” for Project Managers
Leadership, especially in the field of project management, demands adaptability, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. Jocko Willink’s Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual serves as a practical guide to developing these traits. Drawing from military leadership principles, Jocko offers invaluable lessons that apply seamlessly to the dynamic challenges faced by project managers. Here’s a distilled summary of key insights from the book, integrated with my own reflections and examples of how these lessons can come to life in project management.
1. Prioritize and Execute
“He kept trying to do too many things simultaneously, and by trying to do everything, he was accomplishing nothing. He needed to figure out his biggest priority problem and execute a plan to fix that problem before moving on to the next one.”
As project managers, we often juggle multiple issues simultaneously, leading to overwhelm and inefficiency. Jocko’s principle of “Prioritize and Execute” is a crucial reminder to identify the most critical tasks and tackle them systematically, one by one.
• Example: Imagine facing multiple urgent requests—addressing an issue in a Production environment, preparing for a client demo, and finalizing the documentation to enable testing. Prioritize the most critical task, such as stabilizing production, and communicate: “Let’s fix the issue in Prod first. We’ll meet in two hours to tackle the rest.”
2. Decentralized Command
“Only when a leader is in charge of nothing, when he or she has delegated all actions to his or her subordinate leaders, can the leader truly lead.”
Micromanagement stifles innovation and drains a leader’s energy. As project managers, enabling team members to lead within their domains fosters accountability and creativity.
• Example: If you’re stretched thin managing both strategy and technical details, delegate effectively. Tell a trusted lead, “You’ll own the technical execution while I focus on stakeholder alignment. Let’s sync daily for updates.”
3. Build Relationships, Up and Down the Chain of Command
“Solid relationships up and down the chain of command are the basis of all good leadership.”
Effective project management relies on trust—both with stakeholders and within teams. By building genuine relationships, we can bridge communication gaps, align on objectives, and create a cohesive team environment.
• Example: Take time to understand the personal and professional goals of team members. Over coffee, ask a developer, “What kind of projects excite you the most, and how can I align your interests with this initiative?”
4. Control Your Ego
“You might be afraid that if you subordinate your ego, you will get trampled. But that normally doesn’t happen because subordinating your ego is actually the ultimate form of self-confidence.”
Inflated egos are a barrier to collaboration and growth. As leaders, humility allows us to empower others, accept feedback, and create an environment where team members feel safe to share ideas.
• Example: When a team member suggests an alternative workflow, don’t override them. Instead, say, “That’s a solid idea. Let’s evaluate its pros and cons together before deciding.”
5. Foster Ownership and Commitment
“When people have no input, they have no ownership; when they have no ownership, they have no personal stake in driving mission success.”
Involve the team in planning and decision-making. Even if their solutions are less efficient than your own, the ownership they feel will drive their commitment and performance, ultimately making up for the efficiency gap.
• Example: If the team is reluctant to adopt a new project management tool, involve them in the decision-making process. Ask, “What features are critical for your workflows? Let’s test a few tools and choose together.”
6. Stay Calm Under Pressure
“People don’t like it when leaders overreact; it means the leader is not in control and might make irrational, snap decisions.”
Leadership is as much about emotional regulation as it is about strategic planning. How you handle your emotions sets an example within the team.
• Example: When a client escalates an issue about project delays, stay composed and reply, “We understand the urgency. Let me outline our updated plan to address the delay and minimize impact.”
7. Actionable Tips for New Leaders
Jocko outlines essential practices for leaders, particularly valuable for those new to the role. Here are his tips paired with relatable project management examples:
• “Be humble. It is an honor to be in a leadership position.”
Example: During a project kickoff meeting, acknowledge the team’s expertise by saying, “I’m here to guide us, but I’ll need your knowledge and collaboration to make this a success.”
• “Take ownership of failures and mistakes.”
Example: Always start the situational assessment with yourself and your role in the issue. If a deadline is missed due to unclear instructions, say, “I should have ensured better clarity. Here’s how we’ll avoid this in the future.”
• “Treat people with respect.”
Example: When a junior member proposes an idea, say, “That’s an interesting perspective. Let’s explore it further.”
• “Ask smart questions.”
Example: While planning, ask, “What potential risks do you see with this timeline?”
• “Build relationships.”
Example: Regularly check in with team members to understand their challenges and aspirations.
• “Get the job done.”
Example: When a vendor misses a delivery deadline, act swiftly to adjust timelines and allocate resources. Ensuring the job gets done is the leader’s primary task.
Leadership as a Lifelong Journey
Jocko Willink’s Leadership Strategy and Tactics is more than a leadership manual; it’s a guide to self-mastery and team empowerment. By integrating these principles, project managers can lead with clarity, build trust, and foster a culture of excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into a managerial role, these lessons serve as a beacon for growth and success.
What leadership strategies have worked best for you? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your insights!