May 04, 2025

633: General Stanley McChrystal - In Pursuit of Greatness, High Standards, The Ranger Effect, Self-Discipline, White-Water Rafting, Obsession, & Making Choices That Define Your Life (On Character)

1 hour 2 minutes

The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes

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Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general. Stan is the former commander of the nation’s premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (also known as JSOC). His command included more than 150,000 troops from 45 allied countries. Since he retired from the Army, Stan has written multiple best-selling books including, Team of Teams, and most recently, On Character.

The most crucial discipline is to think for yourself. To a sad degree, we’re lazy. People comment on things they haven’t watched or read, but have seen comments by others who align with their political party. They aren’t thinking for themselves (this is why it’s almost impossible to align completely with one political party for me). If you find yourself saying “I just do” or “that’s what I heard,” that’s not thinking.
Being Obsessed – “I am convinced that few truly great achievements are reached by individuals with an impressive work-life balance, and the price of greatness, in a word, is great. In the end, I’m an advocate for obsession."
The Ranger Effect – The value of unwavering standards.Created near the end of Vietnam when the Army had lowered its standards. They created 2 units of Rangers to raise the standard. It permeated the entire Army. How does a leader do this in Corporate America? Clearly establish expectations. You cannot have a “say-do” gap. The leader must demonstrate the values on a constant basis. BE what you want. Discipline to hold people accountable.
“My major takeaway at almost 70 years old is conclusive. I wish I’d thought more, been more contemplative about my convictions, and been more deliberate about the person I sought to be.”
Stan's mom — she died on New Year’s Day 1971 at age 45. Stan was 16. Had 6 kids. Mary Bright McChrystal. Writes about her in the civil rights chapter.
“I accept no belief or claim to truth automatically or unconditionally.”
White Water Rafting – When the subject of America’s involvement in Afghanistan arises, Stan is frequently asked, what he might do differently if given the chance to do it all over again. Answer: “Go white water rafting.”
In Patient Pursuit of Greatness – In the spring of 2012, Stan was teaching a leadership class at Yale. That’s when he met their football coach, Tony Reno: “Not many things materially affect my trajectory. But this time was different. What was different? Coach Reno.”
Choosing to Lead – Leadership is not a title or position. It’s a choice.
“Embrace the suck” – “Why suck a little, when you can suck a lot?”
Eat one meal a day. It’s built on being undisciplined with food. If you only eat dinner, you can eat a lot for that one meal.
Self-Discipline - Most important attribute for a leader.
Wife Annie - Dependent on her. Kind, thoughtful, caring.
Life/Career Advice: Have the discipline to decide want you want to be. Be intentional. LISTEN: Don’t just talk. Be respectful. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try it, get back up. Try again.

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By Ryan Hawk

4.9

12661,266 ratings

May 04, 2025

633: General Stanley McChrystal - In Pursuit of Greatness, High Standards, The Ranger Effect, Self-Discipline, White-Water Rafting, Obsession, & Making Choices That Define Your Life (On Character)

1 hour 2 minutes

The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes

The most crucial discipline is to think for yourself. To a sad degree, we’re lazy. People comment on things they haven’t watched or read, but have seen comments by others who align with their political party. They aren’t thinking for themselves (this is why it’s almost impossible to align completely with one political party for me). If you find yourself saying “I just do” or “that’s what I heard,” that’s not thinking.
Being Obsessed – “I am convinced that few truly great achievements are reached by individuals with an impressive work-life balance, and the price of greatness, in a word, is great. In the end, I’m an advocate for obsession."
The Ranger Effect – The value of unwavering standards.Created near the end of Vietnam when the Army had lowered its standards. They created 2 units of Rangers to raise the standard. It permeated the entire Army. How does a leader do this in Corporate America? Clearly establish expectations. You cannot have a “say-do” gap. The leader must demonstrate the values on a constant basis. BE what you want. Discipline to hold people accountable.
“My major takeaway at almost 70 years old is conclusive. I wish I’d thought more, been more contemplative about my convictions, and been more deliberate about the person I sought to be.”
Stan's mom — she died on New Year’s Day 1971 at age 45. Stan was 16. Had 6 kids. Mary Bright McChrystal. Writes about her in the civil rights chapter.
“I accept no belief or claim to truth automatically or unconditionally.”
White Water Rafting – When the subject of America’s involvement in Afghanistan arises, Stan is frequently asked, what he might do differently if given the chance to do it all over again. Answer: “Go white water rafting.”
In Patient Pursuit of Greatness – In the spring of 2012, Stan was teaching a leadership class at Yale. That’s when he met their football coach, Tony Reno: “Not many things materially affect my trajectory. But this time was different. What was different? Coach Reno.”
Choosing to Lead – Leadership is not a title or position. It’s a choice.
“Embrace the suck” – “Why suck a little, when you can suck a lot?”
Eat one meal a day. It’s built on being undisciplined with food. If you only eat dinner, you can eat a lot for that one meal.
Self-Discipline - Most important attribute for a leader.
Wife Annie - Dependent on her. Kind, thoughtful, caring.
Life/Career Advice: Have the discipline to decide want you want to be. Be intentional. LISTEN: Don’t just talk. Be respectful. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try it, get back up. Try again.