No More Dead Dads

Shifting the Context: A Different Perspective on Being a Dad with Peter Docker


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Peter Docker, father of 2, is on the show today. He’s served for 25 years in the British Royal Air Force, he has been a Force Commander during combat flying operations and has seen service across the globe. His career has spanned from professional pilot, to leading an aviation training and standards organization, teaching postgraduates at the UK’s Defence College, to flying the British Prime Minister around the world. Peter has also led multibillion-dollar international procurement projects and served as a crisis manager and former international negotiator for the UK Government. He now helps people and organizations accomplish extraordinary things as an international speaker and teacher, having been to 92 countries teaching some of the principles we’re going to talk about today. 

This week's Dad Do or Die (3Ds) from this episode are:

  1. Build a network for friends/neighbors who can positively influence your kids. Whether that’s extended family, neighbors, Big Brother/Big Sister, All Pro Dads, church, gym, wherever, having a network of other men can be hugely helpful in your kids life. Peter shares about the network of father figures he had growing up after his biological father abandoned him and his brother. Also, how important the network of close friends that he had helped his family when he was serving in the Royal Air Force away on missions during the Gulf War.
  2. If you are away from the family for whatever reason, short interactions can be more memorable and impactful than long scheduled nightly calls with the kids. Peter used to only get 15 minutes a week to talk to his family when he was stationed away, luckily we have more than that these days. A simple phone call between meetings or putting the laptop or phone down and giving your child full attention, can boost their confidence and strengthen your relationship. 
  3. If you are facing a challenge as a parent, think about how you can change the context of the situation. Peter shares a fantastic story about how he approached his son who was adamant about getting a large motorbike, which is high risk with the narrow streets in the UK. He and his wife were opposed but how he changed the context was brilliant. And a spoiler alert - he didn’t just say no. 

We cover a lot of other great stories and ideas we can use to be better men, leaders, and fathers. Let’s get to it. 

Show notes:

  • whynotunlimited.com
  • Peter's LinkedIn 
  • Peter's Twitter
  • Peter's Instagram
  • Parenthood and Happiness: Effects of Work-Family Reconciliation Policies in 22 OECD Countries

Music by DJ Quads

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No More Dead DadsBy Grant, Founder of Right Away Dad