Jocko Podcast Episode 480: Learn To Read, Write, And Think

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Hosts: Jocko Willink and Echo Charles

In Episode 480 of the Jocko Podcast, titled "Learn To Read, Write, And Think," retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and Director Echo Charles delve deep into the critical role of literacy and effective communication in various facets of life, including military operations, business leadership, and personal relationships. The episode emphasizes that writing and reading are not just academic skills but foundational tools for successful leadership and mission execution.

1. The Foundation of Leadership: Writing and Reading

Jocko opens the discussion by reflecting on his decision to study English in college despite his extensive experience with Navy SEAL teams. He explains that writing and reading are integral to his role as an officer:

Jocko Willink [00:06]: "The better you could write, read, the better you could do your job, the better you could execute your mission because you can formulate good concepts of operations that will get approved."

Echo echoes the sentiment, highlighting the universal necessity of effective communication skills in leadership roles.

2. Academic Pursuits and Practical Applications

Jocko shares his academic journey, emphasizing the practical applications of studying English in the military context. He underscores how writing evaluations, awards, operational summaries, and reading orders are everyday tasks that require strong literacy skills:

Jocko Willink [00:30]: "The better you write, the better you can speak, and really, the better you can think."

He further explains how writing serves as a form of detachment, allowing leaders to critically assess and refine their ideas:

Jocko Willink [NN:SS]: "When you write, it’s a form of detachment. It’s 18 inches of detachment. You move 18 inches away from your idea when you write them down, so you can look at it and you can make more sense of it."

3. Learning from Shakespeare: Enhancing Language Skills

Jocko recounts his early encounters with Shakespearean literature during his English studies. He notes that while Shakespeare's use of Early Modern English initially posed comprehension challenges, it ultimately enriched his understanding of language nuance and depth:

Jocko Willink [03:30]: "With Shakespeare, what you end up realizing is that every word is being used for a very specific reason. And it has depth and it has meaning and it has nuance and it has layers."

Echo complements this by drawing parallels between complex writing and effective storytelling, such as in cooking recipes, where clarity and purpose are paramount.

4. Teaching Writing in the Navy: Overcoming Challenges

Transitioning back to his military experience, Jocko discusses his role in teaching writing to his peers. He describes the initial difficulties faced by warrant officers in crafting effective evaluations and how implementing a structured review process led to significant improvements:

Jocko Willink [05:00]: "We rewrote them all, sat in my office, came into work early, and just for three weeks, just sat there and rewrote them all."

Echo adds a contemporary example from their underground podcast, illustrating the ongoing challenges and importance of precise written communication in leadership:

Jocko Willink [10:49]: "Writing is very difficult, and it's so important. You ever had a received an email that pissed you off?"

5. Debunking Writing Myths: Emphasizing Skill Over Talent

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dispelling common misconceptions about writing. Jocko and Echo emphasize that writing is a learnable skill, not an innate talent, and discuss various myths such as:

• Myth: Writing is easy for good writers, but hard for weak writers.
• Fact: Writing is hard for everyone; good writers excel because they work hard at it.

Jocko Willink [14:02]: "Writing is a skill, and it's not a natural skill. Unfortunately, it's not natural any more than playing guitar is natural."

6. Insights from the Command and General Staff College Professional Writing Guide

Jocko introduces the "Command and General Staff College Professional Writing Guide," highlighting its structured approach to writing. He breaks down the writing process into several stages:

1. Plan: Analyze the task and create a writing plan.
2. Research: Gather strong evidence, avoid bias, take organized notes.
3. Draft: Write an introduction, main body, and conclusion.
4. Revise: Improve substance and organization.
5. Edit: Enhance clarity and conciseness.
6. Submit: Proofread and finalize the document.

Jocko Willink [21:23]: "Writing is a process, not a product."

Echo underscores the importance of each stage, relating it to everyday tasks like writing emails or presenting ideas in meetings.

7. The Art of Rewriting: From Drafts to Clarity

The episode delves into the necessity of rewriting and editing to achieve clear and concise writing. Jocko illustrates how even his first drafts of books like "Extreme Ownership" were significantly different from their final versions:

Jocko Willink [21:24]: "Rewrite it. Use the process. This guide can help."

He shares anecdotes about the painstaking process of refining evaluations and how structured feedback sessions led to substantial improvements.

8. Overcoming Clutter and Embracing Simplicity

Echo and Jocko discuss the pitfalls of cluttered writing, advocating for simplicity and clarity. They reference strategies to eliminate unnecessary words and prefer active voice over passive constructions to enhance readability:

Jocko Willink [73:58]: "Clear writing is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time or even the third time."

Echo adds practical tips on reducing friction in habits through deliberate choices in attire, drawing a parallel between simplifying writing and streamlining personal routines.

9. Utilizing Tools and Seeking Feedback

The hosts highlight various tools and techniques for effective proofreading and editing, such as reading aloud, using grammar checkers, and seeking external feedback. Jocko emphasizes the value of having fresh eyes review one's work to catch errors that may have been overlooked:

Jocko Willink [75:49]: "Read the paper aloud to hear errors. Very smart. This is the best."

Echo concurs, mentioning the importance of detachment and allowing time between writing and reviewing to gain a clearer perspective.

10. Conclusion: Writing as a Pillar of Effective Leadership

Jocko and Echo wrap up the episode by reaffirming that writing is not merely a technical skill but a foundational element of effective leadership. They encourage listeners to embrace writing as a means to enhance their thinking, communication, and leadership abilities:

Jocko Willink [97:57]: "Your mind is like your body. You need to learn skills. You need to train it, you need to exercise it. You need to make your mind strong."

Echo adds a motivational note, linking the discipline of writing to broader personal and professional growth:

Echo Charles [93:56]: "Reduce the friction of your habit. If you wear discipline equals freedom, it makes it harder to skip a workout."

Notable Quotes:

• Jocko Willink [00:06]: "The better you could write, read, the better you could do your job, the better you could execute your mission."
• Jocko Willink [03:30]: "Every word is being used for a very specific reason. And it has depth and it has meaning and it has nuance and it has layers."
• Jocko Willink [14:02]: "Writing is a skill, and it's not a natural skill."
• Jocko Willink [21:23]: "Writing is a process, not a product."
• Jocko Willink [73:58]: "Clear writing is no accident."
• Echo Charles [93:56]: "Reduce the friction of your habit."

Key Takeaways:

1. Writing and Reading as Leadership Tools: Effective communication through writing and reading is essential for successful leadership, mission execution, and team management.
2. Writing as a Learned Skill: Contrary to popular belief, writing proficiency is achievable through deliberate practice and structured learning.
3. The Importance of Rewriting: Rewriting and editing are critical processes that transform initial drafts into clear, concise, and impactful documents.
4. Simplicity and Clarity: Striving for simplicity and clarity in writing enhances understanding and effectiveness.
5. Practical Strategies and Tools: Utilizing proofreading techniques, seeking feedback, and employing writing tools can significantly improve writing quality.
6. Discipline Equals Freedom: Embracing disciplined writing habits contributes to overall personal and professional growth.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners aiming to enhance their writing skills as a means to improve leadership and personal effectiveness. By interweaving personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and practical advice, Jocko and Echo provide valuable insights into the art and discipline of writing.