#034: Risk: A User's Guide - General Stan McChrystal

The Jedburgh Podcast

Risk exists in every corner of our professional and personal lives. Risk is something we as leaders cannot - and should not - shy from. How we choose to detect, assess, respond and learn determines if our organizations (and we as leaders) succeed or fail.

In this episode General Stan McChrystal joins Host Fran Racioppi and special guest host Lisa Jaster, to break down Stan's new book "Risk: A User's guide." They define the Risk Immune System and explain how the 10 Factors of Control guide us in understanding and mitigating risk by taking action. They tie-in Afghanistan as Stan provides his assessment of the 20-year Global War on Terror. Stan explains the decisions behind the withdrawal. And he shares his insight on the next battlefield.

This is our Veteran's Day episode. In honor of all those who have served our nation Fran, Stan and Lisa share their thoughts on America today, our position as the bastion of hope and freedom, and how we all come together as Americans to build a resilient future.

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights:

-Stan defines risk as a simple mathematical equation and how buying into risk analysis breeds responsibility, accountability and ownership in organizations.

-The Risk Immune System is made up of our ability to Detect, Assess, Respond and Learn from the threats that come to us.

-The 10 Factors of Control are the levers leaders use to respond to and mitigate risks.

-Stan challenges traditional thought on recruiting mid to senior level military leaders from the civilian workforce, in addition to growing talent from the junior levels.

-Stan discusses the priorities of the war in Afghanistan providing his assessment of the risk checklist President Biden faced when determining strategic policy and its effect on diplomacy, military action and people.

-Fran asks Stan to provide an After Action Review of the Global War on Terror, the 9/11 response and the invasion of Iraq resulting in the toppling of Saddam Huseein and the effect on the entire Middle East.

-Fran, Stan and Lisa provide their assessment of the state of America, the next battlefield of cyber & hybrid warfare, and the role of politics and disunity today.

Quotes:

-”If we can do away with all our threats, good on us. Because anything times zero is zero. But we can’t do that.”

-“We put leaders in positions to take very difficult, sometimes hazy situations and make bold but probability-based rational decisions.”

-”Each of these 10 Factors forms into a system...you don’t have to max all of them perfectly in your plan, but any you violate...you’ve got a gaping hole of vulnerability.”

-”Whether it’s the right decision, or the wrong one, I think President biden’s decision was courageous because he was going to get attacked no matter what he did.”

-“We are viewed as less reliable partners, less consistent, less resolute than we would like to be considered...but we have to navigate from where we are; not from where we wish we were.”

-”I would describe America as a promise...a promise that we can be stronger, more prosperous, safer...if we unite.”

Stan’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:

-Work out to remain centered

-Take care of the family

-Fulfill promises made to others

This episode is brought to you by 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.