Let Them Lead

THE MARK DIVINE SHOW | Former Navy Seal’s Podcast

Episode Summary

This is The Mark Divine Show, where I explore what it means to be fearless through the lens of the most inspirational, compassionate, and resilient leaders in the world, including folks from all walks of life: Stoic philosophers, motivational scientists, peace crusaders, and amazing journalists and coaches like my guest today, John U. Bacon. John’s a renowned sports journalist, radio personality, and author of 13 books, including 7 national bestsellers. But most interesting to me, he led the nation’s worst high school hockey team to become one of the best in three years, which we’re going to talk about today, from his book, Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership From America’s Worst High School Hockey Team. He shares insights on leadership and the power of making things hard.

Episode Notes

This is The Mark Divine Show, where I explore what it means to be fearless through the lens of the most inspirational, compassionate, and resilient leaders in the world, including folks from all walks of life: Stoic philosophers, motivational scientists, peace crusaders, and amazing journalists and coaches like my guest today, John U. Bacon. John’s a renowned sports journalist, radio personality, and author of 13 books, including 7 national bestsellers. But most interesting to me, he led the nation’s worst high school hockey team to become one of the best in three years, which we’re going to talk about today, from his book, Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership From America’s Worst High School Hockey Team. He shares insights on leadership and the power of making things hard. 

John U. Bacon (@John U Bacon)’s career as a leader and teacher spans three decades. He has won awards for being an inspiring writer, a public speaker, and a college instructor. Bacon has taught at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, and teaches at the University of Michigan. Although he is a mediocre hockey player, his excitement and knowledge of sports has made national history.

“ You are very impatient with behaviors and very patient with results. If your attitude is good, and you’re doing all things I’m telling you to do and our processes are correct. If you follow those, you will get there and worry less about the results and more about the process. ” 

– John U. Bacon

Key Takeaways:

• High Bar:Keeping a high bar allows people to rise to the challenge. People prove over and over again that when things are hard and challenging it inspires them to want to do better and become more comfortable with failure. When the bar is held high it teaches people they are more capable and can exceed their own expectations.
• Team Leadership:Strong and successful teams let go of the hierarchical models. The ones in “control” or “command” know when to defer to those in lower ranks when the mission calls for it. Strong leadership is understanding that everyone can lead and needs to lead within their strengths as it is called for.
• Effort is Important: Technique and skills can be taught. If you want to learn how to be more aggressive and successful in business and fall on the shy or introverted spectrum, let go of fear of failure. All good leaders understand that the quality of hard work and effort is more important than someone knowing how to do something correctly. 
• Mentorship Over Money: Having strong mentorship, especially when you are young is more important than making money. The money will come eventually if you have the right attitude, develop your skills, and stay humble.

Check out The Mark Devine Show and all of Mark's content at https://markdivine.com/

About our Host:

For info about the book or this podcast please visit our website:

http://www.letthemleadbybacon.com

http://www.johnubacon.com

You can connect with John via these platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/johnubacon

https://twitter.com/Johnubacon