Why You Have To Play The Game At Work - Jocko Willink

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Excerpt from JOCKOPODCAST 99

[ChrisSr]

To master the game is to not take it personal. Don’t let others control you emotionally. How others act is a reflection on themselves, not you.

[johnafagerquist]

A good friend once said to me, "Save the world later. Right now, you need a job." It was in response my telling him I didn't agree with some of the policies of the company offering me employment. I'd always been a pretty good "game player", but I leveled up when he said that to me.

[gphillips]

I had a teacher in middle school that had a huge influence on my outlook on life. He preached playing the game. This man fought in operation Desert Storm, then came back to teach. He recognized how my life was as a poor kid from an alcoholic family and gave me tools to elevate from that. Thank you Coach Mike Steinman!

[JudgeLazar]

I struggled with this A LOT. As I've become older and more mature I realized that, at least for me, the problem is a little bit ego, a little lack of confidence and a little bit insecurity. I'm just a pretty quiet person. I've had trouble making friends and engaging in social situations since I was a kid. I was always questioning if people actually liked and accepted me or if they only tolerated me because they would feel guilty rejecting me, then as soon as I'm not around talked about how much they don't like me. That made adopt a mindset of doing everything I could to be accepted and part of the group, a false front to put it plainly. So situations like the person in the letter asked about, I felt embarrassed and afraid to drop that front even for a second. I dunno exactly when but in the past few years I just finally accepted and embraced the concept of "Who cares what others think as long as I know myself and the morals and principles I live by" it was a huge weight lifted off of me. Now I'm much more comfortable just being myself.

[kurts]

I’ve refused to play the game for years and it’s gotten me nowhere. Just started realizing it’s the only way to get ahead unfortunately

[iliveinsin]

"As we ascend the social ladder, viciousness wears a thicker mask.” — Erich Fromm

[Cotyblack]

CS Lewis talks about this in Mere Christianity. To be a “great pretender” if you will. If you have a hard time liking or loving someone, like and love them until you actually like and love them. Be kind and do acts of care to others who you don’t actually care for until you come to like or care for them. It is a dynamic of the abstract becoming the reality.

[plush]

Love this. I'm usually very quiet and focused on my work, I never consider showing emotion. For me it's all about action and results, but unfortunately most people are surface level thinkers and seem to think what they see is the whole story. So it's important to go with the flow sometimes and not be in my head all the time.

[Je.rone_]

*being forthcoming with all your thoughts has never made anyone a lot of friends 💪😅*

[pradocapital]

It's not a question of being fake vs. real. It's a matter of how you approach and frame the task at hand. The real magic happens when you turn the game into a game

[IAM-zjoj]

Imagine telling your boss he got a nice haircut but he doesn't even have a single strand of hair.

[TheKizzu]

This message was one I needed to hear right now. On point

[zionsky]

"It's not like I'm gonna fake it once I attain the promotion"-- statement of how many politicians...

[DeContractor]

Learning how to bend to their rules without breaking your own.

[tlz]

I think tactful and tactical are constantly going through his mind.

[AGripRentals]

Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.

[avenger]

Cheers guys I been struggling with a coworker and having trouble moving forward but though I been watching my ego and support the team I do need to check my personal emotions! Time to recalibrate and push on.

[jeremystone]

I just discovered this channel by accident, and the content is amazing!

[josephh]

Great advice: the only person you hurt, if you don't play the game, is yourself. Put your pride aside, but stay true to your principles. And always be professional!

[ayetreyyy]

I NEEDED THIS! This is such an applicable concept in the military. In my almost 5th year of 6 on my current enlistment and I have had this struggle the entire time. I was reclassed from USAF special warfare after failing a land nav six months in (smh) into a career field I just despise every day. Going from such a high-speed atmosphere with men and a team that thrived and wanted to be there and put the fuck out daily, then to be put into regular complacent big blue Air Force, it takes its toll on me. With being around so many inept "leaders" and colleagues I work with on top of being in a job I don't enjoy it has been difficult setting my ego aside and putting on that mask of "I'm happy to be here and ready do this work attitude."


However, Jocko is right, when you don't put that facade on, you get shunned and have targets put on your back. Late by one minute? Paperwork. Messed up on a job? Paperwork. It backfires on you, and I know this personally. I will try to finish out this last year of my contract playing the game and moving on with my life. I'm learning. Thanks, Jocko.