Willink elaborates on using leadership roles as a tool for personal and team development. He addresses various scenarios where assigning leadership roles can effectively address different challenges, from negative attitudes and overconfidence to lack of confidence and team integration.

“Using Leadership to Teach and Build”

Willink underscores the transformative power of leadership roles in personal and professional development. He posits that being placed in a leadership position inherently changes an individual’s perspective, often revealing areas for personal improvement. He argues that leadership roles can be tools for addressing a variety of challenges. One can assign individuals to leadership tasks as a means of teaching vital skills and shaping character. Whether it’s correcting negative attitudes, instilling humility, building confidence, or developing team players, Willink suggests that assigning leadership responsibilities can be an effective remedy. This approach not only empowers individuals to discover and rectify their flaws, but enhances their leadership capabilities, contributing significantly to team dynamics and success. Willink views leadership not just as a role but as a critical instrument for growth and learning.

“Fixing a Negative Attitude”

Willink recounts an instance where a SEAL with potential was negatively influencing his platoon due to a bad attitude.