Everyone says: "Leadership is about building relationships." But no...
Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness@coachajkings
57 views
May 16, 2025
~2 min read
Advertisement
1
Everyone says: "Leadership is about building relationships."
But no one actually tells you how to build them.
Jocko Willink did.
He broke it down into 4 components - and the 1 thing that destroys them all.
Here’s how to actually build real relationships as a leader:🧵
But no one actually tells you how to build them.
Jocko Willink did.
He broke it down into 4 components - and the 1 thing that destroys them all.
Here’s how to actually build real relationships as a leader:🧵
2
1: Trust
It's not just getting people to trust you - it starts with giving them trust first.
Micromanaging kills confidence. Assume the best until proven otherwise. People rise when they feel you believe in them and their potential.
Trust isn’t earned if you never offer it.
It's not just getting people to trust you - it starts with giving them trust first.
Micromanaging kills confidence. Assume the best until proven otherwise. People rise when they feel you believe in them and their potential.
Trust isn’t earned if you never offer it.
3
2: Listen
You want to be heard? Start by listening.
• Ask real questions.
• Let them speak.
• Stay quiet - and ask better follow-up questions.
People follow leaders who make them feel understood and look to understand.
Listening earns respect. It earns influence.
You want to be heard? Start by listening.
• Ask real questions.
• Let them speak.
• Stay quiet - and ask better follow-up questions.
People follow leaders who make them feel understood and look to understand.
Listening earns respect. It earns influence.
4
3: Respect
To earn respect - you have to show it.
Don't lean on titles, rank, or your reputation.
Respect is earned by how you treat people especially when you don't have to.
It's a reflection of your character, not your role. Choose to be a person of character.
To earn respect - you have to show it.
Don't lean on titles, rank, or your reputation.
Respect is earned by how you treat people especially when you don't have to.
It's a reflection of your character, not your role. Choose to be a person of character.
5
4: Influence + Care
You want to influence others?
Let them influence you.
Show people you care and that they matter. It means spend time with them and invest in their development and growth.
When people feel seen, heard, and valued - they're more likely to follow you.
You want to influence others?
Let them influence you.
Show people you care and that they matter. It means spend time with them and invest in their development and growth.
When people feel seen, heard, and valued - they're more likely to follow you.
6
The biggest obstacle?
EGO.
Your ego kills trust, listening, respect, and care quicker than anything. Just listen to this:
• "Why should I listen?"
• "I know better."
• "They should earn my trust."
Great leaders know that leadership starts with the ability to be humble.
EGO.
Your ego kills trust, listening, respect, and care quicker than anything. Just listen to this:
• "Why should I listen?"
• "I know better."
• "They should earn my trust."
Great leaders know that leadership starts with the ability to be humble.
7
📌The quotes and content from this post come from Jocko Willink's (@jockowillink) interview with Simon Sinek (@simonsinek) on the A Bit of Optimism Podcast.
A must-listen for all leaders out there!
youtube.com/watch?v=YeJ4b6…
A must-listen for all leaders out there!
youtube.com/watch?v=YeJ4b6…
