Episode #401: Aiming Higher — Fourth Interview with Chris "Elroy" Stricklin

Ed and Ron were delighted to welcome back, for the fourth time, Chris “Elroy” Stricklin to discuss his new book, Aiming Higher: A Journey Through Military Aviation Leadership, published earlier this year. What can the military teach us about leadership? A lot. Given the endemic failure of leadership in the business world, in spite of all the focus on the topic, why is excellence in leadership so rare? There’s no better person to talk about these issues than Chris.

A bit more about Chris

Chris “Elroy” Stricklin, Air Force Colonel (retired), is the award-winning, best-selling co-author of Survivor’s Obligation: Navigating an Intentional Life where he details his ongoing journey in life to survive and thrive through the trauma of an aircraft ejection as an Air Force Thunderbird. His latest book is Aiming Higher: A Journey Through Military Aviation Leadership. He is a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker and combat-proven senior military leader, retiring after 23 years of service, which culminated with CEO-level leadership of a 7,000-person strong, $7B worldwide organization. His unique leadership style and skill have afforded him roles as a partner in a Forbes “25 Best Small Companies in America” leadership consulting firm with impact across multiple Fortune 500 businesses. He now serves as the founding president of a first-of-its kind talent development and management organization, with leadership presentations and publications before millions of business leaders. A combat-decorated Fighter Pilot, Chris is also a Certified Manager with degrees in Economics, Financial Planning, Management, Real Estate, Strategic Studies and Operational Art and Science. He authored a negotiation primer subsequently published and adopted as required Air Force Pentagon new action officer orientation. Chris and his wife, Terri, have been blessed with four amazing children. Visit www.ChrisStricklin.com.

Use these show notes while listening to the audio

  • Welcome Chris! The 4th time is a charm. You can visit TheSoulOfEnterprise.com slash episode number to see all of his appearances. They are episodes 166, 214, 262, and now…401!

  • “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” —Jim Rohn. This is one of Chris’ favorite quotes.

  • Aiming Higher is the book that Chris never meant to write. It came as a result of a group of peers working through leadership during COVID times. Here is the link on Amazon.

  • Leadership is defined by the people you are trying to lead at this very moment. You have to be the leader that your group needs on your project on this day.

  • Paraphrased from Chris today: The purpose of a high performing team is that any one at any time can be called up to lead on any given day. If each person on the team is prepared to do this then you will be more successful.

  • “I truly believe leadership is a universal skill. It’s just the actions of your company that change.” —Chris Stricklin

  • “In order to embrace failure we must leave ego by the wayside and absolutely learn to get over ourselves and get out of our way.” —Robert “Cujo” Teschner

  • “Failure isn’t all bad. In fact, it’s mostly good.” —Robert “Cujo” Teschner

  • Play to win cultures do exactly that. They play to win. They DO NOT play not to lose. See the difference?

  • Businesses that put making money as the purpose of the organization tend to go sideways. Making money is a result but you need to define your purpose separately. “Money is a second order effect.” —Chris Stricklin

  • One of the chapters in “Aiming Higher” is called Purposeful Peers. Leading up to this chapter, Chris had people around him aligned on purpose, passion, drive, and determination.

  • Commercial free AND bonus episodes are available at Patreon.com/TSOE which is sponsored by @90Minds. Find a mind at 90Minds.com!

  • Many know that Ron has been teaching ethics for about 15 years. He always talks about the Air Force core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do

  • There is a relatively famous movie in the theaters right now (hint: Top Gun) that talks about the wingman. Skip the fluff and go straight to the source: “Aiming Higher” by Chris Stricklin and Cujo tackles wingmen culture through a dedicated chapter in the book.

  • “Anything that ends in -ing means we haven’t gotten to it and it’s on a to do list.” —Chris Stricklin

  • Chris does not make any money off of the book, Aiming Higher. All profits go to charities that have been selected by the authors. Books sales are not how they make their livelihood. It is a way to give back based on what they have learned.

  • “The purpose of leadership is to motivate individuals to the common purpose and common good.” —Chris Stricklin

  • Paraphrasing from Chris today: When you do fail and you do let people down, you need to admit it and move forward. It’s about accountability. The best thing to do is own up to it and tell your team what you plan is to better tomorrow. #FailForward

  • A big THANK YOU to Chris Stricklin for being such a great guest today. Check out “Aiming Higher” for one of the best leadership books Ron has ever read. Yep….Ron! The man that doesn’t read leadership books.