Lessons from the Military for Business Leaders on Veterans Day

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served and draw inspiration from their experiences. My personal connection to the military runs deep – my brother bravely completed two tours in Iraq, and both my grandfathers served their country with honor. This legacy has instilled in me a profound respect for our military and the leadership lessons it imparts. As we explore these lessons, let's also extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have served.

The Core Philosophy of Extreme Ownership

Jocko Willink , a former Navy SEAL turned leadership consultant, embodies a principle critical both in combat and the boardroom: extreme ownership. This concept, detailed in his book but extending far beyond its pages with his company Echelon Front , revolves around leaders taking full responsibility for their team's results. Unlike traditional business practices where blame-shifting is common, this approach fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

In my role as a leader, I firmly embrace the philosophy that 'the buck stops with me.' This means if a team member makes a mistake, I take accountability for it. It’s not about assigning blame, but about collectively finding solutions and learning from the experience. This approach not only builds a stronger, more cohesive team but also fosters a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

Practical Applications in Everyday Business

Commanding a team, and leveraging an 'extreme ownership' perspective effectively, is an intricate blend of art and science, centered on two fundamental principles: building trust and leading from the front. These concepts, often ingrained in military leadership, are equally vital in the business world.

1. Building Trust Through Transparency and Integrity: Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It's about being transparent with your team, sharing both successes and challenges. For instance, in a project meeting, openly discussing potential hurdles and seeking input from the team not only fosters a collaborative environment but also shows that you value their expertise and perspective. This transparency, coupled with consistent integrity in your actions, builds a foundation of trust that empowers your team.
2. Leading from the Front by Setting an Example: The best leaders lead by example. This means not just directing your team, but actively participating in the trenches with them. For example, during a high-pressure project, if you're the first to arrive and the last to leave, showing dedication and commitment sets a powerful example for your team. It's about demonstrating the work ethic, attitude, and values you expect from your team.
3. Adapting to Individual Needs and Strengths: Just as military leaders must understand the unique abilities and needs of their team members, business leaders should do the same. This might involve tailoring your communication style to suit different team members or assigning roles based on individual strengths. For example, recognizing and assigning a team member who excels in analytics to lead the data analysis segment of a project not only plays to their strengths but also shows that you acknowledge and value their expertise.

Leading a team effectively is about more than just giving orders; it's about creating an environment of mutual respect, where each member feels valued and empowered. This approach not only enhances team performance but also cultivates a positive and productive workplace culture.

Corporate Success Stories

The leadership principles learned from the military, such as transparency and integrity, decisive action, adaptability, and team cohesion, have practical applications even in the most seemingly mundane aspects of business, like conducting meetings or managing projects. These practices are not just about grand strategies; they're about the daily execution of tasks and the way we interact with our teams, clients, and vendor partners.

Recognizing the value of these skills, many companies have successfully integrated military veterans into their workforce. Organizations like FMC Corporation , WM , Southwest Airlines , and various oil and gas service companies have set a commendable example in this regard. Their success in hiring former military personnel underscores the fact that the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills honed in the military are not only transferable but also highly beneficial in the corporate sector.

Moreover, the adoption of these military principles in corporate leadership training isn’t a mere theoretical exercise. There are organizations, like Echelon Front , that have pioneered bringing these lessons to the business world. Through their training programs, they have helped numerous organizations enhance their team dynamics, develop more effective problem-solving skills, and foster a culture of increased accountability at all levels.

Reflection and Call to Action

As we draw inspiration from military leadership this Veterans Day, consider how you can apply these lessons in your professional life. Reflect on your leadership style – are you taking full ownership? How quick and effective are your decisions? Assess the cohesion and adaptability of your team. The path to becoming a more effective leader is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation.

Veterans Day is a reminder not only of the sacrifices made by those who served but also of the rich insights they provide into effective leadership. The blend of art and science in commanding teams, as exemplified in military leadership, holds valuable lessons for business leaders. As we honor our veterans, let's also commit to adopting these principles for better leadership in our professional spheres.

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References

Insights and principles inspired by "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" by Jocko Willink, and broader leadership experiences in the military.