Make Your Bed: Lessons on Leadership from Admiral McRaven

In 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a powerful commencement speech at the University of Texas, which later evolved into his bestselling book Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World. This simple yet profound concept, rooted in the daily discipline of making your bed, offers timeless lessons for leadership that apply to both personal and professional domains. The wisdom McRaven imparts goes beyond naval training, resonating with leaders in all fields. Let's explore how the principles in Make Your Bed align with effective leadership and provide a foundation for building strong, resilient teams.

1. Start with Small Wins

McRaven’s emphasis on making your bed every morning reflects the importance of small wins. For leaders, this concept translates into starting each day with an achievable task, setting a tone of productivity and accomplishment. By focusing on small, manageable victories, leaders build momentum that inspires teams to tackle larger challenges.

In leadership, the ability to celebrate and acknowledge incremental successes fosters a culture of growth and progress. Whether it’s hitting a minor project milestone or developing a new skill, recognizing these wins reinforces the importance of consistent effort. Small victories create a positive feedback loop, where motivation grows as goals are met.

2. Embrace Discipline and Consistency

Making your bed is a daily ritual that requires discipline and consistency. For leaders, these traits are critical in creating stability and trust within a team. Leadership is not about grand gestures or rare moments of brilliance; it’s about showing up consistently and setting the right example. When leaders maintain high standards in their own actions, it encourages their team members to do the same.

A disciplined leader brings structure to the organization, ensuring that processes are followed, and expectations are met. This consistency creates an environment where teams can thrive, knowing they have a leader who is dependable and committed to their success.

3. Overcoming Adversity

In Make Your Bed, McRaven shares stories of resilience, particularly during his Navy SEAL training, where adversity was a constant companion. Leaders, too, must navigate adversity, whether it’s dealing with challenging economic conditions, internal conflicts, or unexpected setbacks. McRaven’s lesson is clear: don’t fear failure—learn from it and grow stronger.

Leaders are often tested by difficult circumstances. How they respond to adversity sets the tone for the entire organization. By facing challenges head-on and demonstrating resilience, leaders inspire their teams to do the same. When failure is viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a setback, innovation and creativity thrive.

4. Lead by Example

In his book, McRaven emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. A leader who leads by example commands respect and loyalty. Making your bed may seem like a small act, but it symbolizes taking control of your environment and setting a standard for others to follow.

Leadership is about modeling the behavior you wish to see in others. Whether it’s showing up on time, maintaining integrity, or being accountable for your actions, leaders who lead by example set the tone for the organization. When a leader demonstrates humility and responsibility, it cultivates a culture of trust and high performance.

5. Build Trust and Teamwork

McRaven’s time in the Navy taught him the value of teamwork. He describes how even the most capable individuals rely on their teammates to achieve success. Leadership is not about individual accolades; it’s about empowering others to excel and working collaboratively toward a shared goal.

Leaders who foster an environment of trust and collaboration encourage open communication and creative problem-solving. A strong leader recognizes the importance of diversity in thought and skill, leveraging the strengths of the team to achieve remarkable outcomes. By focusing on the collective good rather than individual gain, leaders build teams that are resilient, adaptable, and cohesive.

6. Stay Calm Under Pressure

McRaven’s stories often highlight how calm, decisive action in the face of chaos can make all the difference. Leaders, like Navy SEALs, are frequently confronted with pressure-filled situations where every decision counts. Staying composed under pressure allows leaders to think, assess the situation, and make informed choices.

Leadership under pressure is about maintaining focus and not allowing fear or uncertainty to dictate actions. Teams look to their leaders for guidance, especially in moments of crisis. A leader who can remain calm and collected in stressful situations reassures their team and enables them to perform at their best.

7. Never Give Up

One of the most profound lessons in Make Your Bed is McRaven’s belief in perseverance. Leaders will face many challenges, but the ability to push forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable, is a hallmark of strong leadership. This determination is what separates successful leaders from those who falter in the face of adversity.

A leader’s persistence is contagious. When leaders refuse to give up, it inspires their teams to adopt the same mindset. The road to success is often paved with obstacles, but a leader’s unwavering determination ensures that no challenge is too great to overcome.

Conclusion: Leadership Through the Little Things

Admiral McRaven’s Make Your Bed teaches us that leadership begins with the small, intentional actions that shape our character and discipline. These simple acts, from making your bed to facing adversity with determination, lay the foundation for effective leadership. The principles of discipline, resilience, and teamwork transcend military life, offering valuable lessons for leaders in every sector. By starting each day with a sense of accomplishment and embracing the power of consistent effort, leaders can build stronger teams, overcome challenges, and inspire those around them to achieve greatness.

In the end, leadership is not about grandeur, but about showing up each day to improve yourself and those you lead one small task at a time.