Rob Roy, retired Chief Petty Officer of SEAL Team Six and author of “The Navy SEAL Art of War” teaches business leaders how to implement SEAL skills into their organization to build resilient, productive teams.
The military is a top example of servant leadership and is one which affects so many lives in our country.
When businesses emulate similar skills and work ethics as our military uses, they can respond better to challenges and difficult situations.
One of the biggest strengths Roy points out in his book is the mindset of Navy SEALS. They are trained to see possibilities and beyond; they do not restrict their mind or body on what they are capable of.
The same mindset can apply to any number of organizations — any team can have a “SEAL” mindset.
Aside from not always “playing it safe,” Roy has more advice for business leaders:
Communicate your mission.
Early and often. It can never be reiterated too much because it is the foundation and core of all subsequent actions.
People like to be a part of something, to feel a sense of belonging and support. Sharing a mission and purpose reinforces the mentality of “us” and “we.”
This involves each member understanding their individual contribution and getting on the same page with what needs to get done to achieve results. Leaders who inspire autonomy often see better results.
Leadership must prioritize their communication and how it support their mission.
Prepare for anything.
Training is important in a team because it gives members the skills to deal with any situation.
There are many factors in life and business that are out of our control — probably more than what we can control. Teams should be ready to adapt their plan and still succeed.
Investing time, energy and money into your team will enhance their ability to deal with adversity or challenge. When team members are highly trained and prepared, their reactions are more instinctual.
Training should be a continuous process. Learning never stops and should constantly be challenged and adapted.
Capitalize on strengths.
SEALs recognize every victory is more than just them; it is the Air Force who pilots them, Navy Special Boat Teams who protect them, and plenty more.
Individuals who want to claim all the “glory” have no place in servant leadership. Truly successful organizations understand it takes the strengths of individuals to achieve something bigger.
Servant leaders are not afraid to admit when they are challenged and allow a “non-leader” to support them. Diversity in skills and abilities is encouraged and put on a pedestal.
Listening to each other, brainstorming, embracing new ideas, compromising and collaborating are a few of many ways that successful teams interact.
Adaptability.
If your company isn’t growing, it’s dying. Teams must always be prepared to adapt and change, grow and learn.
Innovation and creativity are vital to a successful team. It’s not just about what technology, product or service will be the next big thing, but also how teams will work together to stay ahead, how they will overcome future obstacles and so on.
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