Lessons from U.S. Navy SEALs

Set Up

There is a recent infatuation of business managers studying the U. S. Navy SEALs for lessons on organizational behaviors and achieving success. Like all of the military’s special forces, Navy SEALs are highly capable individuals who practice execution within a team. Their high profile exploits are achieved through specific tools and behaviors that we can relate to.

The Game

Let’s investigate a few recent blogs (see links below).

1. Make Your Bed highlights the idea of small successes. When you Make Your Bed in the morning, then you have already accomplishing something. This is a foundational habit that you can use to drive other productive behavior.
2. Two is One and One is None reminds us that we need a back up plan, always. Going into a situation without a fallback position is just like going in with nothing. This technique is useful in negotiation or debate. Ask for what you want, and be prepared with alternatives.
3. WE Culture focuses our efforts for the good of the organization. If you are benefiting the organization, then you are benefitting yourself by being a significant factor in organizational success.

Win Condition

My foundational habits are:

• Say, “Hi” to someone on the way in.
• Look at E-mail for less than 30 minutes in the morning.

When I need to ask a favor, I prepare a Plan B, and I start with it:

• “I need your help. Minimum, can you do X?”
• “Since you can do that, I really need X + Y. Is that possible?”

My objectives are an extension of my boss’s objectives. If I focus on the end goal, then I meet organizational objectives through my demonstrated efforts.

Rulebooks

1. Make Your Bed from Make Your Bed by William McRaven, Hachette Book Group.
2. Two is One, and One is None from This Navy SEAL Hack for Planning is a Game Changer by Matt Given, Inc. Magazine.
3. WE Culture from Culture, Teams, and the US Navy SEALS by JKS Talent Network.

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