I get a chance to read and hear many startup pitches, see the inner workings (and challenges) small to mid-size companies of all industries face daily. It is clear to me that (and no coincidence) so many Navy SEALs start new businesses, help grow existing businesses, and succeed at a much higher rate than non-SEALs.
Below is a list of common challenges, issues, mistakes and reasons why so many companies fail and how/why a Navy SEAL would approach and handle each situation:
1) Inability to think strategically, plan for multiple outcome and take decisive action.
Many companies do little or no strategic/contingency planning. Common reasons; 1) why plan for failure? 2) it takes too long to do, 3) we don’t know how to do it and 4) we will be fine, if anything goes wrong, it will minor.
Navy SEALs understand the difference between “Planning for failure” versus “Expecting to fail”. They know the chances for multiple and less than optimal outcomes and situations are high. They also know that planning and anticipating multiple scenarios is not only prudent, but can be the difference between certain failure and certain success. They also understand, this exercise helps teach the younger teammates how to lead, as they are part of the process and solution (which makes perfect sense, since they will be part of the operating team and may have to lead at a moment’s notice).
2) Inability to build and lead high performing teams.
Arguably the single biggest reason most companies fail… they are not able to attract, hire and retain the best individuals, therefore they cannot possibly form a great team. Common reasons; 1) founders and other key leaders not willing to hire people better, smarter, more diverse than they are, 2) not able to lead in a decentralized structure, 3) do not understand the need to be humble and “never think your above it” and 4) ask for and receive input, feedback, criticism and ideas from all team members.
Navy SEALs have a very high level of attrition during the selection process. This is intentional, since they know the cost of bringing men into their Teams and having to drop/fire/replace them. They do not lower the standard or make exceptions and this is a key first step to building a great team (i.e. make it nearly impossible to get in). They want to be surrounded by the best of the best, knowing this will drive internal excellence and self-policing of what is expected of every person. They are humble and know to lead one must learn to be led. They are never above it, which translates into “Rank is more a formal process/policy, but that doesn’t define who will and can do what is necessary, everyone is expected to step up regardless of rank.
3) Do not possess the intangible character traits that separate winning from losing; quitting, execute under extreme conditions or chaos, and not trained to handle failing.
Many individuals that decide to start a business or go from a corporate career to a startup or smaller entity have not experienced the pace, ups and downs and need to bounce back and refocus.
Navy SEALs are trained to never, ever quit. They see challenges and opportunities when the masses see “problems and negative outcomes”. They understand how to handle chaos (see #1 above, contingency planning and training) and know it is short term in nature and not permanent. They are used to working in small, agile teams, where communication and thought process is quicker, simpler, not like private sector filled with meetings, emails, presentations, analysis, etc. (they can and do act on 70-80% data). They do not have admin support or a slow decision process, they believe in real time communication.
4) Inability to set clear, simple, measurable goals that align with everyone in the organization.
Many in business have learned how to set goals and be held accountable in a manner that is completely opposite to Navy SEALs. Some common mistakes found are; 1) goals are not specific, 2) goals are not tested or proved out to be realistic and 3) they fail to communicate the goals to all team members in a clear, simple, and concise manner.
Navy SEALs are driven by goals daily. They are very data and results driven. They make all their decisions based on the goals of the Team (not their own personal goals). They make it a habit to monitor results, review results, talk about results and learn from the results.
There are many more examples of how the private sector, startups, VCs, Private Equity can learn from Navy SEALs. The easiest way to learn from Navy SEALs is to seek out and put a Navy SEAL on your team (so he can then teach the rest of the Team and organization these and many other tactic/tools and methods).
What are you waiting for, what do you have to lose (besides the company you seek to start or grow)? Hire a Navy SEAL, and watch the results!
Authored By: David Phillips, President of Victory Strategies
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