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Tag Archives: SEAL teams

The Importance of Keeping Your Eye on the Big Picture as a Leader

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In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of leadership, it’s easy to get bogged down by the minutiae of day-to-day operations. Yet, effective leaders understand the critical importance of maintaining a clear focus on the big picture. This overarching vision not only guides strategic decisions but also ensures that the organization stays aligned with its long-term goals. In my experience as a Navy SEAL, this principle was not just a theoretical ideal but a practical necessity for survival and success.

The Navy SEAL Experience: Big Picture Thinking in Action

Throughout my career as a Navy SEAL, I had to master the art of balancing immediate concerns with long-term objectives. One mission, in particular, stands out as a testament to the power of big-picture thinking. We were deployed on a critical operation with multiple targets and a strict timeline. While it was essential to address each target effectively, the ultimate success of the mission depended on our ability to stay focused on the primary objective—neutralizing a high-value threat.

As team leader, my role was to ensure that every decision and action taken by the team aligned with our overarching goal. This meant constantly evaluating our progress, anticipating potential obstacles, and making real-time adjustments, something I call SHOOT  – MOVE – COMMUNICATE. By keeping our eye on the big picture, we were able to execute the mission flawlessly, achieving our objective without unnecessary risk or deviation.

The Consequences of Short-Term Thinking
  1. Mission Drift: When leaders become overly focused on short-term issues, they risk losing sight of the primary objective. This mission drift can lead to wasted resources and effort on tasks that do not contribute to the overall goal, ultimately jeopardizing the success of the mission.
  2. Reactive Decision-Making: Short-term thinking often results in a reactive approach to leadership. Instead of proactively planning and strategizing, leaders find themselves constantly responding to immediate crises. This reactive mindset can create a chaotic environment, reducing the team’s efficiency and effectiveness.
  3. Loss of Morale and Cohesion: Teams thrive on clarity and purpose. When leaders fail to communicate the big picture, team members can become disillusioned and disengaged. This loss of morale and cohesion can lead to decreased productivity, higher turnover, and a breakdown in team dynamics.

As leaders, it is our responsibility to navigate the complexities of our roles while maintaining a steadfast focus on the big picture. This skill not only enhances our decision-making capabilities but also ensures that our teams remain motivated and aligned with our vision.

To experience a deeper dive into the principles of effective leadership and building high-performing teams, I invite you to watch for my upcoming book, co-authored with HR professional Brenda Neckvatal. “Mission Ready: Building High-Performing Teams from the Battlefield to the Boardroom” offers valuable insights and practical strategies drawn from our combined experiences. The book will be available in August, providing you with the tools to lead with clarity and purpose in any setting.

Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared to elevate your leadership game.  Keep your eyes on the big picture and you WILL see progress in overcoming your short-term challenges.

Embrace Life, Let Go of Fear, and Live Boldly

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“Fear doesn’t stop death. It stops life. Life is short. Stop living in fear, take risks, be bold, be willing to get hurt, and live your best life!” This powerful quote, recently shared on my Instagram, sums up a philosophy that many of us struggle to embrace fully. In a world full of uncertainties, it is all too easy to let fear dictate our choices, suppressing our potential and dimming our experiences. Yet, at the heart of life lies taking risks, facing challenges head-on, and allowing ourselves to grow through our experiences with both success and failure.

The Paradox of Fear

Fear is a natural emotion designed to protect us from harm. However, when fear becomes a dominant force in our lives, it can prevent us from truly living. The paradox of fear is that while it aims to keep us safe, it often keeps us from the very experiences that make life meaningful.

Avoiding risks may shield us from immediate danger, but it also means missing out on opportunities for joy, growth, and fulfillment. When we live in a constant state of caution, we are not really living—we are merely existing.

Taking Risks: The Path to Growth

Every significant achievement in history has been the result of someone taking a risk. From inventors and explorers to artists and entrepreneurs, those who have left their mark on the world did so by stepping into the unknown. They faced the possibility of failure, ridicule, and even physical danger, yet their willingness to take risks led to discoveries and innovations that have shaped our world.

In our own lives, taking risks does not necessarily mean making grand gestures. It can be as simple as starting a new hobby, pursuing a passion project, or stepping out of our comfort zones in social situations. These small acts of bravery can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our capabilities.

The Boldness to Live Fully

Being bold is not about being reckless; it is about being courageous. It involves making conscious decisions to pursue what we truly want, even when the outcome is uncertain. Boldness requires us to be willing to get hurt, to face setbacks, and to embrace failure as a part of the learning process.

When we adopt a bold approach to life, we open ourselves up to a wealth of experiences that enrich our existence. We develop resilience, creativity, and a greater sense of purpose. By daring to be bold, we break free from the limitations imposed by fear and begin to live life on our own terms.

The Reality of Pain and the Beauty of Healing

Fear of pain—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—often holds us back. Yet, pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. Rather than avoiding it, we should learn to confront and embrace it. Pain can be a powerful teacher, revealing our strengths and weaknesses and guiding us toward healing and growth.

When we allow ourselves to feel pain, we also open the door to profound healing. We learn to let go of what no longer serves us, to forgive, and to move forward with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. The scars we carry become symbols of our resilience and our journey toward living our best lives.

Live Your Best Life

To live your best life, you must be willing to take risks, be bold, and accept the possibility of getting hurt. This does not mean seeking out danger but rather embracing opportunities for growth and fulfillment, even when they come with the potential for discomfort.

Life is too short to be governed by fear. Each day is an opportunity to make choices that align with our true desires and values. By stepping out of our comfort zones, we discover the vast potential within ourselves and the world around us.

Stop living in fear, take risks, be bold, be willing to get hurt, and live your best life serve as a reminder to embrace the uncertainty and beauty of life. Take the risks, face the challenges, and live boldly. Your best life is waiting for you—just beyond the horizon of fear.

Are You Really Leading?

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In a few weeks, I along with my friend and co-author Brenda Neckvatal, are releasing our book – my first book. We came together to talk about our unique experiences and common vision on leading high-performing teams. In the book, I talk about how when SEAL leaders who are focused about being in a gunfight risk losing their team because they’re more focused on BEING in the gunfight rather than leading the mission forward.

It’s no different when a business owner finds themselves working IN the business instead of ON it, and wonders why he can’t move the business forward. Some leaders can’t see the bigger picture, only what’s framed around them. I grew up in a very small town in the deep South, and the work culture of the United States at that time was very different than what we know today.

In the 1970s and 1980s, I watched the average small business owner navigate a challenging economic landscape with high inflation and competition from larger corporations. They were expected to be adaptable, resourceful, and committed, often putting in long hours to ensure their business’s survival and growth.

Success relied heavily on building strong customer relationships, maintaining quality, and effectively managing finances and employees. Because of this mindset, small business owners worked in their business rather than on it due to the hands-on nature of small business management during that period. Limited access to advanced technology and automation required owners to be directly involved in daily operations, from managing employees to serving customers. Competition from larger corporations also meant owners had to be deeply engaged in all aspects of their business to ensure quality and build strong customer relationships, leaving little time for strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.

For new business launches that are more self-funded or bootstrapped than financially backed, it’s easy for leaders to come armed and take on the role of a one-man band. However, when they begin to increase their cash flow, it’s time to start shifting from working in your business to working on its growth and future development. I hear Brenda talk about her multiple businesses and make statements about how she’s going to fire herself from doing this small job and put someone else in place. What she’s saying is that she’s pulling out of the gunfight and focusing more on the business landscape in front of her.

SEAL leaders are no different in this regard, and that’s why I included this as an entire chapter in our new book (which you can learn more about by clicking here). If you want to become a stronger leader who masters working on the team rather than in it, then keep an eye out for the book release date and start your transformation into becoming a high-performing team leader.

Unleashing the Unstoppable Force

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In my tenure as a SEAL leader, I’ve witnessed firsthand the formidable power of high-performing teams. From the heat of combat to the challenges of corporate strategy, these teams exemplify the pinnacle of human collaboration and achievement. Allow me to share some hard-earned insights gleaned from the frontlines of leadership.

High-performing teams aren’t crafted overnight; they’re honed through relentless dedication and a steadfast commitment to excellence. What distinguishes them is not just their individual skill but their ability to seamlessly unite under a common objective, leveraging each member’s strengths to maximum effect.

At the core of every high-performing team lies a culture of clear, concise communication. In the world of special operations, the ability to relay vital information swiftly and accurately can mean the difference between success and failure. Similarly, in the corporate arena, effective communication is the linchpin of strategic execution and innovation.

Yet, communication alone is insufficient; it must be reinforced by unwavering integrity. As a SEAL leader, integrity was sacrosanct—an unbreakable bond that forged trust among team members. Every decision, every action, was guided by a moral compass that brooked no compromise, ensuring our word was our bond and our honor unassailable.

Reflecting on my time as a SEAL leader, I’m acutely aware of the dangers posed by the absence of these attributes. Without clear communication, chaos reigns, and uncertainty prevails, undermining even the most skilled teams. Likewise, without integrity, trust evaporates, leaving behind a void of discord and disillusionment.

For those who cultivate high-performing teams, the rewards are profound. It’s not merely about achieving objectives or surpassing benchmarks; it’s about forging bonds that endure beyond the battlefield. It’s about instilling a sense of purpose that fuels passion and perseverance, propelling team members to exceed their own expectations and redefine what’s possible.

As I transition to the next phase of my life, I do so with gratitude for the opportunity to lead high-performing teams. Together, we’ve faced formidable challenges, overcome insurmountable odds, and left an indelible mark on history. Our legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of courage, commitment, and unwavering integrity—a legacy that continues to inspire others to strive for greatness.

Lessons from the Frontlines: Navigating Crisis with Precision

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As a former Navy SEAL, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of effective leadership and preparation in navigating crisis situations. In our latest episode of the “Mission Ready” podcast, my colleague Brenda Neckvatal and I had the privilege of delving into these topics, drawing upon our experiences in the field to provide insights into high-performance team dynamics and crisis management.

Our discussion centered around the strategies employed by Navy SEALs to thrive under pressure, emphasizing the crucial role of preparation and training. We highlighted the significance of maintaining composure in the face of adversity, sharing anecdotes that underscored the impact of calm, decisive leadership in achieving mission success.

One key aspect we addressed was the value of routine drills in fostering readiness and cohesion within a team. These exercises not only sharpen skills but also instill confidence and trust among team members, essential components for effective crisis response.

Additionally, we explored the importance of adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments, emphasizing the need for leaders to remain agile and resourceful when confronted with unexpected challenges.

But our conversation didn’t stop there. As a preview of what’s to come, Brenda and I offered a glimpse into our upcoming book, where we delve deeper into the principles of leadership and crisis management that we discussed on the podcast. From practical strategies to real-world examples, our book aims to empower leaders at all levels to navigate adversity with confidence and resilience.

In closing, I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and growth. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to take on greater responsibilities, there are invaluable lessons to be learned from the experiences of those who have served on the frontlines.

Stay vigilant, stay mission ready and listen here -> https://bit.ly/3KbABQp

2024: A SEAL’s Strategy for Navigating New Horizons and Achieving Excellence

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As we dive into the uncharted waters of this New Year, it’s time to recalibrate our compasses and set our sights on new horizons. Where adaptability and resilience are not just traits but our way of life, let’s embrace the challenge of innovation and growth.

This year, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Think of adding new strategies to your arsenal, like integrating groundbreaking techniques or exploring untapped markets. Imagine the thrill of mastering new skills, the satisfaction of overcoming unprecedented challenges, and the pride in setting benchmarks in your field.

Remember, in our world, the only constant is change. The ability to adapt and evolve is what sets us apart. It’s about pushing beyond the known limits, testing new waters, and emerging stronger. Let’s harness the lessons from our past operations and use them as fuel to propel us into a future filled with victories.

As you chart your course for this year, keep in mind that every mission, no matter how small, contributes to the grand scheme of your journey. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and never lose sight of your objectives. Your determination, coupled with strategic thinking, is your most powerful weapon.

So, here’s to a year of bold initiatives, breakthrough achievements, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Keep pushing the boundaries, keep leading the way, and most importantly, keep that unbreakable spirit alive.

William

Forging Ahead: Embracing Resilience and Determination for Success in 2024

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As December marches on, marking the end of another year, it’s not unusual for many of us to feel a bit caught off guard. We often reflect on the year gone by and realize there were goals we set out to achieve but didn’t quite reach. I’m here to tell you that this feeling, while common, doesn’t define your capacity for success in the coming year.

Let’s start with a change in perspective. It’s easy to see unmet goals as failures, but I urge you to view them as stepping stones. Each attempt, each effort, is a lesson in resilience and a testament to your willingness to strive for excellence. This is not about what you haven’t achieved; it’s about the journey you’ve embarked on and the growth you’ve experienced along the way.

I want to share a principle that has always guided me: the importance of starting with what you have, where you are. There was a time when I faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The odds were stacked against me, and the path to success was unclear. But instead of focusing on the enormity of the task, I focused on the first step I could take. That first step led to another, and then another. Before I knew it, I had built a momentum that carried me through to success. This principle applies to every aspect of life, whether it’s personal development, career goals, or relationships.

As we look forward to 2024, remember that it’s never too late to start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; create it. Every day is an opportunity to take a small step towards your goals. It’s about consistent effort, not grand gestures. Set realistic, achievable targets for yourself, and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.

Embrace the mindset of continuous improvement. It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Challenge yourself to learn something new, to step out of your comfort zone. The only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself.

As you plan for the new year, remember that success is not a destination but a journey. It’s about the resilience to keep going, the courage to face your fears, and the determination to keep pushing, even when the odds seem against you. You have the power to shape your future, one step at a time. Let’s make 2024 a year of relentless pursuit of our goals and dreams. Let’s forge our path with determination and grace. Remember, the only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it’s possible.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast

Victory’s Blueprint: The Unseen Grind Beyond Trends

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In the relentless pursuit of success, it’s easy to get swept away by the prevailing winds of trends and shiny shortcuts. There’s a natural inclination to look for the next big thing, that magic bullet which promises to catapult us towards our goals at warp speed. We look for those templates that will get us there faster with greater impact, eagerly hoping to circumvent the gritty grind that success often demands. Yet, in chasing after these fleeting certainties, we tend to overlook a cardinal truth: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast when you stack wins.

In my realm of extreme discipline and unyielding commitment, this principle isn’t merely a catchy phrase; it’s a lived reality. The unforgiving crucible of challenges I faced honed a clarity of focus that sifted through the noise, prioritizing consistent, deliberate action over fleeting novelties. Each day demanded an unwavering dedication to the fundamentals, to the unglamorous routine of tireless practice and perpetual learning.

Each sunrise brought with it a new set of trials, a fresh chance to hone the blade of competence, to stack those modest wins that gradually forge the alloy of mastery. The magic wasn’t found in trendy tactics or flashy strategies, but in the silent creed of doing simple things savagely well. The path to success was rarely a sprint, but a marathon of resilience, a relentless cadence of inching forward, irrespective of the clamor echoing the next shortcut to glory.

Trends come and go with the tide, yet the ancient virtues of discipline, patience, and relentless forward progress remain immutable. The allure of rapid success often beckons, promising to alleviate the arduous journey. Yet, it’s the commitment to mastering the basics, to celebrating the small wins, and to embracing the grind, that paves the road to enduring victory.

It’s a long game, a stoic dance with patience that gradually compiles the humble wins into towering monuments of achievement. The world often fixates on the swift, yet overlooks the steady. But, through the lens of relentless pursuit, it’s crystal clear that slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and stacking wins, no matter how small, is the blueprint to a legacy of success.

Unleashing Independence: Entrepreneurial Lessons Through the Eyes of a Navy SEAL

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Entrepreneurship and personal freedom share a profound connection. Building your own business becomes a pathway to independence, providing an avenue for individuals to shape their destinies, exercise autonomy, and create opportunities for personal and financial growth. Here are key points highlighting this connection through the lens of an entrepreneurial Navy SEAL:

  1. Pursuit of Purpose: Just as a Navy SEAL finds purpose in serving their country, entrepreneurship allows for the pursuit of a different kind of purpose. By building a business, you can follow your passion, leveraging your unique skills and experiences to create something meaningful. This pursuit of purpose for us extends beyond the battlefield and brings a sense of fulfillment to our renewed civilian life – something you can experience as well.
  2. Tactical Decision-Making: In our careers, we make strategic decisions in high-pressure situations, SEALs are entrepreneurial by nature, and we embrace the challenge of decision-making in business. With the ability to adapt and make calculated choices, we navigate the competitive landscape, set goals, and determine the direction of our venture. This independence you have the ability to adopt in decision-making mirrors the same autonomy we experience on the battlefield.
  3. Agile Adaptability: The training of a Navy SEAL fosters adaptability and resourcefulness, which seamlessly translate to entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial Navy SEAL can quickly adjust to market dynamics, identify opportunities, and pivot when necessary. This flexibility ensures we stay ahead of the curve, responding to challenges with resilience and maintaining a strong sense of independence. This is a pinnacle lesson and skill anyone pursuing a business should take to heart and implement.
  4. Leadership and Team Building: A Navy SEAL understands the power of effective leadership and teamwork. When becoming an entrepreneur, carry these invaluable skills, and build a business with a strong foundation. By assembling and leading a team, delegating responsibilities, fostering a collaborative environment, and creating a culture that values autonomy, initiative, and personal growth, you’ll progress to new levels of success.
  5. Overcoming Adversity: Both in the military and in entrepreneurship, adversity is a constant companion. As Navy SEALs, we draw upon our training and experience, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. The ability to face adversity head-on, persevere, and adapt is ingrained in our character, empowering us to overcome obstacles and maintain independence in the face of adversity – something you can develop as well, and I strongly suggest you do to thrive and become prosperous.
  6. Impact and Legacy: Just as Navy SEALs strive to make a lasting impact in their service, entrepreneurial Navy SEALs seek to create a legacy through their business. By introducing innovative solutions, driving change, and making a positive difference in the lives of others, they leave their mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. This pursuit of impact and legacy further enhances our sense of independence.

Your entrepreneurial journey can take on new levels of success by embracing the lessons a Navy SEAL offers as a unique perspective on the connection between entrepreneurship and personal freedom. Through the pursuit of purpose, tactical decision-making, adaptability, leadership, resilience, and the desire to create a lasting impact, if you adopt these as an entrepreneur, you’ll forge your own path to independence. Apply the values and skills acquired to build a business that aligns with their passion, allowing you to shape your own destiny and embrace the freedom that entrepreneurship provides.

How CBD Has Helped Me After Leaving the SEAL Teams

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As a retired US Navy SEAL veteran, I know all too well the physical and emotional toll that serving our country can take on a person. When I left the service, I had a litany of issues to deal with, including the emotional decompression I experienced and the effects of physical injuries I acquired during my years of service working within special operations forces. After trying various treatments and therapies, I had another SEAL brother share some CBD with me, and I started to learn more about its potential to help alleviate what I was experiencing.

I haven’t been shy about my post SEAL team life and especially the first year and a half after my retirement. I started using alcohol to self-medicate in an attempt to tone down the anger I was feeling. I also experienced physical pain throughout my body, and I wasn’t willing to commit to a life of prescription medicine that would likely harm me in the long haul rather than address my problems.

A SEAL brother of mine shared with me a bag of his CBD gummies, and I started to take them. I noticed that my pain was lessening, and I wasn’t as angry as I had been in the past. Eventually, I found myself becoming more even-tempered inside and less angry. Then I ran out of gummies, and the anger started to build again. I bought another bag of gummies, and the anger started to diminish again, and I thought, “Hey there’s something to this.”

So I started a CBD company.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been shown to have a variety of potential health benefits. Unlike its cousin THC, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, and sleep.

I wanted to create a product that was not only effective but also trustworthy and transparent. The Navy SEAL ethos is one I don’t take lightly and resonates with my personal and professional core values. I know firsthand the importance of integrity and honesty, and I wanted my company to reflect those values.

One of the main reasons I started a CBD company was to provide other veterans with an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD. Many veterans are prescribed a metric shit ton of prescription meds, including opioids for chronic pain, which can be highly addictive and have dangerous side effects. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to have few side effects and a low risk of addiction.

In addition to providing veterans with an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals, I wanted to create a company that supported the effort to educate and prevent veteran service members suicide, which is climbing at an alarming rate. It’s something I speak of when I travel and address business leaders across the country.

Starting a CBD company, not only as a retired Navy SEAL veteran from Naval Special Warfare but as a small business owner, has not been without its challenges. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding cannabis and CBD, and it can sometimes be difficult to navigate the complex legal landscape. However, I believe that the potential benefits of CBD are worth the effort, and it’s an established alternate form of treatment for many. I think we’re still at the beginning of really understanding what CBD oil can do for the active service members of our armed forces as well as our veterans. In my opinion, this is our new mission – to combat the individual forces that separate us from living our best life and focus on post-career care. Negligence, ignorance, and stagnation for treatment is our new enemy.

If you want to learn more about how I cultivate a strong mindset and apply the use of CBD in my life, check out a recent podcast I was a guest on as I talk about all of this.