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The Naval Special Warfare community is a culture founded on trust and extreme levels of accountability. It is also the perfect example of what new corporate leadership needs to emulate. Here’s why:
During SEAL training, peer reviews are a weekly event. There is a process called “top five, bottom five.”
Every week the top five performers in the class are ranked, as well as the bottom five. Usually, those landing in the bottom five are star performers — from a tactical or physical standpoint. But they have character or ego problems.
These classmates are organically purged. This system roots those issues out before a student ever gets close to graduating. It’s one of the many ways to protect the culture!
It’s A Brave New World
The leadership and management needs of today’s successful companies have changed.
The old hierarchical model that depended mostly on only a few people at the top for leadership simply doesn’t work anymore.
In today’s more volatile and uncertain battlefield, decentralized controls and leadership through networks of people at all levels are essential for success. One person doesn’t have the time or resources to sift through mounds of data about company performance, industry, economic environment or competitors.
Organizations move too quickly for that model to be effective.
The rules of leadership are different now.
Here are some rules for building employee trust, creating a culture that ensures their best performance, and being an effective leader.
BE AUTHENTIC
Be yourself. Think about the attributes you have and use them as an asset to drive your mission.
BUILD RAPPORT WITH YOUR TEAM
Break down barriers. Spend time with your team outside of the office. Get their feedback and show that you value their opinions.
CONNECT YOUR TEAMS TO THE BIGGER PICTURE
Employees feel and perform better when their work serves a purpose. Reconnecting employees with the company’s vision can be a powerful tool for increasing engagement and boosting performance.
LIFT PEOPLE UP
Start by reinforcing your confidence in other people’s abilities. Employees immediately feel more confident and more motivated.
Today’s employees have endless options. They can freelance, contract out their skills to multiple companies, work part-time, and create an online business for next to zero capital. So remember to appreciate your employees as they have many other ways to earn a living!
The next generation of employees expects more from leadership. They want authenticity, connection, and a sense of purpose .
RESOURCES:
Leadership
This is How AI Will Change the Future of Leadership
The New Rules of Effective Leadership
Startups. Founding, funding, and beyond
The Most Important Leadership Skill
