The ability to lead--to make split-second decisions under "the fog of war" can mean life or death on the battlefield.
"FIRST, FAST, FEARLESS: How to Lead a Navy SEAL" offers an insider's view of the intense leadership training every SEAL receives, and how performance under stress underscores every step of the training process.
The ability to motivate, inspire trust, and place value on every soldier's life is the backbone of SEALs leadership training. Those skills set the direction of a team to perform at the highest levels, under extreme stress--conditions that inevitably arise, whether on the battlefield or the board room.
Leadership is not one thing you do. It's everything you do.
Leaders should understand that they are on stage all the time and that their people are watching and judging every aspect of their actions, in and out of the office. As a leader, you must not leave your reputation or their perception of you up to chance. Take the offensive mindset and strike first.
It's important to treat your reputation with an offensive, first strike mentality. Be the cause of it, not the effect, and by all means, don't let chance dictate it.
People communicate more and more by email than in person or on the phone. Being deliberate with your writing and what you put out into the world is also critical. You can tell a lot about a person from an email. You can spot the person who is multitasking and can't focus, the one who is delaying a decision and just voicing his opinion, the one who copies everyone with attachments to pass on responsibility and culpability.
Perception of you and your competence will be viewed through the quality and quantity of everything you write. Be intentional with emails or with any other written correspondence because they are permanent.
Some moments are more important than others. They make a strategic impact on your leadership effect on the team and your reputation. These are the leadership moments that happen throughout the course of your career, and they are shining opportunities to make the most of your leadership responsibility.
Source: Brian "Iron Ed" Hiner: First, Fast, Fearless: How to Lead Like a Navy SEAL
Can't Get Enough Leadership (ebook at $.99)